Strategy and positioning
We start with strategy and positioning. Marketplace specialists take the time to work closely with you on developing a well considered and robust brand strategy. They support you in identifying which products are best suited for sale on Amazon and other marketplaces, and which positioning aligns most effectively with both your target audience and the competitive landscape. Together, you define a structured growth plan that outlines next steps such as expanding to new marketplaces or entering international markets. When scaling to additional marketplaces or countries, the experts ensure the process runs smoothly and in a controlled manner.
Optimisation
In addition, specialists focus on setting up and continuously optimising both new and existing sales accounts. They ensure that all account settings are correctly configured and carry out in depth keyword research for each product and market. Based on these insights, product titles, bullet points, and descriptions are refined to improve visibility and relevance. Content is localised and translated per country to ensure a strong and consistent brand presence for local consumers. They also provide support with implementing A+ Content, Brand Registry, and building a professional Brand Store.
Daily account management
In many cases, specialists are actively involved in day to day account management. They monitor account health and overall performance, and provide guidance on pricing strategies, promotions, and inventory levels. They also handle tickets, resolve rejected listings and policy related issues, and communicate with marketplace support when needed. Thanks to their in depth understanding of how marketplaces operate, issues are identified and resolved more quickly and effectively.
Advertising
You can also choose to have your marketplace advertising guided by specialists. They understand what works and develop a focused advertising strategy tailored to your goals. Campaigns are set up, performance is analysed, and ongoing optimisation ensures continuous improvement. Key KPIs such as ROAS and ACOS are closely monitored, allowing for timely adjustments where needed.
At MarketPlace Expert, we use marketplace advertising with a clear purpose to achieve maximum impact. Advertising campaigns are not an objective in themselves, but a strategic tool to accelerate product growth. By temporarily increasing visibility and sales volume, we help build a stronger sales rank, generate more reviews, and improve organic search positioning.
Once a product performs consistently well, we shift focus in a deliberate and data driven way. Advertising budgets are then allocated to products with new growth potential, while top performing products continue to benefit from their established organic visibility. This approach ensures sustainable growth, efficient use of advertising spend, and maximum return across the entire product range.
Analysis
A marketplace agency closely analyses performance data and makes targeted optimisations where needed. Through clear reporting and presentations, you gain insight into results and progress. Growth opportunities and potential risks are identified, supported by data, expertise, and market trends. This ensures your business continues to develop, adapt, and scale in a sustainable way.
When is professional Amazon management not yet necessary?
Now that you have a clearer picture of what a marketplace agency can offer, you may be wondering whether professional Amazon account management is the right step for your business at this stage. In some situations, involving external specialists is not immediately required. Below are examples of scenarios in which professional Amazon management is often not yet necessary:
- You are not yet selling products on Amazon, or you offer only a single product and are still in an exploratory phase.
- There is currently little or no budget available for optimisation and advertising activities.
- You have sufficient time to invest yourself and possess solid knowledge of the platform. If you encounter challenges later on, you can always involve a specialist at that point.
As Amazon begins to play a more significant role within your organisation, it becomes valuable to reassess which form of support best aligns with your situation and growth ambitions.
Why choose a marketplace agency instead of a freelancer?
Why have your Amazon, Bol, or other marketplace channels professionally managed by a specialised marketplace agency? After all, working with a freelancer is also an option.
That is true. However, it is important to consider how this choice can affect the level of expertise available to your business. Marketplace agencies typically work with multiple specialists, each focused on specific marketplaces or disciplines. In addition to account managers and general marketplace experts, agencies often have dedicated teams for content, advertising, and different platforms. These specialists collaborate closely, allowing them to exchange insights and deliver the strongest possible results for your brand across multiple marketplaces, while optimising every aspect of each channel.
A freelancer is usually specialised in a single marketplace or a specific area, but may not have in depth knowledge of all platforms or disciplines. There is also a potential risk when responsibility rests with one individual. If that person becomes unavailable temporarily or for a longer period, continuity can be affected. The same applies to relying on a single in house employee. Working with a marketplace agency provides greater continuity and peace of mind, as another specialist is always available to step in and manage your account.
In addition, marketplace agencies often maintain partnerships with marketplaces and technology integrators. They are frequently assigned a dedicated partner manager, which allows them to act more quickly and effectively. This can be particularly valuable when account related issues arise. Thanks to direct lines of communication, agencies can take action faster and follow the correct procedures. Through these partnerships, agencies also stay continuously informed about the latest developments, enabling your brand to respond proactively and strategically.
What are the costs of professional Amazon management?
Many marketplace agencies work with tailored service packages. These typically consist of a fixed monthly fee combined with variable costs. Factors such as the number of SKUs, generated revenue, and whether or not an integrator such as Channable or ChannelEngine is used all play a role. In addition, you should take into account an onboarding fee, and some agencies also include the number of marketplaces in their pricing structure.
In some cases, marketplace agencies operate on a project basis. In those situations, costs depend on the scope and complexity of the project.
Occasionally, a general cost indication or starting price is shared. However, after a short introductory conversation in which goals, the current situation, and the desired level of support are discussed, a clear and tailored proposal can usually be prepared. Below, we explain what to look for when selecting the right marketplace agency for your business.
How do you choose a marketplace agency?
The most important factor is selecting a marketplace agency that truly fits your business. You will work closely with the specialists, especially during the onboarding phase and when challenges arise within the account. That is why it is essential to be selective. Below is a checklist of key considerations:
- Is there a good personal and professional fit with the agency?
- Does the agency inspire confidence and trust?
- How are communication and contact structured? Are lines of communication short, or are questions limited to scheduled meetings?
- Does the agency have positive testimonials or reviews?
- And of course, do the costs align with your available budget?
In summary: how do you make the right choice?
With this guide, we aim to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of what a marketplace agency does, which responsibilities can be professionally managed, and what to consider when making your decision. Whether you are just starting with marketplaces or already active on platforms such as Amazon or Bol, a well considered choice helps you build a solid foundation for long term marketplace success.
We recommend first gaining a clear understanding of what is required to make Amazon a successful channel for your business. It is also important to assess how much time, resources, and expertise you currently have available, and where potential gaps exist. Only then should you decide whether to collaborate with external specialists, and with whom, ensuring your decision aligns with your goals and stage of growth.
Ready for the next step?
Would you like to discuss with an expert whether professional Amazon account management is the right step for your brand at this stage? At MarketPlace Expert, we are happy to think along with you and explore the available options together.
