Small businesses are drawn to large marketplaces like Etsy, Big Cartel, and Shopify. These marketplaces are easy for visitors to search for an item and are provided with several different owners selling similar products. Commerce marketplaces have a platform that connects sellers with buyers. For a business just starting out this may be a no-brainer and straightforward way to market your items.

As your business grows and your needs change you may want a website that welcomes your visitor in and shows them around 24/7. They can find out about your business, see what goods and services are offered, look at your events, read your blog, and contact you.

Each marketplace has their own price structure. Most just have a page with items that are offered from your business. For some you may even customize this one page.

Why would a website be a good idea once your business is established?

A website can bring your visitor in and show them around 24/7. They can find out about your business, see what goods and services are offered, look at your events, read your blog, and contact you. You could link your current marketplace to your website or move your shop to your website.

How do I get started?

If you are happy with your marketplace but want to establish a full website, you can add a link from your website to your marketplace site so that customers simply click and are taken to your business store. If you have decided you want to move your business from a marketplace and have your items remain solely on your website you can import the items. Keep in mind, this is a one-time import and will not continually update or sync the items.

What item information in transferred in the one time import?

Big Cartel

1. Product Name

2. Price

3. Description

4. Images

Etsy

1. Title

2. Description

3. Price

4. Quantity on hand

5. Images

Shopify

1. Title

2. Description

3. SKU

4. Price

5. Variants (sizes, etc.)

6. Weight

7. Images

Most important and a key business decision is…the price. The cost of doing business is the main decision any business needs to consider. Squarespace pricing structure is very straightforward. May Web Design can explain the pricing through Squarespace and help you determine if linking to your marketplace or importing your goods and services would be a good fit. Let’s talk!