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Selling on Swiss Marketplaces: Requirements, Logistics & Marketing
Located in the heart of Europe, the Swiss e-commerce market stands out for its steady growth and tremendous potential. Over the past decade, the domestic online trade has more than doubled, making Switzerland an increasingly attractive market for companies exploring profitable business models.
But what should businesses consider when entering the Swiss market? Key factors include the country’s unique logistical and legal characteristics. Companies must navigate the complexities of customs procedures and familiarize themselves with Switzerland's national legal framework. Equally important is accommodating the linguistic diversity of Swiss consumers, which must be factored into all marketing efforts.
To establish a foothold in the market, businesses must first understand and meet the specific preferences of local consumers. Swiss shoppers expect not only fast delivery (typically within 1–2 business days) but also high-quality customer service, simple returns, and hassle-free warranty processing within the country. Moreover, Swiss customers are known for their strong emphasis on quality and significant brand awareness.
Leading marketplaces shaping online shopping habits in Switzerland include Galaxus, Zalando, and Manor. Galaxus impresses with a vast product range, while Zalando is Europe’s pioneer in fashion retail. Manor has successfully transitioned from a traditional department store to a digital marketplace, continually expanding its online offerings. To thrive in this competitive environment, brands need a tailored strategy and a profound understanding of these platforms and the needs of local consumers. This article provides you with all the essential information to get started.
How to Choose the Right Swiss Marketplace
The choice of the right Swiss marketplace largely depends on your target audience and product category. For successful sales in Switzerland, there must be a close alignment between your business model and the product offerings of the marketplace. Additionally, factors such as the marketplace’s fee structure and traffic statistics should play a crucial role in your decision-making process. Overall, the chosen marketplace should effectively represent your brand and provide access to your target audience.
When looking for a generalist marketplace, Galaxus is the top choice – as the largest all-rounder in Switzerland, it offers a wide range of products and partners selectively with merchants who can demonstrate a certain size and technological infrastructure. In contrast to Germany, Amazon does not have a local office in Switzerland, but it still plays a significant role for merchants by offering access to a global market and using "Fulfillment by Amazon" (FBA) as a distribution channel for third-party sellers.
For more specific product categories, the following marketplaces stand out:
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Zalando leads in the fashion and beauty sectors and has allowed Swiss merchants to join as marketplace partners since 2021.
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Manor, once a traditional department store, has also established itself in e-commerce, particularly in categories such as fashion, beauty, jewelry, cosmetics, and textiles.
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Home24 is one of the largest online furniture retailers within the European Union and quickly conquered the Swiss market in the home & living segment after its entry.
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Interdiscount and Brack are well-known online retailers, with a strong focus on IT and electronics. Although these are not classic marketplaces, SURS enables you to connect with them.
Choosing the right marketplace is critical for success in e-commerce. For businesses looking to establish themselves in Switzerland, it is advisable to carefully consider the specific characteristics of all marketplaces and evaluate how they align with their business goals.
Requirements and Guidelines for Selling on Swiss Marketplaces
To ensure that selling in Switzerland is not hindered by legal issues, it is essential to familiarize oneself with Swiss contract law, specifically the Swiss Code of Obligations. This law governs the relationships between contracting parties and forms the basis for sales contracts, including warranty obligations and delivery terms. It stipulates that buyers can make warranty claims for up to two years after purchase in case of defects and recommends, though not legally required, a 14-day return policy.
Another relevant regulation is the Federal Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG), which protects businesses and consumers from misleading practices and ensures fairness in competition. It prohibits deceptive advertising or unfair business practices that could influence consumer behavior. Furthermore, sellers must comply with the Price Indication Ordinance (PBV), which requires clear and comprehensible price information for goods and services, including the full disclosure of any additional fees and taxes, so that the customer can easily understand the total price.
Additionally, sellers must adhere to Swiss data protection laws, which impose strict regulations on the collection, processing, and storage of personal data to protect user privacy. This includes providing a clear and transparent privacy policy that outlines what data is collected and how it will be used.
Logistics and Shipping Solutions for Selling in Switzerland
When entering the Swiss e-commerce market, companies have various logistics models to choose from. Traditional drop-shipping allows merchants to ship products directly from the manufacturer to the customer without holding inventory. However, this model encounters difficulties due to Switzerland's customs boundaries, as it is associated with long delivery times and additional import duties, along with high customs costs. Using a local warehouse presents a viable alternative, simplifying logistics and enabling faster delivery.
A crucial aspect of online selling in Switzerland is transparency regarding delivery times and costs. Swiss customers highly value clear information about the delivery of their orders and the associated costs. Companies that provide this transparency can build customer trust and enhance their competitiveness.
Therefore, partnering with fulfillment providers is a smart approach when selling in Switzerland, as they can ensure efficient storage and quick delivery. These partners not only offer physical storage in Switzerland but also handle all logistics from order to delivery. With proximity to customers, fulfillment partners can guarantee faster delivery times while increasing transparency on shipping costs and times. Switzerland has a wide range of logistics service providers, including well-known logistics giants such as DB Schenker, Planzer, DSV, and Swiss Post.
SURS.ch stands out in this environment by offering an all-in-one solution for e-commerce brands looking to enter the Swiss market. Our services go far beyond typical fulfillment offerings, covering all relevant business aspects from market entry to product listing and inventory management. This means you don't have to worry about customs or customer service and can focus your resources on your core business.
Marketing and Advertising Strategies for Selling on Swiss Marketplaces
A tailored marketing and advertising strategy is crucial for successful sales on online marketplaces in Switzerland. Although specific advertising options on Swiss marketplaces may currently be limited, customer reviews play a central role. They are one of the best forms of advertising, providing authentic user feedback that can influence potential buyers in their decision-making process.
To increase product visibility, the use of social media marketing is also recommended. Sharing product information on social networks boosts brand awareness and drives valuable traffic to the e-commerce website. Creating campaigns around local holidays and events is also effective, as it strengthens cultural connections and leverages relevant sales opportunities. Cross-promotion between different products or services can further enrich the offering and encourage customers to make additional purchases.
Our comprehensive service offering supports you in the marketing aspect of market entry as well. With SURS' holistic approach, you can effectively navigate the specifics of the Swiss market and maximize your sales potential.
Selling to Switzerland with the Right Partner, Made Easy
To successfully establish yourself in Swiss e-commerce, you need not only a well-thought-out strategy but also a strong local partner. A deeper understanding of the logistical and legal requirements, combined with effective advertising and sales strategies, forms the foundation for sustainable success in the dynamic Swiss e-commerce market. Future trends point towards further digitalization and personalization of the customer experience, which requires ongoing adaptation and innovation from brands.
SURS is the ideal partner for foreign companies looking to expand into Switzerland. With expert advice, in-depth market knowledge, a wide network of sales channels, and a complete order fulfillment service including a Swiss warehouse, we provide all our clients with a comprehensive all-in-one solution. This support enables you to seamlessly integrate into the Swiss market and achieve both short-term and long-term success.
FAQs
Does Language Play a Role in Selling on Swiss Marketplaces?
In multilingual Switzerland, it is important to note that consumers have a strong preference for shopping in their native language. Therefore, it is crucial for online retailers to offer their websites and product information in the country's main languages—German, French, and Italian—to reach a wider audience and enhance customer satisfaction.
How Can Small Businesses Benefit from Opportunities on Swiss Marketplaces?
Small businesses can benefit from the opportunities on Swiss marketplaces by catering to niche markets and focusing on outstanding customer service. SURS supports you not only with market entry but also by providing access to a broader audience.
How Can Sellers on Swiss Marketplaces Increase Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty?
When selling to Switzerland, merchants can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty primarily through high-quality customer service and fast delivery times. Clear communication about products and services is also crucial. Ideally, all of this results in positive customer reviews, which serve as an important marketing tool.
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