Previously, our sales channels encompassed Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace. However, we’ve observed that the emphasis on user quantity over sales quality defines the strategies of these tech giants. Many users on social media platforms now struggle to garner views, likes, reactions, or sales from their posts.
Social media platforms are transitioning into marketplaces themselves, exemplified by the emergence of platforms like Facebook Marketplace and TikTok Shops. This transformation has given rise to a new market segment termed “social commerce,” denoting social networks integrating e-commerce functionalities. According to Shopify, the social commerce market is projected to reach a staggering $80 billion in gross revenue annually by 2025.
Since 2017, Meta has removed a remarkable 27 billion accounts from its platform, with ongoing bans seemingly devoid of clear rationale. Numerous Shopify sellers, achieving 6–7 figure monthly revenues, report frequent bans for seemingly mundane reasons such as running standard advertisements for their e-commerce products. Additionally, concerns persist regarding Facebook’s handling and potential sale of user data.
Amazon’s marketplace is notably oversaturated, and the registration process resembles applying for citizenship, demanding extensive documentation including UPC codes. Meanwhile, eBay has transitioned away from PayPal in favor of Payoneer, introducing a convoluted registration process arguably more complex than Amazon’s.
In summation, the current models of social networking and marketplace platforms inadequately support businesses.
So, what’s the solution? We must explore alternative apps and marketplaces that better align with our business needs.
