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JENS BERGERMANN

The Zalando marketplace is one of the leading platforms for fashion and lifestyle in Europe, headquartered in Berlin, offering customers in Switzerland a wide selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. As a seller on Zalando, you benefit from extensive reach, as the platform attracts millions of active users looking for the latest fashion trends.

What requirements must merchants meet to sell their products on Zalando? To access over 50 million active customers and successfully sell as a merchant on Zalando, certain conditions must be met. These include providing high-quality product images, adhering to shipping times, and maintaining excellent customer service. Zalando also offers a customer-friendly returns management system that complies with the platform’s guidelines.

However, selling on Zalando as a Swiss merchant also comes with some challenges, particularly in logistics, import, storage, and product listings. These include meeting strict shipping deadlines and managing import and customs regulations, especially for international deliveries. This is where distributors and partners come into play: they facilitate your market entry in Switzerland by handling local logistics and storage, ensuring that all customs and import regulations are met.

What are the advantages of Zalando?

Zalando offers merchants several significant advantages that make selling on the platform attractive:

1. High Reach: With millions of active customers across Europe, Zalando provides access to a vast audience. As a merchant, you benefit from presenting your products to numerous potential buyers, increasing visibility and sales opportunities.

2. Established Trust: As one of Europe’s most renowned fashion and lifestyle platforms, Zalando is highly trusted by customers. This strong reputation allows you to showcase your products in a reliable environment known for quality, security, and dependable service.

3. Marketing and Advertising: Zalando continuously invests in targeted marketing and advertising, boosting brand awareness and traffic to the platform. You can leverage this reach without needing to invest heavily in your marketing efforts.

4. Simplified Order Processing: With an established system for order and shipping management, Zalando provides a structured platform that helps you streamline processes. This is especially helpful for inventory and order management.

5. Flexible Sales Options: Merchants can sell directly to end customers through Zalando and benefit from various models, such as the Zalando Partner Program or Zalando Fulfillment Solutions (ZFS). This flexibility allows you to use your storage capacity or manage logistics directly through Zalando.

6. Returns and Refund Management: Zalando offers a customer-friendly returns system, promoting a positive shopping experience. Merchants benefit from a proven returns process that builds customer trust and positively influences purchasing decisions.

What are the disadvantages of Zalando?

The disadvantages and challenges of selling on Zalando include:

1. Time-Consuming KYC Process: The Know-Your-Customer process is complex and time-consuming, which can delay the onboarding process for merchants.

2. Technical Integration: Integrating with the platform requires significant resources, as the process follows specific Zalando standards that can be challenging to implement.

3. Limited Acceptance of New Brands: Zalando only accepts selected brands and suppliers, making it challenging for smaller or lesser-known merchants to get listed.

4. High Return Rate: The average return rate is around 30%, which results in additional logistics costs and effort for merchants.

How extensive is Zalando's reach in Switzerland?

Zalando is one of the leading online fashion platforms in Switzerland, boasting high reach and strong customer loyalty. In the fashion sector, it even surpasses the largest Swiss marketplace, Galaxus.

Currently, Zalando serves around 50 million active customers across Europe and continues to grow steadily, including in Switzerland. Lately, the Swiss market has particularly benefited from the introduction of new B2B features aimed at expanding the product range and meeting customer demand.

What are Zalando's current sales figures and statistics?

Zalando reports solid sales figures and a stable customer base. In the second quarter of 2024, Zalando achieved revenue of 2.64 billion euros, reflecting a 3.4% growth compared to the previous year. The gross merchandise volume (GMV) increased by 2.8% to 3.84 billion euros. Currently, Zalando sees an average order volume of 297 € per customer over the past 12 months in Europe. This figure highlights the purchasing behavior and willingness to spend among customers on the platform. 

Zalando provides you as a seller with access to a vast customer base. The advantages are clear: they enable your brand to successfully enter new markets and expand your reach.

What are the conditions for sellers on Zalando?

To successfully sell on Zalando, sellers must meet certain conditions. Generally, these include:

1. Product Quality: Sellers must ensure that the products offered meet Zalando's high-quality standards.

2. Product Images: High-quality and attractive product images are required to present items appealingly.

3. Shipping Deadlines: Sellers must adhere to strict shipping deadlines to ensure customer satisfaction.

4. Customer Service: Excellent customer service is essential for professionally handling inquiries and complaints.

For sellers outside of Switzerland, there are some specific challenges. These are crucial for a successful market entry on Zalando and should be carefully considered by sellers. They include, among others:

• Complexity of Customs and Import Process: International sellers must familiarize themselves with local customs regulations and import requirements, which can involve additional administrative efforts.

• Logistics: Organizing logistics and storage can be challenging, especially when products need to be shipped to different countries.

• Technical Integration: Extensive technical integration into the Zalando platform may be necessary to effectively manage product listings and ensure smooth system functionality.

For detailed information on the conditions that sellers must meet to become active on Zalando, it is recommended to visit the Zalando Partner University. This platform provides the necessary information to successfully join the Zalando Partner Program and optimize your business on the platform.

If the challenges related to customs, import processes, and logistics for various countries seem too complex, a distribution partner can provide valuable support. These conditions and challenges are critical for a successful market entry on Zalando and should be carefully considered by sellers. 

Are there any fees and commissions on Zalando?

Zalando charges a range of fees for merchants selling their products on the platform. In July 2023, a monthly base fee of €40 was introduced for merchants, which amounts to an annual fee of €480. Additionally, sales commissions vary depending on the product category and price. These commissions generally range from 7% to 25%, with some categories, such as men's textiles and unisex products, being tiered: for items priced between €0 and €19.99, the commission is 9%, while items priced between €20 and €49.99 are charged a 19% commission.

For the Connected Retail option, the commission ranges from 5% to 22%, depending on whether the products are already being sold on Zalando. For exclusive products available only on Zalando, commissions may be higher.

How to list products on Zalando?

To list products on Zalando, you need to follow a few steps. First, it is necessary to create a merchant account and provide the required product information, such as descriptions, prices, and high-quality images. This is typically done through the Zalando Seller Center, a platform that allows you to upload and manage product data. The products must meet Zalando's specific quality and presentation requirements to maximize visibility and attractiveness to customers.

Merchants can benefit significantly from working with a distribution partner. Such a partner not only assists with the customs and import process and logistics but also helps create and optimize product listings. This is especially advantageous if your business operates in multiple countries or if you want to simplify your entry into international sales. These partners bring additional expertise to ensure that your products meet platform requirements and maximize sales potential, making the market entry easier and the entire sales process more efficient.

What are the import rules for Zalando?

Importing goods into Switzerland via Zalando can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with applicable customs and tax regulations. There are several key aspects of the import process to keep in mind. Here are the most important points and challenges you should be aware of:

Import process into Switzerland

1. Customs and tax obligations: When importing goods into Switzerland, merchants must consider both the applicable customs fees and value-added tax (VAT). VAT is levied on goods whose total value amounts to CHF 300 or more. For customs clearance, the following documents are required: a commercial invoice, a packing list, a customs tariff number (HS code), and proof of origin. Specific tariffs may vary depending on the product category. It is essential to be informed about the respective requirements in advance to ensure a smooth import process.

2. Customs declaration: Sellers must submit a customs declaration to properly import their goods into Switzerland. This can be done using the "QuickZoll" app, which simplifies the handling of customs formalities.

3. Packaging and labeling: Products must comply with Swiss regulations regarding packaging and labeling. This also includes safety and quality standards that may apply to specific product categories. For example, food products must clearly state ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information. Cosmetic products require a complete list of ingredients, and the packaging must include the correct safety and usage instructions.

Challenges of importing goods into Switzerland

One of the greatest challenges when importing goods into Switzerland are the associated customs fees and value-added tax (VAT). These costs can significantly increase the final price for customers, so they must be calculated in advance to ensure competitiveness.

Another issue is the complexity of regulations. The rules can vary and are often complicated. As a seller, you need to thoroughly research the specific customs tariffs and regulations for your products in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Additionally, there may be logistical challenges. Importing often involves difficulties in handling returns or damaged goods, which can incur additional costs. It is essential to consider these factors to ensure a smooth import process.

Solutions through a Distributor

To overcome some of these challenges, partnering with a distributor can be an effective solution. A distributor can:

• Handle customs clearance: Distributors are often familiar with customs procedures and can manage customs clearance efficiently, minimizing delays and complications.

• Storage and logistics: A distributor can serve as an intermediary warehouse and manage the logistics for shipping products to end customers, reducing delivery times and administrative costs.

• Minimize risks: By consolidating imports and purchasing in larger quantities, sellers can negotiate better prices and reduce the impact of customs duties on their margins.

While importing goods via Zalando into Switzerland can be lucrative, it also comes with specific challenges. Partnering with an experienced distributor can be a promising strategy to optimize your processes and meet legal requirements.

What is the best way for non-Swiss sellers to sell on Zalando?

The best way for non-Swiss sellers to successfully sell on Zalando is through an experienced distribution partner for Switzerland. A distributor like SURS often takes on the responsibility for logistics, warehousing, and compliance with customs and import regulations. This is especially important for sellers based outside of Switzerland, as it ensures a smooth market entry.

Advantages of SURS as a Distributor

1. Comprehensive support: SURS handles all aspects of the sales process, including customs clearance, storage, and product launches. This minimizes complexity for you as a seller and allows for a seamless market entry.

2. Customs and import management: SURS is well-versed in Swiss customs regulations and ensures that your products are imported without issues, saving time and reducing the risk of delays.

3. Efficient storage and logistics: With SURS, you have a partner who takes care of product storage and provides efficient logistics, ensuring that your goods reach customers quickly.

4. Market access: SURS facilitates access to a wide customer base, allowing you to effectively expand your reach in Switzerland.

By partnering with SURS, you address many of the challenges associated with selling on Zalando and can focus on growing your brand.

FAQs

What requirements do merchants need to meet to sell on Zalando?

Merchants must provide high-quality product images and detailed descriptions while adhering to safety standards. Timely shipping and excellent customer service are also essential. Collaborating with distributors can help ensure compliance with customs and import regulations and simplify market entry.

How does the import process for merchants on Zalando to Switzerland work?

To import into Switzerland, merchants must submit customs declarations and pay customs duties as well as value-added tax. The products must comply with Swiss packaging and labeling standards. Distributors can handle this process, saving merchants time and effort.

What are the benefits of partnering with a distributor like SURS for selling on Zalando?

Partnering with a distributor like SURS significantly reduces the complexity of the sales process on Zalando. SURS handles logistics, storage, and customs processing, allowing merchants to focus on their business. This increases reach and facilitates market entry.

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