Let's talk Marketplace

Black Week 2025 was not what many expected - and the data behind it is unmistakable. Ingrid speaks with Benjamin Weyrich from the e-commerce agency Front Row about hard facts: why brands see almost no growth without deals, why profitability continues to decline, and why the first deal day has now become more important than Black Friday itself. Benjamin explains how brands can use Amazon Marketing Cloud to identify, for the first time, which products turn customers into fans - and which ones lose them for good. It also becomes clear that pushing clearance stock into deal events is the wrong strategy. The episode also shows which categories performed surprisingly well, where declines were noticeable, and how deal events can influence Customer Lifetime Value over the long term. And that brand-building is becoming increasingly crucial in the marketplace business. In the end, one thing becomes clear: anyone aiming to make Black Week 2026 more successful needs a solid data foundation - and a deal strategy that no longer relies on gut feeling.Note from the Sponsor eBay:eBay is pushing Live Shopping in Germany: with eBay Live, sellers can present their products in real-time, engage with their community, and sell directly - all in the exciting auction format that has made eBay legendary. During live shows, sellers can offer both immediate purchases and auctions, making the selling experience even more flexible. And all of this is supported by eBay’s buyer protection and transparent policies. eBay is opening up new opportunities for sellers to authentically and emotionally present their brand. Interactive live moments build trust, boost customer loyalty, and help you reach new audiences like Gen Z and Millennials. Curious on how to take part? You can find more information in our blogpost: https://marketplace-universe.com/how-ebay-live-works-a-practical-guide-for-marketplace-sellers/Note from the sponsor bol:January may seem like a quiet month in many markets - but not in the Netherlands and Belgium. There, the sale and clearance weeks kick off the new year with a real boost of momentum for brands and sellers. As the market leader in the Netherlands and Belgium, bol plays a central role in this. If you want to know:- why this period represents such an extraordinary growth window for international sellers,- how bol's campaign structure massively increases visibility, and- why stable logistics after the Christmas peak give sellers a real competitive advantage,then check out our blog post on Marketplace Universe. There you will also find five steps to help you make the most of the January sales: from localization and assortment strategy to scheduling your campaigns and positioning your brand for NL & BE. Click here for in-depth knowledge: https://marketplace-universe.com/january-sale-on-bol/

The EU will abolish the €150 de-minimis threshold in early 2026 - but will this really slow down Temu, Shein or AliExpress? In this episode, Ingrid talks with China-commerce expert Björn Ognibeni about why the impact will be far smaller than many hope. They explore how Chinese platforms easily absorb new duties, why Europe’s true vulnerability lies in AI-driven sourcing and product development, and how Alibaba.com already uses agentic AI to cut sourcing cycles from months to days. Björn also explains how brutal price transparency will expose many Western brands - and why Europe’s biggest weakness is that it has no serious low-price competition of its own. A concise, eye-opening look at the China wave reshaping Europe’s commerce landscape.Note from the sponsor ChannableThinking about selling to Switzerland - but still convinced it’s too complicated? Channable just published a deep-dive interview with Tobias Weyermann from Digitec Galaxus, Switzerland’s marketplace champion with 3.2 billion CHF in annual sales. And he also got some interesting things to say for cross-border sellers who want to target the Swiss market. Because with the Galaxus EU-Hub, sellers from the EU can tap into the Swiss market with zero onboarding fees - and even without a Swiss VAT registration. And tools like Channable help merchants meet those Swiss data standards effortlessly. Curious how onboarding really works - and whether Switzerland might be your next growth market? Then don’t miss the full interview on the Channable blog!Note from the sponsor Octopia:Many marketplace operators ask themselves:: How do I get strong, high quality sellers for my platform? That’s where our new partner Octopia can help. It’s the first fully integrated suite of marketplace services developed by an actual marketplace operator - the French generalist Cdiscount. With 20+ years of experience, over 2 billion GMV, 450 specialists, and 10,000 vetted sellers, Octopia’s mission is clear: they acquire sellers for you, onboard them fast, and drive their performance - so your marketplace can scale without complexity. Octopia stands out with its operational strength: targeted seller sourcing, onboarding in just 3-5 days, paneuropean fulfillment, sponsored product solutions, and access to 100+ marketplaces. With 150 business developers, churn  below 1%, and double-digit GMV uplift often within weeks, Octopia delivers fast, scalable growth that’s proven across markets. If you want to know why platforms like Rakuten, Allegro, CDON or FNAC Darty trust Octopia, take a look at our company portrait! 

How do small niche sellers scale internationally - without a store, without a team, and without Amazon pressure? In this episode, Ingrid speaks with Isabell Butterwegge from eBay and Kim Mooney, founder of Uncanny Collectibles in Ireland. Kim explains why internationalisation wasn’t a “nice to have” but a survival strategy. And Isabell shares how eBay data like the Export Matrix and Product Research Tool help sellers identify real demand: France strong in Arts & Antiques, Spain and Italy in Lego and watches, and Germany now one of Kim’s most important markets. They discuss why Kim stepped away from Amazon, how eBay Mag automates her international listings, and why data-driven cross-border expansion is often easier than many expect. A concise episode about pragmatic growth - and how the right setup can take you from a spare bedroom to a global customer base.Note from the sponsor Pixelmoda:Pixelmoda is a Milan-based pioneer in AI-assisted image and video production for fashion and luxury brands. Their AI doesn’t generate content - it enhances it. By optimizing lighting, camera angles, and model poses in real time, Pixelmoda helps teams shoot faster and smarter - cutting production costs by up to 70 % for photos and 90 % for videos. They work with over 100 brands in 20+ countries, producing more than 14 million visuals a year - including for three of the world’s top five marketplaces. A great example for their work is Rinascente in Italy, which reduced fixed content costs by a double-digit percentage while keeping its luxury look intact. Want to know more? Join our webinar "How AI-Driven Product Images & Videos Are Boosting Sales and Cutting Costs for Fashion Brands on Marketplaces” on December, 2nd 2025, 11 a.m. Register right here now! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1717621839500/WN_3visssBjRO-pv6tgQuL-uA

Two Fashionistas Talking - SNOCKS and the Road to Marketplace Success, In this episode, Valerie takes the mic solo - joined by Laura Maria Schmidt, Lead Marketplaces at SNOCKS Group. Laura shares how SNOCKS evolved from a pure Amazon seller into a profitable multi-marketplace setup spanning 26 countries. Her key takeaways: Marketplace isn’t a side job, a dedicated marketplace team is essential. Radical KPI transparency for everyone in the company enables profit-first decisions. And successful internationalization requires systematic testing and learning in new markets. Laura’s insights are refreshingly candid - whether it’s about exiting eBay, integrating the period underwear brand Femtes, or sharing SNOCKS’ biggest failure on bol. Note from the sponsor Kaufland:If you also want to internationalize and are looking for a partner in Europe, Kaufland Global Marketplace is the right choice for you. With just one registration and a central account, you can sell on up to seven Kaufland marketplaces simultaneously: in Germany, Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, Austria, and, since this year, also in France and Italy. This gives you access to up to 139 million potential online customers. Kaufland also has a special treat for newcomers: anyone who registers as a new seller by January 31, 2026, will save one month's basic fee - for each country presence! Ideally, this means no basic fee for seven months! Use the promotion code X7DEAL-MPUNI and register right here now!https://www.kauflandglobalmarketplace.com/en/seller-registration/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=non-paid&utm_campaign=B2BMarketplaceUniverse&utm_content=11_2025 Note from the sponsor baseThink Amazon dominates everywhere? Think again! E.g. in Poland, shoppers spend six times more time on Allegro than on Amazon and Kaufland Global Marketplace ranks higher in user engagement. If you want to understand why Central and Eastern Europe plays by its own marketplace rules, don’t miss our next free online webinar: “Cracking the CEE Code - Marketplace Strategies for Central & Eastern Europe.” Join Ingrid on November 18th at 11 AM CET for a strategic, yet hands-on session with Timo Gerken, Managing Director DACH at Base (former baselinker). Save your seat and register right here now! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8617538153683/WN_X14-bg1HTQOQbfMZSWNJ5w

Why does the French fashion and sports market tick differently - and what does that mean for brands? In this episode of Let's Talk Marketplace, Ingrid and Valerie discuss this topic in detail with Déborah Schinasi (founder of the consulting firm The Agent in Paris) - in a practical, pointed, and no-nonsense way. They discuss why storytelling and emotional commerce beat pure transactions, why the fashion industry is united against the spread of Shein, and how brands are scoring points despite growing price pressure. They also take a look at channel priorities: Who generates volume, who is indispensable for the image, where do Zalando, Decathlon, and La Redoute stand? There is also an outlook on the growth drivers for 2026: Secondhand is getting bigger - Vinted is already a major fashion player; AI is changing search & content; TikTok Shop has had a modest start and still stands for low-basket, but is also firmly on the watch list for live shopping. Note from the sponsor Pixelmoda:Pixelmoda is a Milan-based pioneer in AI-assisted image and video production for fashion and luxury brands. Their AI doesn’t generate content - it enhances it. By optimizing lighting, camera angles, and model poses in real time, Pixelmoda helps teams shoot faster and smarter - cutting production costs by up to 70 % for photos and 90 % for videos. They work with over 100 brands in 20+ countries, producing more than 14 million visuals a year - including for three of the world’s top five marketplaces. A great example for their work is Rinascente in Italy, which reduced fixed content costs by a double-digit percentage while keeping its luxury look intact. Want to know more? Check out the full case study on Marketplace Universe: https://marketplace-universe.com/best-practice-product-images-rinascente-pixelmoda/ or join the webinar "How AI-Driven Product Images & Videos Are Boosting Sales and Cutting Costs for Fashion Brands on Marketplaces” on December, 2nd 2025, 11 a.m. Register right here now! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1717621839500/WN_3visssBjRO-pv6tgQuL-uA

Amazon introduces its new AI feature “Help Me Decide” – a shopping assistant that uses your browsing and search history to make suggestions for your next purchase. In addition to this news, Valerie and Ingrid also discuss why Bauhaus only launched its marketplace after two years of development and whether the DIY market is too late to the party. They talk about a real early starter in the refurbished goods market, namely refurbed and its planned expansion into the UK. They also take a look at Zalando's market entry in Portugal and what it means for the market there. And they talk about the highly astonishing figures that can be gleaned from the transparency reports of the Very Large Online Platforms (spoiler: Aliexpress is much bigger than most people think).Here is the link to all the VLOP figures: https://marketplace-universe.com/chinese-platforms-in-europe/ Note from the sponsor base:Central and Eastern Europe, global giants like Aliexpress and Temu are making waves, but it's local heroes that truly dominate the scene: Allegro leads the pack in Poland with over €12 billion in GMV, eMAG is a powerhouse in Romania, and Heureka has expanded from a price comparison site to a marketplace giant in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And with platforms like Aliexpress, Temu, and Shein continuing to grow, CEE has become the perfect playground for e-commerce opportunities. If you want to learn more, join our webinar “Cracking the CEE Code: Marketplace Strategies for Central & Eastern Europe” on November 18th at 11 AM – Together with our partner Base we’ll dive into all the details on marketplace strategies across Central and Eastern Europe. Register right now here! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8617538153683/WN_X14-bg1HTQOQbfMZSWNJ5w#/registration Note from the sponsor eBay:Christmas is just around the corner – and with it comes the biggest logistics challenge of the year. Customers expect on-time deliveries, easy returns, and full transparency. So how can sellers stay relaxed when parcel volumes explode? eBay has you covered.  With the eBay shipping platform, you can easily create labels online, track every shipment automatically, and even ship parcels without a printer using QR codes. And for higher shipping volumes, eBay Fulfillment by Orange Connex takes care of the entire process. There’s more: with eBay’s “Arrives before Christmas” badge, your buyers instantly see whether their orders will arrive on time. In the end, it’s not about how many orders you get - but how many arrive happily. Check out eBay’s full Peak Season checklist and shipping tips right here now! https://www.ebay.de/verkaeuferportal/versand/peak-season

The UK marketplace game follows its own rules - and most European brands still play by the wrong ones. In this episode, Valerie and Ingrid talk with Neil Lauderdale (ex-Pentland, Speedo, Ellesse, Canterbury) about what really drives marketplace success in the UK. They discuss why Zalando and ASOS are overrated, while Next, Very, John Lewis, Debenhams, and M&S shape the market - and how Decathlon is becoming a powerful launchpad for Europe. Neil shares how logistics and local setup make or break a brand post-Brexit, and what Pentland learned as one of the first brands on TikTok Shop - where success demands creator thinking and massive content output.The takeaway: winning in the UK means a differentiated marketplace strategy built on local retail structures - with clear roles for each platform: Premium, Off-Price, Social, Experimental. Note from the sponsor Pixelmoda:Founded in Milan in 2021, Pixelmoda specializes in AI-assisted image and video production. The key feature is that the AI does not generate the images, but supports the team and models in taking the best possible shots quickly by optimizing camera position, lightning, model poses, and so on. This significantly shortens production time and reduces costs up to 70 % for photo production and up to 90 % for video production. Pixelmoda produces over 14 million images and videos per year. Its customers include over 100 brands from more than 20 countries, including three of the top five global online marketplaces and lots of luxury brands. If you want to learn more about this, tune in once again in episode 126 where Ingrid and Valerie were talking to Gianni Serratzi, CEO of Pixelmoda. https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6466a3af-41fb-4fb1-98a1-0ab647a2cc41/Note from the sponsor Taxdoo:Taxdoo supports retailers and brands with a comprehensive platform for completing sales tax returns and accounting processes in a legally compliant and efficient manner. And this important part of your marketplace business is also increasingly being taken over by AI. That's why Jan Utterrodt, Head of Support at tax tech company Taxdoo, is our guest on episode 131 of Let's talk Marketplace. Topics will include how AI can help speed up tax processes and reduce costs, and how AI can assist with correct sales tax returns - depending on the country and product. After all, shortcomings in the handling of customs and sales tax payments can quickly get retailers into serious trouble. So tune in in three weeks' time - it's definitely worth it!

Amazon doesn't negotiate - it tests your limits. In this episode, Ingrid and Valerie, together with Amazon expert Martin Heubel, reveal what really goes on behind the scenes of the annual vendor negotiations (AVNs). They discuss why brands are facing tougher terms, shrinking margins, and higher investments, and what smart strategies can help turn the tide. Martin explains how sellers can set clear investment caps, use retail media to strengthen their position, and avoid getting caught in Amazon's profit spiral. They also talk about why hybrid models can be both a safety net and a trap, why Amazon Vendor Service (AVS) has become indispensable, and how Amazon's innovation engine is slowing down even as the company opens its logistics infrastructure to competitors. A must-listen for anyone preparing for AVNs or managing a vendor account.Note from the sponsor MediaMarktSaturn:Are you ready to take your sales to the next level during Black Week at MediaMarktSaturn? Then don’t miss the upcoming webinar, “Black Week Success on MediaMarktSaturn - How to Maximize Your Sales Potential”. Join the experts Nikolaus Volpini de Maestro from the retailer Nero Group and Alexander Klinger from MediaMarktSaturn, on October 13th at 2 PM for a free, live session. This webinar is perfect for brands in Electronics, Home & Living, DIY, Sports, and Toys, looking to boost their sales during Black Week. You will not only learn how to optimize your product range and inventory and set up successful campaigns, but also how to prepare for Black Week, and how to use bundles to boost your sales. Sign up right now!

Pimkie is the first European brand to use Shein's Xcelerate program – and in return, it faces a lawsuit from its former owners and exclusion from the French industry association. Is this move a lifeline or a massive reputational risk? Ingrid and Valerie discuss this in today's news episode. They also analyze the latest Temu user numbers (spoiler: huge growth!), delve into Amazon and Mirakle’s AI efforts, which are taking Agentic Commerce to the next level, and examine OnBuy’s EU expansion and Allegro’s quarterly figures. A packed episode with an analysis of the key marketplace news from September!Note from the sponsor bol:Did you know that in the Netherlands, Sinterklaas on December 5 is actually more important than Christmas Eve? For sellers, this means the holiday season starts much earlier – and at bol, sales go up by 70% during this period. To help sellers make the most of it, bol offers clear guidelines on pricing, promotions, and delivery speed. With Logistics via bol, for example, you can offer next-day delivery – a real conversion driver, since 40% of all purchases happen after 5 PM. Want to dive deeper? Then join the bol Connect Event on October 20 in Munich! Exchange, networking, great food, and a pleasant atmosphere – register here: https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/1FQAhq2utHGMMNZzGhclkkFsqGNqo1wgvSiTdjm9GBeEYO7FUsl9cJmi4uTIUn2yDNote for marketplace webinars:This fall, you can deepen your knowledge of key marketplaces in various live webinars, such as:October 13th: Black Week Success on MediaMarktSaturn – How to Maximize Your Sales Potential Register hereOctober 30th: Europe is Calling: Expand to Seven Markets with One Kaufland Account Register hereNovember 6th: How to Join the ABOUT YOU Marketplace – Now Easier Than Ever Register hereOr if you'd like to learn more about bol, check out the recording from September 23th: Start Selling on bol Marketplace – Faster, Easier, Smarter Watch the recording here

Without the right product images, nothing works. But: different style guides, missing samples, questions around color accuracy, videos - all of that can make costs skyrocket fast. Can AI help? Yes - when it acts as an on-set co-pilot for photographers and models, steering lighting, poses, style-guide compliance, and quality assurance. How this works in practice - and why it’s a real performance lever for fashion brands and sellers - is what Ingrid and Valerie discuss with Gianni Serazzi from Pixelmoda.Takeaways:No GenAI renderings: Items are shot for real; AI optimizes the process.Costs down, output up: According to Pixelmoda, up to −70% for photos and −90% for videos at consistent “luxury-grade” quality.Speed in days, not weeks: Turnarounds usually < 5 days, in express cases same day - without compromising color fidelity or consistency.Scaling without style drift: ≈ 3× more SKUs/day and pixel-perfect execution of Zalando, Amazon & Co. style guides.Direct business impact: More content noticeably lifts conversion and reduces returns - Pixelmoda typically reports +5–15% sales and −5–20% returns.Who is it for?Experienced sellers and brand teams (not only in fashion) who treat content ops as a revenue and P&L lever - not a cost center.

ChatGPT is testing in-chat shopping – from product search to recommendations and even checkout via Stripe. No webshop, no marketplace – just conversation. Shopify reacts immediately, blocking AI shopping agents. The battle for the customer interface has officially begun. In this episode, Ingrid and Valerie discuss how AI agents are shifting the power dynamics in e-commerce – and what this means for marketplaces, sellers, and brands. They also unpack the stories behind these headlines:Galaxus pushes international expansion despite heavy lossesTesco builds a massive new distribution centerbol.com opens up to non-EU sellersZalando & About You – merger approved, but many questions remain Note from the sponsor eBay:Selling internationally sounds easy – but the reality often tells a different story. Because shipping abroad is not the same as being truly ready to scale across borders. That’s why our partner eBay has put together a super helpful whitepaper that helps you check your international readiness with a detailed checklist and gives concrete advice on pricing, customer service, inventory, returns – and even how to identify the right markets and products. One highlight: With the eBay Product Research Tool, you can analyze three years of sales data by country and category. So if cross-border commerce is on your radar, download the free whitepaper “From Germany to the World” by eBay right now: https://www.ebay.de/sml/whitepaper-internationalverkaufen Note from  the sponsor base:Base is a SAAS e-commerce solution provider originally founded 2006 in Poland. The platform offers features such as automations for order management, inventory management and fulfilment, a marketplace management tool for lots and lots of B2B and B2C channels, and integration options to include other backend tools in real-time. Base is present in 11 countries, the solution is already used by companies such as OBI, Kärcher, MediaMarkt, Samsung, Decathlon, Intersport, Develey. If you would like to learn more about Base, join us at our Connect Event with Base on September 17 in Cologne. Register right now: https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/1wBV5bM8AALuEq8GfFLwj7tLJ80w9AZL4cf4DN1nvG4uMLrSOfA5NxaV1X0qvNAC7 Chapters:01:00 AI's Impact on Marketplace Shopping07:40 Galaxus's Internationalization Strategy09:41 Tesco's New Distribution Strategy11:49 Zalando and About You Merger15:30 Bol's Expansion to Non-EU Sellers

What happens when a traditional company like plant protection specialist Neudorff enters the international D2C market? Sure, the first step is Amazon. But what's the second? Local heroes like bol in the Netherlands. In this episode, Tamer Memis and Hassan Imran report on how a digital offshoot becomes a speedboat, why in-house logistics is part of the core business, and how it is possible to go live on bol in less than three weeks. (Spoiler: They did their homework beforehand.) Patricia Lay from bol explains why this is only the case for a few sellers, how bol helps foreign retailers get started, and why bol now also allows non-EU sellers. Note from the sponsor Taxdoo:Imagine this: 1,000 orders and one incorrect VAT rate, and suddenly you've lost $4,000. This is a real risk for many cross-border sellers in Europe. That's because VAT in e-commerce is complex. That's why we've teamed up with our partner Taxdoo to break down what marketplace sellers really need to know about VAT. In our detailed analysis, we discuss when OSS helps and when it doesn't, when a marketplace collects VAT and when you as a seller are still liable, and why an incorrect VAT rate has a direct impact on your prices and margins. You can find the article with a complete overview of EU VAT rates as well as tax rates for the UK and Switzerland here: https://marketplace-universe.com/vat-traps-7-critical-rules-every-marketplace-seller-in-europe-needs-to-know/ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to bol and Neudorff07:55 The Onboarding Process for International Sellers10:47 Underestimated market: Netherlands14:27 Market Dynamics: The Dutch E-commerce Landscape21:22 Challenges for International Sellers in the Dutch Market25:01 Future Prospects for bol and International Sellers27:05 Turning logistical necessity into a success

Men focus on AI, women on community and content – that was the impression left by this year’s K5 keynote. While the male speakers see AI as the ultimate game changer that could make online shops obsolete and secure the dominance of large platforms, the female speakers envision the future in creator and content-driven commerce. In this episode, Ingrid and Valerie discuss these perspectives and highlight where the common ground lies: in action, in speed, and in the importance of content. They also take a closer look at a perspective that is often completely overlooked – that of the consumer who simply wants, - or needs- , to buy at the lowest possible price.Note from the sponsor PlentyONE:Selling on Amazon, Ott0, Zalando, or Kaufland? Then you already know: every marketplace has its own rules, fees, and expectations. But what if you had one clear, structured overview that compares them all – side by side? Our partner PlentyONE, has created exactly that: a free whitepaper that helps you find the right platforms for your products, categories, and strategy. It covers Marketplace access requirements, fees & commissions, fulfillment rules & SLAs - and much more – from Amazon to Zalando. It provides many insights into multichannel commerce and helps you to work out your individual roadmap for a successful multichannel strategy. Get the white paper right here: https://www.plentyone.com/de/multichannel-whitepaper?utm_source=marketplaceuniverse&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=CP_MKT_Whitepaper_Multichannel &utm_content=podcast-spoken-adNote from the sponsor bol:Bol has established itself as a local hero in the Netherlands and Belgium and has become the market leader in the region thanks to a clear focus on customer satisfaction and innovation. It offers more than 42 million products in 28 categories and access to more than 13 million customers. This also makes bol attractive for retailers from neighboring countries. Want to know more about bol? Then look forward to our podcast episode 119 next week, in which we talk to Patricia Lay, Partnership growth manager at bol and, Hassan Imran, e-commerce manager at Neudorff ePeformances, about his experiences with selling on bol.Note from the sponsor eBay:On July 10, we’re inviting a select group of decision-makers to join us for our final live Connect Event  before the summer break – the eBay „Entscheider Dinner“. This exclusive dinner is designed for meaningful conversations, new connections, and fresh marketplace insights in a relaxed setting. A few seats are still available for brand representatives who want to be part of this handpicked group. If you’d like to join us for an inspiring summer evening full of ideas, exchange, and excellent food – register now: https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/2XDfDE0vbHe8h96aXSfyWrvp8zpVs4yHFNCmobskstDVlYZklO5oapv41ZpvF2zPJChapters:00:00 Adventures at K5 Conference03:10 Insights from the K5 Conference05:23 The Future of E-Commerce: AI and Shopping Agents12:00 The Role of Community and Content in Commerce18:03 Speed vs. Strategy in E-Commerce23:54 Understanding the Average Consumer30:01 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

"E-commerce isn’t complex." A bold statement – especially coming from the Vice President Marketplace at MediaMarktSaturn. But Christian Kollesch means it. In this episode, he explains what’s behind it: the strategic repositioning of the MediaMarktSaturn marketplace, the expansion into new verticals like DIY and Baby & Kids, and the ambitious goal to become Europe’s leading platform for refurbished electronics. He also shares how this transformation is being executed – with hands-on seller support, access to first-party data, and unique services such as Space-as-a-Service. Last but not least, he talks about the marketplace’s international rollout, which is recently live in Belgium and Poland and will soon expand to Turkey and Hungary, all while tripling GMV within just one year. For more Information: https://faq.mediamarkt.de/app/answers/detail/a_id/17006/~/was-ist-der-mediamarkt-marketplace%3F Chapters00:00 Introduction to MediaMarkt's Marketplace Expansion05:50 The Shift in Marketplace Strategy10:06 Marketplace Growth and Performance Metrics14:00 Seller Dynamics and Quality Management17:01 Competitive Pricing and Seller Advantages21:19 Marketplace Strategy and Seller Support25:06 Expanding into New Vertical Categories28:24 Brand Integrity and Customer Expectations30:00 Onboarding Process for Sellers32:46 Quality Control and Seller Performance35:34 Vision for Refurbished Products Market

Five marketplaces in one fell swoop – after 1.5 years of preparation, AlphaTrail is taking the next big step in multichannel distribution. In this episode, Valerie talks to Michael Grundwürmer, CEO & Co-Founder of AlphaTrail, about how the former Amazon-only brand has developed into an international premium brand for bicycle parts and is simultaneously launching on eBay, Otto, Decathlon, Alltricks, and bol. They discuss the biggest challenges, such as finding a suitable logistics provider, the unimagined possibilities of AI, and the power of clear focus – which always trumps pure speed. Note from the Sponsor ChannelEngine:Marketplace fees, middleware costs, pick & pack, shipping, returns processing, and even storage fees - anyone who sells on marketplaces knows that it's often not easy to understand what you're really left with at the end of the day. That's because hidden profit killers can lurk everywhere. To help you get more profit out of your marketplaces, ChannelEngine has compiled 5 tips for greater profitability on marketplaces in a new e-book. It shows how low-margin products can become real profit drivers and why clearly calculated minimum prices are crucial for your profitability. Click here for the 5 tips for greater profitability on marketplaces: https://marketplace-universe.com/5-tips-for-better-marketplace-profitability/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to AlphaTrail and Its Journey09:00 Diving Deeper into AlphaTrail's Product Strategy15:13 Marketplace Strategy and Expansion Plans20:28 Exploring Marketplace Strategies24:52 The Role of AI in E-commerce28:06 Understanding Customer Behavior Across Marketplaces33:16 Data-Driven Decision Making in E-commerce34:38 Maintaining a Lean Business Model37:15 The Future of AI in E-commerce

International verkaufen? Für viele ein Angstthema, für MeineMarkenMode längst Alltag – wenn auch mit reichlich Narben. In dieser Folge sprechen wir mit Timo Bethlehem, Geschäftsführer von MeineMarkenMode, und Julius Komp, CEO & Co-Founder des Cross-Border-Dienstleisters Exporto, über die realen Herausforderungen der Expansion in europäische Märkte: Steuerregularien, Zollformalitäten, Retourenprozesse, Lieferzeiten – und die allzu bekannte Diskrepanz zwischen den Messwerten der Carrier und den Erwartungen der Marktplätze. Außerdem sprechen wir darüber, warum der britische Markt besonders anspruchsvoll ist, wie stark grenzüberschreitende Steuerpflichten interne Ressourcen binden können  und warum DHL für den Versand in die Schweiz nicht die passende Lösung war. Timo teilt seine Erfahrungen mit beeindruckender Offenheit – inklusive vieler schmerzhafter Learnings. „Ich verzichte darauf, alle meine Narben zu zeigen“, sagt er – doch in dieser Folge offenbart er doch einige. Chapters00:00 Einführung in die Internationalisierung08:20 Die Herausforderungen der Expansion11:49 Typische Stolpersteine bei der Internationalisierung19:04 Compliance und Steuerthemen als Hürden23:38 Management der Logistik und Carrier-Auswahl24:44 Herausforderungen im internationalen Versand27:13 Die Bedeutung von Dienstleistern in der Internationalisierung31:18 Ganzheitliche Lösungen für den europäischen Versand36:14 Marktherausforderungen und Strategien für den UK-Markt40:59 Zukunftsausblick und Expansionsstrategien  Chapters00:00 Introduction to International Expansion 08:20 The Challenges of Scaling Abroad 11:49 Common Pitfalls in Cross-Border Growth 19:04 Compliance and Tax Issues as Key Barriers 23:38 Managing Logistics and Choosing the Right Carriers 24:44 Operational Challenges in International Shipping 27:13 The Role of Service Providers in Successful Expansion 31:18 End-to-End Solutions for European Shipping 36:14 Market Challenges and Strategic Approaches for the UK 40:59 Outlook and Future Expansion Plans.

In this episode, Ingrid and Valerie discuss the most important marketplace news from May – and one topic clearly stands out: the proposed merger between Zalando and About You is now officially under scrutiny by the European Commission. Many brands have already received formal inquiries from Brussels. The two explore what this means for brands and the deal’s timeline – and talk about why About You pulled out of TikTok Shop after just four weeks.Also in this episode: Nike is back on Amazon as a 1P supplier, and e-commerce in Germany is growing again – but almost entirely driven by marketplaces. The same goes for the Otto Group, whose improved numbers are largely thanks to its marketplace business.And they take a look into the future: at gaming platform Roblox, which is entering e-commerce with Shopify, and at the potential impact Amazon’s AI shopping assistant Rufus could soon have. Chapters:00:00 Marketplace News Overview06:53 Merger Investigations and Market Impacts12:47 Nike's Return to Amazon13:56 E-Commerce Growth in Germany16:40 Roblox cooperation with Shopfy17:35 Emerging Trends in E-Commerce20:12 Community Building and Future Outlook

“If you can't do better than Allegro, stay at home.” A clear message from Marcin Czyczerski – and a warning to Western platforms that think they can just start up in Poland. The former CEO of CCC/Modivo describes the unique features of the marketplace landscape in Poland – one of the most exciting and challenging e-commerce markets in Europe. Marcin explains why Allegro is so dominant and why Western brands often struggle on Allegro. He assesses the opportunities for other players and reveals what makes Polish retailers and customers tick. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Polish Marketplace Landscape11:01 The Rise of E-commerce in Poland24:05 Challenges for Western Marketplaces in Poland24:33 Understanding Polish Consumer Behavior30:27 Allegro's Competitive Edge35:09 Challenges for Western Brands on Allegro42:48 The Future of E-commerce in Poland

The biggest challenge in marketplace strategy? Your own company. In this episode, Ingrid talks to Christian Leihner, former Head of Marketplace and E-Commerce at Unilever and Haier, about the internal obstacles that often cause marketplace initiatives to fail – long before the first SKU goes live. Together, we clarify why many marketplace teams consist of nothing more than “an intern and a dog,” how a lack of support from senior management, unclear responsibilities, and a lack of incentives can ruin even the best ideas, and what companies need to do differently to build scalable, strategic marketplace structures from the inside out.Note from the sponsor PlentyONE:Multi-channel is a bit like an IKEA wardrobe: It looks simple, but until you try to put it together. If that sounds familiar, then you might want to check out a new white paper by PlentyOne, because they have put together everything you need to make multi-channel selling work. It breaks down the 10 most common challenges sellers face when entering the world of multi-channel from chaotic tool setups and losing the buy box to inconsistent product content. And they also give you lots of instructions on how to clear these typical pain points in their day-to-day operations. Get your free copy right here: https://www.plentyone.com/de/multichannel-whitepaper?utm_source=marketplaceuniverse&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=CP_MKT_Whitepaper_Multichannel &utm_content=podcast-spoken-adChapters:00:00 Introduction to Marketplace Challenges07:29 Transformational Pain in Marketplace Teams17:32 Navigating Internal Barriers to Marketplace Success23:20 Strategies for Marketplace Entry29:26 Retail Media and Marketplace Dynamics

Temu is on everyone's lips: aggressive advertising, rapid expansion, low prices. But is that reason enough to become active there as a brand? In this episode, Ingrid and Valerie talk to Marius Eckel, Head of E-Commerce & Marketplaces at Selva Technik, about his decision not to use Temu for the time being – even though he is otherwise very open to new platforms. They discuss Temu's current strengths, such as reach, speed, and good terms, but also operational hurdles and price and platform conflicts arising from a Temu listing. Marius explains why he is not writing off Temu, but will continue to evaluate it regularly.Note from the sponsor eBay:Expanding internationally – but how? If you want to learn more about how you can expand your global reach, then the free webinar “Unlock Global Growth Cross-Border Opportunities” from our partner eBay is for you. Isabell Butterwegge from eBay will share best practices and practical tips to help you succeed worldwide. You will learn about the opportunities eBay offers you and the tools available to support you. So mark your calendars: May 20, 2025, 11 a.m. To register, click here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/3017442359025/WN_bUNKInsESEyW2-TLrUlOBw#/registrationChapters:02:56 Meet Marius Eckel: E-commerce Insights06:08 Marketplace Strategies and Challenges08:57 Exploring Temu: Initial Impressions18:03 Navigating Multiple Marketplaces21:12 The Impact of New Market Players24:02 Brand Safety and Market Perception27:54 Challenges of Selling on Emerging Platforms30:33 Evaluating Market Trends and Brand Positioning35:51 The Impact of Global Trade Dynamics