Well this is disheartening.
Reuters recently published an article detailing allegations about Amazon’s “systematic campaign of creating knockoffs and manipulating search results to boost its own product lines in India.” And it isn’t just a question of buying counterfeit branded products (although that has been an issue Amazon has battled for some time). It aligns with last year’s Wall Street Journal investigation about Amazon using data from third-party sellers to develop its own products.
The complaints are well chronicled in both articles so we won’t regurgitate them here, but it is disappointing; we often point to sales platforms as a good entry point into a new market, although it appears Amazon might not be a viable route for some merchants. That said, Amazon isn’t the only sales platform offering a route to Canadian customers – there are others, offering everything from electronics to health and beauty products. And here is a short list of alternatives, for your consideration.
Walmart Canada’s Marketplace – Walmart Canada was established in 1994 via the acquisition of the Woolco chain and has grown to more than 400 stores across the country, serving 1.2 million customers every day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store (walmart.ca) is visited by 750,000 customers daily. With more than 85,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked as one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Access the marketplace application form here; FAQs about joining the platform – and the qualities Walmart looks for in a seller – can be found here.
Best Buy Marketplace – Best Buy Canada’s Marketplace is “like a virtual shopping mall that allows top-rated sellers to offer their products through BestBuy.ca.” Best Buy selects its sellers, ensures ready customer support, and handles all marketplace transactions directly. More information about selling on BestBuy.ca can be found here.
Newegg Canada – Although Newegg’s inventory seems primarily technology-based (gaming, computer systems, software and services), it also offers apparel and accessories, health and sports products, home and tools, and automotive and industrial. Click here for more information about selling on Newegg Canada.
Faire – Faire is a wholesale artisanal product marketplace that uses AI and predictive analytics to forecast what items will be popular, and to order, source, and manage inventory efficiently. They have 14,000 retailers actively purchasing from its platform. The company is headquartered in San Francisco but does have an office in Waterloo, Ontario. Information about selling on Faire can be found here, and vendors can apply to sell through Faire here.