eCommerce Growth

Marketplaces

Shopify

Marketplace vs. Your Own Store.

Aug 12, 2025

The 2025 Black Friday & Holiday eCommerce Checklist | Insights by Axelwin
The 2025 Black Friday & Holiday eCommerce Checklist | Insights by Axelwin

Should you launch on Amazon, Zalando or build your own Shopify store first?

The answer depends on your brand’s goals.

Marketplace Pros:

  • Built-in audience and traffic.

  • Faster entry and sales potential.

  • Less upfront marketing cost.

Marketplace Cons:

  • Lower margins due to fees.

  • Less control over customer data.

Own Store Pros:

  • Full control of branding and customer experience.

  • Direct access to customer insights.

Own Store Cons:

  • Requires more investment in marketing.

  • Slower to build traffic from scratch.

Many brands ask us whether they should start with a marketplace presence or go straight into building their own eCommerce store.

At Axelwin, we often recommend a hybrid approach; using marketplaces to test demand while building a long-term brand presence on your own platform.

Need help deciding? Let’s create your channel strategy together.