Online marketplaces continue to evolve at a rapid pace, with options like Amazon, Walmart and eBay dominating the ecommerce ecosystem. These platforms present immense opportunities and significant challenges for brands aiming to expand their reach and capitalize on this growth.
Success on a marketplace is rarely as simple as listing products and waiting for sales to roll in. Businesses must navigate a complex web of algorithms, advertising strategies and ever-changing policies to stay competitive. For many, the demands of managing these operations internally can strain resources and limit growth potential.
Marketplace agencies and services offer a solution, providing expertise and strategic support tailored to help brands thrive in these competitive environments. But as with any investment, the question remains: is the value they deliver worth the cost?
The following sections will examine the current state of marketplaces in 2025, the role of marketplace agencies and the factors businesses should consider when deciding whether to partner with one. By the end of the article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether a marketplace agency is the right move for your business in the year ahead.
An overview of the marketplace landscape in 2025
In 2025, online marketplaces will continue to be a driving force in global commerce. According to eMarketer, marketplace sales are forecasted to hit $603.2 billion by 2027. Platforms like Amazon and Walmart are no longer just selling channels; they’re dynamic ecosystems where businesses compete for visibility and market share. These platforms are now integrated with advanced advertising tools, sophisticated fulfillment systems and customer engagement features that offer unparalleled growth opportunities.
However, with these opportunities come significant challenges, including:
- Increased competition from new sellers and established brands
- Enhanced complexity with search ranking algorithms
- Surging advertising costs
- Higher customer expectations for fast shipping and seamless returns
For businesses, succeeding in this environment requires more than just great products – it demands a strategic, data-driven approach to every aspect of marketplace operations.
What does a marketplace agency do?
Marketplace agencies specialize in helping businesses navigate the complexities of third-party marketplace platforms like Amazon and Walmart. Their services span multiple areas, all designed to maximize performance and profitability.
At the core of their offerings is product optimization. Agencies ensure your listings are fully optimized with the right keywords, engaging descriptions and high-quality images to increase visibility and conversions. They also monitor and refine advertising campaigns, leveraging data to improve targeting and reduce costs while driving higher returns.
Beyond marketing, these agencies provide operational support, such as managing inventory levels, tracking sales performance and ensuring compliance with evolving marketplace policies. In essence, they act as a partner in your growth, bringing expertise that would otherwise require a dedicated in-house team to replicate.
Signs you might need a marketplace agency
Recognizing when it’s time to bring in outside expertise can save your business time, money and frustration. Here are some of the key signs that partnering with a marketplace service might be the right move for your brand:
Plateauing sales or declining performance
If your sales growth has stagnated or begun to decline despite ongoing efforts, it’s a clear signal that your strategies may not be keeping pace with the competition. Visibility algorithms and consumer behavior evolve quickly on marketplaces, and without expert guidance, it’s easy for a brand to lose traction. An agency can analyze performance data to identify weak points and help implement strategies to reignite growth.
Limited internal resources (expertise and bandwidth)
Managing a presence on marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart requires expertise and constant attention. For many businesses, internal teams are already stretched thin, juggling responsibilities across multiple channels. As an example, with no in-house experience, First Day vitamins used Cart.com’s expertise to launch on Amazon Marketplace with the goal to gain traction more swiftly on the platform.
A marketplace agency offers specialized knowledge and dedicated resources, allowing your team to focus on other priorities while ensuring your marketplace operations are in expert hands.
Challenges keeping up with marketplace policy changes
Marketplaces are governed by intricate rules and policies that frequently change. Keeping up with these updates – whether they pertain to listing requirements, advertising guidelines or account compliance – can be overwhelming and could lead to mistakes resulting in:
- Hefty penalties
- Reduced visibility
- Account suspension
Marketplace agencies constantly monitor these regulations and can help ensure your business remains compliant and competitive.
High costs with little return from advertising campaigns
Advertising on platforms like Amazon is essential but often costly. If your campaigns are draining your budget without delivering meaningful results, it may be due to poor targeting or inadequate reporting. Agencies have the expertise and tools to refine your advertising efforts, improve ROI and make data-driven adjustments to maximize ad spending.
Cost vs. Benefits of hiring a marketplace agency
Investing in a marketplace agency represents a financial commitment, and it’s important to understand the costs involved. Agencies typically charge fees based on a monthly retainer, a percentage of sales or a performance-based structure. While this may seem significant, it’s important to consider the broader picture.
The benefits of hiring a marketplace agency often outweigh the upfront costs. By optimizing your listings and advertising strategies, an agency can drive higher sales and improve profitability. They also save you time, allowing your internal team to focus on other areas of the business. Ultimately, agencies bring a level of expertise that can be difficult to replicate in-house, helping you avoid costly mistakes and seize opportunities you might otherwise miss. The return on investment can be substantial for businesses with ambitious growth goals.
How to choose the right marketplace agency
Selecting the right marketplace agency or service to handle channels like Amazon and Walmart is a critical decision that should start by evaluating the potential partner's track record. Brands should look for an agency with experience in their industry and proven success in the marketplaces they want to target. Case studies and client testimonials can offer valuable insights into their capabilities.
Transparency is another key factor. A reputable agency will provide clear pricing and a detailed explanation of their services. Avoid agencies that offer vague promises or one-size-fits-all solutions. Communication should also be a priority. The best agencies function as collaborative partners, providing regular updates and actionable insights to help you achieve your goals. Taking the time to choose the right agency ensures you'll receive the support and expertise needed to maximize your marketplace potential.
Partnering with Cart.com to improve marketplace efficiency and effectiveness
The decision to invest in a marketplace agency is not one to be taken lightly, but for many businesses, it represents a vital step toward unlocking their full potential. As marketplaces like Amazon Marketplace and Walmart Marketplace become increasingly competitive and complex, having a dedicated partner can make all the difference.
By evaluating your current challenges, considering the costs and benefits and choosing the right agency, you can position your business for success in 2025 and beyond. Contact our team today to learn how we can help your company improve your marketplace efficiency and effectiveness.
