Someone at the board meeting said "we should launch a marketplace." Now you need to understand what that actually means - fast.
An online marketplace is a platform where multiple third-party sellers offer products or services to buyers, while the platform operator manages infrastructure, payments, and rules. Think Amazon or Allegro at the B2C end. At the B2B end: procurement hubs, wholesale platforms, industry-specific supply networks.
This guide explains what an online marketplace is, how it differs from a standard eCommerce store, and - critically - what it means for your tech stack if you're a B2B team considering the model.
What is an online marketplace
A marketplace connects buyers and sellers on a single platform. The operator doesn't own the inventory - it creates conditions for transactions and takes a cut: a commission, a subscription fee, or both.
