(Online) Marketplaces
Although online marketplaces have been around for years, their influence is only becoming more visible later. But what exactly is an online marketplace? An online marketplace includes B2C or B2B e-commerce platforms where third parties can sell their products/services. The owner of the platform takes care of the transactions and everything that comes with it. The most well-known online marketplaces are:
- Marketplace.com
- Uber.com
- Airbnb.com
- Bol.com
- Booking.com
- Thenextcloset.com
The rising popularity of online marketplaces is due to their user-friendliness. Being able to find everything on one platform is ideal. If you are looking for everything to travel, Booking.com is your best friend. If you're looking for used clothing, Thenextcloset.com or Vinted.com can help you out. In case you want everything in one place, Marktplaats.nl or Bol.com is your best friend. An online marketplace provides a meeting place where supply and demand for services, goods and information come together.
3 types of online marketplaces
Within the term "online marketplace," different types of marketplaces can be distinguished, with a total of 3 different online marketplace types:
- Horizontal marketplaces: These types of marketplaces offer different products, services and/or brands that fall within the same category. An example of a horizontal marketplace is Booking.com. They offer cars, flights and accommodations all related to the topic of travel
- Vertical marketplaces: These marketplaces actually sell products, services and/or brands that fall into the same product group. Thenextcloset.com is a good example of this. They offer a marketplace for used clothing only
- All-in-one marketplaces: The name says it all, but these are marketplaces that do not focus on one particular product category or target audience. Well-known examples are Marktplaats.nl and Bol.com.
The number of online marketplaces is expected to increase significantly still. In fact, research shows that people are increasingly looking for convenience. As a result, places where you can find everything in one place are increasingly popular. People used to also go to the butcher and greengrocer for groceries while everything is now together in supermarkets. By engaging in feed marketing, you as a business can capitalize on the rising trend of online marketplaces.
