Lesson 4.1 · 7 minutes

Choose a sales channel

Compare buyer access, control, workload and ongoing responsibilities.

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Before you start

Choose the work as well

Example: Alex can list 1 storage bag on a marketplace or build a small store. Which work can Alex sustain?

The sales channel changes your workload.

Step 1 · Read

Audience. An existing marketplace may help buyers find you, while your own store needs a way to attract visitors.
Control. Your own store gives you more choices about presentation, alongside more decisions to maintain.
Workload. Compare setup, product pages, support and upkeep before choosing from appearance alone.

Step 2 · View

Consider	Market	Own site
Work	Use a marketplace’s listing system and requirements.	Arrange the store, product pages and operating tasks.
Cost	Check the platform’s charges and services separately.	Budget for the services and maintenance you choose.
Limit	Presentation and access depend on platform rules.	More control also brings responsibility for getting visitors.

I need reach

A marketplace fits if you want a defined selling environment. You accept its rules and have fewer presentation choices.

I want control

Your own store fits if control matters and you can handle the upkeep. You also need a realistic source of visitors.

Step 3 · Match

Marketplace

A selling platform where different sellers offer products.

Own store

A store you operate, using hosted or self-managed software.

Checkout

The steps where a buyer confirms and pays for an order.

A store, its hosting and its payment service are related choices, but not the same thing.

Official sources

Official check: review the current requirements of your chosen marketplace or store provider.

Requirements depend on your provider, product and destination.

Step 4 · Try

List the tasks each channel would add for the storage bag. Mark who would maintain the product page and answer customer questions.

Step 5 · Choose

I need a defined place to list my first item.

Compare marketplace requirements and delivery responsibilities. You reduce setup decisions while accepting a platform’s limits.

I can maintain a store and want more control.

Plan a payment route and a visitor test. More control is useful only if you can support the extra operating work.

Step 6 · Next

Compare how buyers reach a listing, what you control and which costs and tasks remain your responsibility.

Keep your next question in the workspace.