How to Sell on Target Plus Marketplace

By Thomas Bennett Financial expert at Priceva
Published on August 1, 2024
Target Marketplace, also known as Target Plus, offers third-party retailers a unique opportunity to expand their reach by selling on an exclusive, invite-only online marketplace. With Target's significant presence in the retail world, joining this platform can open doors to a vast number of potential customers. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to successfully sell on the Target Plus Marketplace.

Selling on Target Plus Marketplace allows businesses to leverage the trusted Target brand, reaching millions of loyal customers. As an exclusive platform, Target Plus offers third-party retailers a chance to stand out and grow their online presence significantly. Let's dive into the details of what makes Target Plus unique and how you can become a successful seller on this prestigious platform.

What is the Target Plus Marketplace?

Target Plus is an exclusive ecommerce platform launched in February 2019, designed for third-party sellers to list their products alongside Target's own offerings. This invitation-only marketplace focuses on high-quality products from top-tier national brands. Target aims to provide consumers with a broad range of items, ensuring that every product meets their strict standards for quality and reliability. By maintaining this high bar, Target Plus ensures a premium shopping experience for its customers.

Who is Eligible to Sell on the Target Plus Marketplace?

To sell on Target Plus Marketplace, businesses must meet specific eligibility requirements. First and foremost, sellers need to have a physical presence in the United States. This means your business should be based in the U.S., which helps in adhering to shipping and customer service standards expected by Target customers. Additionally, sellers must comply with Target's pricing and shipping standards, ensuring that products are competitively priced and delivered promptly.

Image requirements are also stringent. Product listings must include high-quality images that meet Target's minimum dimensions and resolution standards. These images should clearly display the product and its features, helping customers make informed purchasing decisions. Meeting these eligibility criteria is crucial for being considered for an invitation to sell on Target Plus.

Benefits of Selling on the Target Plus Marketplace

Selling on Target Plus Marketplace comes with numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your business's growth and reputation. One of the primary advantages is the reduced competition. As an invitation-only platform, fewer sellers have access, allowing your products to stand out more easily compared to other open marketplaces.

Associating your brand with Target’s reputable name also adds a level of trust and credibility to your offerings. This can help attract more customers who already have confidence in the Target brand. Additionally, selling on Target Plus can lead to market share growth, as you gain access to Target’s extensive customer base. Seller benefits include customizable storefronts, low fulfillment fees, and access to Target’s marketing tools, which can boost your visibility and sales.

For buyers, the incentives are just as compelling. They enjoy a curated selection of high-quality products from trusted brands, ensuring a satisfying shopping experience. These benefits make selling on Target Plus an attractive proposition for businesses looking to expand their reach and improve their market position.

How to Sell on the Target Marketplace

Selling on Target Plus Marketplace is currently an invitation-only process, meaning there is no open application available for all sellers. Target carefully selects its sellers to ensure that only high-quality products and reliable vendors are featured on the platform. To increase your chances of being invited, follow these strategies and best practices.

Code of Conduct and Business Ethics

Before aiming to sell on Target Plus, conduct a thorough business assessment to ensure you meet Target’s specific criteria. Your business must have a physical presence in the United States and comply with Target’s inclusive merchandising requirements. This means offering products that are diverse, inclusive, and cater to a wide range of customers. Evaluating your business against these standards is the first step towards getting noticed by Target.

Improve Performance on Other Online Marketplaces

Building a strong reputation on other online marketplaces is crucial for attracting Target’s attention. Focus on improving product quality and ensuring your listings are optimized with clear, accurate descriptions and high-quality images. Provide excellent customer service by responding to inquiries promptly and offering fast shipping. Positive reviews and high seller ratings on platforms like Amazon and eBay can demonstrate your reliability and professionalism, making you a more attractive candidate for Target Plus. Utilize SEO techniques to improve the visibility of your listings and maintain high standards in all aspects of your online business.

Source the Right Products

Choosing the right products to sell is essential for aligning with Target Plus’s focus on quality and uniqueness. Target prefers niche products that offer something different from what is widely available. Ensure your product selection includes items with unique features or competitive pricing that set them apart in the market. Conduct market research to identify gaps and opportunities, and select products that meet these criteria. Offering high-quality, unique products increases your chances of being invited to sell on Target Plus.

Increase Brand Exposure

Enhancing your brand visibility is another effective way to get noticed by Target Plus. Participate in fast shipping programs to meet customer expectations for quick delivery. Implement SEO strategies to improve your brand’s online presence and ensure your products appear in relevant search results. Additionally, strengthen your social media presence by engaging with your audience on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Consistent branding and active social media engagement can help attract Target’s attention and demonstrate your commitment to reaching a broader audience.

Improve Your Fulfillment Infrastructure

To meet Target Plus’s strict shipping requirements, it’s crucial to have an efficient fulfillment infrastructure. Ensure your order fulfillment process is capable of handling fast order processing and delivery times. This might involve partnering with reliable logistics providers or utilizing fulfillment services that guarantee timely shipments. Efficient order fulfillment not only improves customer satisfaction but also makes your business a more attractive candidate for Target Plus, as reliable shipping is a key factor in Target’s seller selection process.

Best Practices and Hints on How to Succeed Selling on Target

Optimize New Product Listings for Sale on Target Plus Marketplace
Creating effective product listings is crucial for attracting customers. Follow Target’s guidelines meticulously for product names, descriptions, and images. Use high-quality images that clearly showcase the product and its features, as visuals play a significant role in grabbing customer attention. Detailed and accurate descriptions help potential customers make informed decisions, increasing the likelihood of a purchase.

Use an Inventory Tracking System
Effectively managing your inventory is essential, especially if you sell on multiple platforms. An inventory tracking system helps you keep track of stock levels, preventing overselling and ensuring timely restocking. This is particularly important for maintaining a good standing with Target’s algorithm and ensuring you never miss out on potential sales. Look for systems that offer integrations with Target and other online marketplaces, allowing for seamless synchronization across all your sales channels.

Offer Great Fulfillment Service
Providing efficient order fulfillment is vital for maintaining high customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat business. Consider using Target Fulfillment Services to ensure fast and reliable delivery, leveraging Target’s extensive logistics network. A great fulfillment service enhances the overall customer experience, leading to positive reviews and increased customer loyalty. Efficient fulfillment also helps in securing the Buy Box, as Target values timely and reliable shipping services. By offering excellent fulfillment options, you can significantly improve your chances of success on the platform, ensuring that customers receive their orders promptly and in excellent condition.

Qualify for the Buy Box by Pricing Products Competitively
The Buy Box is a coveted spot on Target’s product pages, prominently displaying a particular seller’s offering. To qualify, you need competitive pricing and excellent seller performance metrics. Regularly researching market trends and adjusting your prices accordingly is essential to remain competitive. Target’s pricing dashboard can be a valuable tool in tracking market trends and ensuring your prices are attractive to potential customers. Competitive pricing not only helps you win the Buy Box but also drives higher sales volume and increases your overall visibility on the platform. By staying competitive, you can capture more customer interest and boost your sales.

Encourage Customers to Leave Positive Reviews
Positive reviews can significantly impact your sales and overall reputation on Target Plus Marketplace. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews by providing excellent service and follow-up emails thanking them for their purchase and inviting feedback. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to improving their shopping experience. Positive reviews build trust with potential customers and can lead to higher conversion rates. By actively encouraging and managing customer reviews, you can enhance your store’s credibility and attract more buyers.

Run Target Plus Marketplace Ads
Leverage Target Plus Marketplace’s advertising options to boost your product visibility and drive more traffic to your listings. Sponsored Search ads, including Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands, can help increase your reach and attract more potential customers. These ads are targeted, meaning they are shown to Target shoppers who are more likely to be interested in your products. Running effective ad campaigns can significantly increase your sales and brand awareness. By strategically using Target Plus Marketplace ads, you can enhance your product’s presence on the platform and drive higher engagement and conversions.

7 Tips for Succeeding on the Target Marketplace

Keep Up with Target's Customer Base

Understanding Target's customer base is crucial for success. Keep an eye on current trends and consumer demands to align your products with what shoppers are looking for. This competitive advantage can help you stand out and attract more customers, leading to increased sales.

Create Informative and Engaging Product Descriptions

Crafting compelling product descriptions is essential for attracting customers. Ensure your listings are optimized with high-quality images and relevant keywords to improve visibility and draw in potential buyers. Clear and engaging descriptions help customers make informed purchasing decisions, increasing the likelihood of a sale.

Offer Competitive Prices

Competitive pricing is vital for success on Target Plus. Develop pricing strategies that include discounts and promotions to create value and urgency for customers. Ensure consistency across platforms to maintain trust and attract more buyers. Regularly review and adjust your prices to stay competitive in the market.

Offer Exceptional Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is key to building trust and encouraging positive reviews. Address customer feedback promptly, ensure product quality, and offer timely delivery. Exceptional customer service can lead to repeat business and enhance your reputation on the platform.

Understand Target Plus's Inclusive Merchandising Requirement

Familiarize yourself with Target Plus’s inclusive merchandising requirements to ensure your products meet the platform's standards for quality and inclusivity. This knowledge will help you align your offerings with Target’s values, increasing your chances of success on the platform.

Leverage Social Media and SEO

Utilize social media and SEO strategies to build an online presence and connect with customers. Effective use of these tools can increase brand visibility across various platforms, driving more traffic to your Target Plus listings and boosting sales.

Establish a Reputable Brand

Building a strong reputation across all online channels is crucial for success. Ensure consistency in quality and service to position yourself as a reliable seller. A reputable brand attracts more customers and fosters loyalty, which can significantly enhance your performance on Target Plus Marketplace.

Conclusion

Selling on Target Plus Marketplace involves several key steps, from meeting initial qualifications and creating a seller account to listing products and optimizing your sales strategy. By following this guide, you can navigate the platform effectively and take full advantage of its potential. Understanding the importance of optimizing product listings, managing inventory efficiently, providing excellent fulfillment services, pricing competitively, and leveraging advertising options are all crucial for success. Additionally, using tools like Priceva’s price optimization can further enhance your competitive edge and drive success.

FAQ

What is a Target marketplace?

Target Marketplace, also known as Target Plus, is an exclusive, invitation-only platform where third-party retailers can sell their products alongside Target's own offerings.

How do I become a seller on Target marketplace?

To become a seller, you must be invited by Target. Meeting their eligibility criteria, such as having a U.S. physical presence and adhering to high product standards, increases your chances.

Are there 3rd party sellers on Target?

Yes, Target Plus includes selected third-party sellers who offer high-quality products that meet Target's standards.

How many sellers are on Target marketplace?

The number of sellers is limited and carefully curated by Target to maintain a high standard of product quality and customer experience.

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