Why E-commerce Owners Are Starting Their Own Platforms Instead of Selling on Amazon and Flipkart?
Sahil Kaul
Certified PMP & Google PM Specialist | Business Development Leader | Helping Clients Achieve Growth
In recent years, e-commerce owners have increasingly chosen to launch their own platforms rather than solely relying on large marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart. Here’s why:
Full Control Over Brand Identity and Experience
Custom Branding: With their own websites, owners can create a unique brand image and storytelling that’s impossible to achieve on standardized marketplaces.
Tailored Shopping Journeys: They can customize user experiences, offering seamless navigation, personalized recommendations, and bespoke customer journeys.
Enhanced Profit Margins
Savings on Fees: Amazon and Flipkart charge substantial commissions, warehousing, and advertising fees, cutting into profits. Owning a platform avoids these costs.
Control Over Pricing: E-commerce owners are no longer forced to price-match competitors or adhere to dynamic pricing rules.
Stronger Customer Relationships
Data Ownership: Access to customer data allows for effective retargeting, personalized marketing, and loyalty-building strategies.
Brand Loyalty: Direct interactions foster a stronger emotional connection, enhancing repeat purchases and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Freedom from Marketplace Constraints
No Competition on the Same Page: Unlike marketplaces, where competitors can sell similar products on the same listing page, independent platforms eliminate direct distractions for customers.
Avoiding Marketplace Policies: No rigid rules about discounts, return policies, or promotions.
Flexibility in Marketing and Expansion
Custom Marketing Campaigns: Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce offer integration with advanced marketing tools, making campaigns more effective and less restricted.
Endless Scalability: Business owners can introduce features like subscription models, blogs, or even community engagement tools, enhancing value propositions.
A Future-Proof Investment
Digital Asset Value: A well-maintained e-commerce site can become a valuable business asset, adding long-term equity to the company.
Evolving with Technology: Owners can integrate the latest tech trends (like AI-driven personalization or AR shopping) without waiting for marketplace updates.
Challenges to Consider
While owning a platform is empowering, it’s not without challenges:
Upfront Costs: Building and marketing a platform require initial investments in tech and resources.
Driving Traffic: Competing against established marketplaces for visibility can be challenging but achievable with a robust SEO and social media strategy.
E-commerce owners today value control, independence, and long-term growth potential, which makes owning their platforms a smarter choice despite the upfront efforts required.
Ready to take control of your e-commerce business? Start building your own platform today and unlock higher profits, stronger customer loyalty, and complete brand freedom. Contact Now