What is OnBuy?
Launched in 2016, OnBuy is an online marketplace on a mission to shake up eCommerce by offering a fair and transparent platform for both buyers and sellers.
What sets OnBuy apart? Unlike other major marketplaces, they don't compete with their sellers by selling their own inventory. This means every product you see on OnBuy is listed by an independent seller, creating a level playing field and fostering healthy competition.
OnBuy is built on versatility. They provide the same tools, resources, and growth support to sellers of all sizes, from established brands to small businesses just starting out. Their focus is empowering your business to thrive, making them a particularly attractive option for smaller retailers.
What Does OnBuy Sell?
OnBuy is your one-stop shop for a massive range of products, thanks to its diverse community of sellers. With over 35 million items across 17 departments, you will surely find something you need.
Here's a glimpse into the variety you'll discover:
- Tech essentials: From the latest smartphones to top-rated laptops, find everything to stay connected and entertained.
- Entertainment hub: Dive into movies, music, books, and video games to suit every taste and age.
- Home sweet home: Furnish your space with furniture, appliances, and everyday essentials for a comfortable and stylish living environment.
- Work essentials: Stock up on office supplies, equipment, and furniture to boost your productivity.
- Beyond the basics: Explore categories like gardening, fitness, pet care, and toys, catering to all your personal and family needs.
Please note: While OnBuy offers a vast selection, some items are prohibited, including counterfeits, pre-orders, gift cards, weapons, and harmful chemicals.
Is OnBuy the right marketplace for you?
OnBuy is experiencing explosive growth, boasting over 8 million customers in the UK alone and a staggering 600% year-on-year increase from 2018 to 2021. This momentum makes it a compelling option for sellers looking to expand their reach.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding if OnBuy aligns with your needs:
Benefits of selling on OnBuy:
- Growing customer base: Reach a vast and expanding pool of potential buyers.
- Competitive fees: Keep more of your profits with their lower selling fees.
- Level playing field: Benefit from a marketplace that doesn't compete with you directly.
- Marketing support: Leverage OnBuy's efforts to promote your products.
- Dedicated seller support: Get assistance whenever you need it.
Potential downsides of selling on OnBuy:
While OnBuy offers several advantages, it's important to be aware of potential drawbacks before diving in:
Limited reach: Compared to giants like Amazon or eBay, OnBuy's current customer base is significantly smaller. This might translate to fewer sales opportunities, especially for niche products.
Fewer seller tools: OnBuy currently offers a less extensive range of seller tools compared to some established marketplaces. This could limit your ability to optimize your listings and marketing strategies for maximum impact.
Payment processing fees: OnBuy charges a fee for processing payments, which can impact your overall profits. Be sure to factor these fees into your pricing strategy.
Lower brand recognition: As a newer brand, OnBuy doesn't yet have the same level of name recognition as established marketplaces. This could mean relying more on your own marketing efforts to drive traffic to your listings.
Remember, a balanced approach is key. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering your specific goals and resources, to make an informed decision about whether OnBuy is the right platform for your online business.
How to Sell on OnBuy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to join the OnBuy marketplace? Here's a quick guide to get you started:
- Register your interest:
- Fill out an application form on the OnBuy website, providing details like your business location and product inventory.
- The onboarding team will contact you within a business day to assist you further.
- Set up your seller account:
- Access your Seller Control Panel to manage orders, select your sales regions, and explore integration options.
- Integrate your order, inventory, or multichannel listings software for streamlined management across platforms.
- Upload your products:
- Choose your preferred method:
- Manual creation: Use OnBuy's Product Creation Wizard for individual listings.
- Templates: Leverage pre-formatted templates for faster listing setup.
- Channel integration: Utilize third-party solution for streamlined product upload.
5 Tips for Success on OnBuy
Ready to maximize your sales on OnBuy? Here are some essential tips to help you thrive:
- Price competitively:
- OnBuy encourages competitive pricing to attract buyers, as they don't charge listing fees.
- Leverage their "Price Crash" sales events (funded by OnBuy) to boost visibility without impacting your profit margins.
- Boost your listings:
- Utilize OnBuy's "Boost" service to enhance your product visibility and reach within the marketplace.
- Choose different tiers based on your budget, targeting specific needs and maximizing impact.
- Pay only when a sale is generated, making it a risk-free strategy.
- Go global (if applicable):
- OnBuy welcomes sellers worldwide, allowing you to choose your target markets with ease.
- Consider expanding your reach internationally as the platform grows, potentially unlocking new customer segments.
- Employ strategic discounts:
- Take advantage of OnBuy's "Sale Price" tool to create custom discounts and promotions.
- Offer sales for various reasons, like cultural events, clearance events, or new product launches.
- Activate and deactivate sales freely for individual items or your entire inventory, as needed.
- Manage your inventory effectively:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date stock levels to fulfill customer orders efficiently.
- Regularly review your product selection and adjust based on trends and customer preferences.
- Start with a wide variety of products to understand your audience and optimize your offerings.
How Much Does it Cost to Sell on OnBuy? OnBuy Fees:
Selling on OnBuy comes with clear and competitive fees:
- Sales Fee:
- 5% for consumer electronics
- 9% for all other items
- No Listing Fees: List any number of products without additional charges.
- Transparent Fee Guarantee: All sellers pay the same fees, regardless of size or sales volume.
Account Packages: Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
- Standard Package (£19/month excl. VAT):
- Product marketing
- Unlimited listings
- Seller support
- PayPal seller protection
- Integration access
- Subscription Waiver Guarantee (waived fee for monthly sales under £500)
- Partner Package (£39/month excl. VAT):
- All Standard Package features, plus:
- Improved search ranking
- Lead listing authority
- Priority support
Fast Payments: Receive funds from successful sales through PayPal as soon as orders are dispatched, unlike other marketplaces that might hold onto your funds for extended periods.
OnBuy's straightforward fee structure and focus on quick payouts make it an attractive option for sellers seeking a transparent and efficient marketplace experience.
OnBuy presents a compelling option for both buyers and sellers, offering a diverse product selection, a level playing field for sellers, and competitive fees.
For Buyers: OnBuy boasts a vast range of products across various categories, making it a one-stop shop for diverse needs. Additionally, their buyer protection program ensures a secure and trustworthy shopping experience.
For Sellers: OnBuy provides a platform to reach an expanding customer base, benefitting from lower fees compared to some established marketplaces. The platform also offers marketing support and dedicated seller assistance.