EP 12: Beyond Amazon- Exploring Other Marketplaces

🎙 Robyn Johnson & Abe Chomali discuss when and how to expand beyond Amazon, covering international marketplaces, Walmart, eBay, Mercado Libre, and more. They break down the risks, benefits, and key considerations before making the move.

🔑 Key Takeaways

📈 Maximize Amazon First

• Before expanding, ensure Amazon sales are near peak efficiency.
• Expanding too soon can waste time, money, and inventory.
• Diversification is important but should be strategic, not rushed.

🌍 Choosing the Right Marketplace

• Walmart – A top alternative, but WFS (Walmart Fulfillment Services) is often required for success.
• eBay – Great for clearing old inventory, niche categories, and used goods.
• Mercado Libre – The largest Latin American marketplace, useful for selling in Mexico, Argentina, and beyond.
• Etsy – Ideal for handmade, vintage, and craft supplies.
• Target, Home Depot, Chewy – More selective marketplaces but valuable for niche brands.

🌎 International Expansion: Challenges & Opportunities

• Amazon International can work well, but each country has unique regulations and logistics.
• Language and localization matter—Google Translate isn’t enough.
• VAT, customs, and returns add complexity to global sales.

⚠️ Key Risks to Consider

• Expanding can tie up inventory, making it harder to restock on Amazon US.
• Regulations, compliance, and fees vary by platform and country.
• Poor planning can lead to stockouts or excess inventory in the wrong market.

🔗 Helpful Links from the Episode

• Amazon Global Selling
• Walmart Marketplace
• Mercado Libre

🚀 Final Thoughts

• Max out Amazon before expanding—jumping too soon can hurt your business.
• Choose the right marketplace based on where your audience shops.
• Plan for success—expansion takes more time and money than expected.

If done right, multi-channel selling can be a game changer.

Chapters

• 0:00 Why expanding off Amazon isn’t always easy
• 1:19 When should you consider expanding off Amazon?
• 6:54 Resource & inventory readiness before expanding
• 7:40 Common reasons brands want to expand—and their pitfalls
• 8:32 Walmart.com case study: When expansion pays off
• 10:00 Amazon International: Pros, cons & localization
• 13:00 Translation & localization: Why Google Translate won’t cut it
• 14:30 Inventory management & avoiding stockouts internationally
• 17:30 Walmart vs. Amazon: Key differences in shopper behavior
• 24:52 What sellers typically gain from Walmart (5–10% of Amazon sales)
• 26:25 Marketplace diversification: eBay, Etsy, Mercado Libre, Target
• 28:05 International markets: Canada, UK, and what NARF really means
• 30:00 NARF Glitch Warning: Mexico currency conversion issue
• 32:00 Is Mercado Libre a better fit for your LatAm audience?
• 33:15 The cost of saying yes: Strategic focus vs. opportunity cost
• 35:30 Final checklist: Plan for success & expand with intention