Growth of international marketplaces

Alexander Robijn
Manager Sales & Marketing

For years now, it has been normal to be able to order all over the world, yet it was not done by everyone. After all, not every webshop or online marketplace had easy shipping to the Netherlands, and this entailed extra waiting time and risks.

It is for this reason that many webshops and online marketplaces are now spreading to other countries. An effective strategy, but unwanted competition for Dutch webshops. How do you deal with this?

Rise of international online marketplaces

In recent years, we have seen a strong rise of foreign international online marketplaces in the Netherlands. Think, for example, of Amazon, a giant in the e-commerce world. These online marketplaces have had a huge impact on local online shops. They offer a wide range of products, often at competitive prices, and have built up a huge customer base.

The effect on local webshops

The arrival of these international marketplaces brings challenges for local webshops. They have to compete with the big players who often have greater brand awareness and more resources. Moreover, the lower prices and ample supply of these marketplaces may attract consumers, reducing demand for local products.

Our advice

Although it may seem daunting, there are ways in which Dutch webshops can cope with the advent of international online marketplaces and even benefit from international growth. Here are some tips:

  1. Strengthen your unique proposition: Focus on developing and promoting unique features of your products. Think quality, sustainability, local production or personalised service. By standing out from the crowd, you can build a loyal customer base.
  2. Improve user experience: Make sure your website is user-friendly and responsive. Invest in fast load times, intuitive navigation and reliable customer service. A positive online shopping experience can make the difference and attract customers to your webshop.
  3. Translate your content and products: Consider translating your content and product descriptions into other languages to reach new markets. Having multilingual content can increase accessibility and significantly expand your reach.

Future development

It is clear that online marketplaces will play an increasing role in the global trading landscape. Although the advent of international marketplaces brings challenges, it also presents opportunities for Dutch webshops to expand their market and achieve international success. By adapting to changing consumer needs and investing in their online presence, Dutch webshops can compete and thrive in this new digital world.

Conclusion

As a Dutch webshop, you cannot be left behind in the international growth of online marketplaces. Although the arrival of international players brings challenges, there are strategies you can use to become successful in this new environment. By focusing on your unique proposition, investing in the user experience and translating your content, you can position your shop as an attractive choice for both local and international customers. The world is at your feet, so go for it and make your webshop a global success story.