Introduction
Selling products online is one of the most effective ways to reach more people and scale your business. But a big question arises: should you have your own online store or sell on a marketplace like MercadoLibre or Amazon?
Each model has unique advantages and challenges. While online stores give you total independence, marketplaces allow you to leverage existing audiences. The right decision can make the difference between success and stagnation of your venture.
In this ClickPanda blog, we help you understand the differences, compare benefits and drawbacks, and discover which option best fits your digital strategy. Plus, we show you how to get started with a simple and powerful online store with our service.
Table of Contents
What is an online store?
An online store is your own website where you directly sell your products or services. You decide the design, the payment process, the shipping methods and how you present your brand.
Advantages of having an online store:
Total control on the customer experience, from navigation to after-sales.
No sales commissions: your income is yours at 100%.
Brand identity: you can convey your unique values, colors, tone and personality.
Disadvantages:
You need to invest in traffic strategies such as SEO, social media and advertising.
Requires more time and expertise to manage orders, logistics and service.
What is a marketplace?
A marketplace is a shared platform where many sellers offer their products. Popular examples include MercadoLibre, Amazon, Linio or Dafiti.
Advantages of selling in marketplaces:
Immediate hearing: thousands of people are already surfing these platforms.
Infrastructure ready: payment system, product sheets, support and shipments already configured.
Initial visibility: without having to invest so much in advertising.
Disadvantages:
Pagas commissions for each sale and other charges depending on the marketplace.
You can't personalize the customer experience or build your brand with freedom.
You are competing directly with similar vendors or even with the platform itself.
Direct comparison: which is better for you?
| Feature | Online Store | Marketplace |
|---|---|---|
| Business control | Total: design, payments, marketing | Limited: rules imposed by the platform |
| Initial visibility | Requires traffic strategies | High traffic from day one |
| Costs and commissions | No sales commissions | Commissions for each transaction |
| Customer loyalty | You can capture mailings and repeat sales | Difficult to generate brand loyalty |
| Implementation time | Requires more initial configuration | You can get started in minutes |
Which option is best for your business?
🔹 Choose an online store if...
You want total independence, build a solid brand, and have control over pricing, design, customers and promotions. Ideal if you have a long term plan and are interested in building customer loyalty.
🔸 Choose a marketplace if...
You are starting out, you have a small budget or you want to test your product without investing a lot. It's perfect to validate ideas and start selling right away, even at the cost of your profitability and control.
Practical tip: Many successful businesses use both options. They start on a marketplace and then build their online store to consolidate their brand and build customer loyalty.
Ready to take control of your online sales?
With ClickPanda you can create your modern, fast and affordable online store. No need to know how to program, with 24/7 support and everything ready to sell in a few days.
Conclusion
Both models have their place in the digital world. If you're looking for control, branding and loyalty, a online store is your best bet. If you prefer speed and initial ease, a marketplace will give you traction from day one.
Ideally, you should make a decision aligned with your goals, budget and long-term vision. And if you decide to take the leap with your own store, ClickPanda is ready to accompany you step by step.
Also, if you feel that your current site does not reflect the quality of your brand or has problems such as slow loading or outdated design, we invite you to read7 signs that your company needs a new website to find out how to fix it easily
Grow your business with your own online store. The time is now!
