June 12, 2024

Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know 

The Target marketplace is an exclusive, invite-only online marketplace that caters to third-party retailers. In this article, we will go through all you need to know about how to increase sales and profit on the Target Plus marketplace. 
Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know 
Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know 

Target has since been one of the big players in the world of commerce with nearly 2000 stores in the USA and approximately 107.41 billion U.S. dollars as of 2023.  However, with the rise of online retail and ecommerce, Target has established the Target Plus marketplace, following in the footsteps of brands like Walmart and Amazon

The Target marketplace is an exclusive, invite-only online marketplace that caters to third-party retailers. 

As a Target marketplace seller, you will be part of a group of handpicked trusted brands on the Target Plus platform, getting access to a wide audience without the fierce competition that comes with selling on other platforms like Amazon. 

In this article, we will go through all you need to know about how to increase sales and profit on the Target Plus marketplace. 

What is the Target Plus marketplace? 

Target Plus is a top ecommerce platform that serves third-party sellers. Target joined the ecommerce space in February 2019, allowing third-party retailers to sell on Target marketplace. 

What makes the Target Plus marketplace unique and different from other online marketplaces is its exclusivity. Target Plus is an invitation-only platform, meaning that Target Plus only partners with selected third-party retailers. In simpler terms, it means you have to wait for Target to reach out to you before selling on the platform. 

The platform aims to offer customers a wide range of high-quality products from a range of top-tier national brands. 

Target seems to be open to receiving applications in the future. However, the online marketplace remains an invite-only platform for now. 

Who is eligible to sell on the Target Plus Marketplace? 

As we mentioned earlier, Target hand-picks third-party sellers and brands they want to partner with. Target takes third-party sellers through rigorous screening to ensure that the quality of products available on the platform is maintained. 

Although Target plans to accept a few sellers under the same category, Target prohibits numerous sellers that list the same product category. This gives the early investors a chance to gain market share. 

Here are the requirements for selected Target marketplace sellers: 

  • Every seller should have a physical presence (including a company and bank account) in the United States.
  • Sellers are expected to price items on the same level as sales channels available on the marketplace
  • All orders on the platform must be sent out within 24 hours and must not exceed a 5-day travel time
  • Target Plus does not offer Cross-border trade services. All shipping happens within the US only

Sellers also have to meet the following Image requirements:  

  • Images must be in jpg format and RGB
  • The minimum image dimensions are 1200 x 1200px while the maximum image dimensions are 2400 x 2400px
  • Images must not contain watermarks, graphic content, or promotional language 
  • Your main image should be a product outline that should be shot on a white background
  • Product images should highlight the major features and present a good view of the product

Benefits of selling on the Target Plus marketplace 

Selling on Target Plus might be bad news for newbies because of its exclusivity. But what are the benefits that come with being invited to sell on the Target marketplace? 

Less competition 

Unlike other marketplaces that allow sellers to apply on-site, Target is an invite-only platform, meaning that sellers have less competition to deal with. You can easily climb up the ladders and increase sales and revenue. 

Brand reputation 

Target falls as the 10th largest retailer in the United States. Being a household name, Target holds a measure of trust amongst consumers. This means you have access to Target’s loyal customers, making it easy to double up sales and increase online business revenue. 

Market share 

Because Target Plus is an invite-only platform with a limited number of sellers under each product category, you can easily gain market share if you are an early investor. 

Attractive seller benefits 

Target Plus allows you to build and customize your storefront. There are also no hidden charges or fulfillment fees. You will only need to pay referral fees that fall between 5 and 15%.  

Target requires that you ship products by yourself. However, they handle all returns for your business. 

Attractive buyer benefits 

Target Plus is not only a trusted brand amongst consumers, but Target Plus also offers benefits to buyers. Buyers who apply for a RedCard get 5% off all items in the store. They also get free shipping for most products sold on Target. 

How to sell on the Target marketplace

Target will have to ask you to become a seller. There are no application processes or waiting lists at the moment. However, you can improve your chances of being selected by Target Plus if you position yourself properly. Let’s look at a few ways you can stand out and possibly get an invitation sooner than you think. 

  1. Evaluate your business 
  2. Improve performance on other online marketplaces
  3. Source the right products
  4. Increase brand exposure
  5. Improve your fulfillment infrastructure 

Evaluate your business

Target has specific requirements for sellers on its marketplace. You want to carefully assess whether your business meets the stringent criteria set by Target Plus, including having a physical presence in the United States and adhering to Target Plus's Inclusive Merchandising requirements.

Improve performance on other online marketplaces

Target looks out for well-established businesses in the US for Target Plus. This means that to increase your chances of being selected by Target, you need to focus on building a good reputation in other online marketplaces. 

To do this, focus on selling high-quality products at affordable prices to attract customers to your brand. Optimize your product listing using SEO and other online marketing strategies for increasing sales and revenue. Ensure you offer fast shipping to get your products to customers as fast as possible. Also, offer great customer service by attending to customer complaints as quickly as possible. This will attract positive reviews, improve rankings, and increase customer retention

Source the right products 

The Target Plus marketplace focuses on offering high-quality products that are carefully hand-picked from selected brands. While there are no specifics from Target on what type of product is considered during selection, it is important to keep the following in mind when sourcing your products: 

  • Choose products for specific niches and hobbies. For example, you can sell branded activewear for yoga. 
  • Focus on high-quality products that are unique and have competitive prices. Price your products competitively to attract customers. You want to consider offering exclusive discounts, bundle deals, or limited-time promotions to create a sense of urgency. 
  • Choose products that fall in line with Target's customer base and popular trends.
  • Source products that stand out with additional features. Your products should have features that differentiate them from other products available in the market. It could be better durability or performance
  • Product prices should be at the same level as products sold on other sales outlets or online marketplaces. 

Increase brand exposure

To get noticed by Target Plus, your brand needs to be up and coming. Strive to get on fast shipping programs and implement online marketing strategies that get your brand to the top of search results. 

Optimize your brand for Google using SEO techniques. Lastly, improve your social media presence. Create a social media account and if possible, set up a social media shop. For example, you could set up an Instagram shop for your clothing brand. 

Improve your fulfillment infrastructure

Target Plus requires that you shop for orders within 24 hours and customers receive orders within 5 days. It is important to set up a fulfillment infrastructure that delivers orders as fast as possible. The shorter the delivery time, the more attractive you are to Target Plus. 

7 tips for succeeding on the Target marketplace 

Here are a few tips that will help enhance your chances of succeeding on the Target marketplace:

  1. Keep up with Target’s customer base

When choosing products, you want to consider Target's customer base and align your products to the latest trends. What's the latest at Target stores? What products are consumers shopping for the most? Understanding what consumers want will help you offer products that are in high demand and give you a competitive advantage. The products you sell on the target marketplace should be trendy, unique, and high-quality. 

  1. Create informative and engaging product descriptions 

You want to optimize your product listing to attract customers to your store and increase sales on the Target marketplace. Create compelling and informative product descriptions that highlight the features, benefits, and competitive advantages of your products. Use high-quality images and insert relevant keywords in your product listing to improve visibility in search results. 

  1. Offer competitive prices 

Target is known for offering high-quality products at affordable prices. Ensure you price your products competitively using effective pricing strategies and tools. Bump up the value of your products by offering exclusive discounts, bundle deals, or limited-time promotions. This also creates a sense of urgency and attracts more customers to your online store. 

Additionally, you want to maintain product pricing similar to those on your other marketplaces. Consistent, competitive pricing across multiple platforms is crucial for building a strong online presence.

  1. Offer exceptional customer service 

Customers will always remember the experience they have with your brand. They will always remember how you make them feel throughout their journey. 

Providing exceptional customer service is key to building trust with your customers, and encouraging positive reviews. Ensure you pay attention to customer feedback and address them as quickly as possible. Provide high-quality products and ensure your customers get their orders on time and in good condition. 

Exceptional customer service encourages word-of-mouth recommendations which is highly effective for advertising your products. 

  1. Understand Target Plus's Inclusive Merchandising Requirement

As a Target marketplace seller, familiarize yourself with Target Plus's exclusivity merchandising requirements to ensure your products meet the platform's standards for quality and inclusivity. 

  1. Leverage social media and SEO

Building an online presence is a powerful way to attract customers and connect with them on a deeper level. Use social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to build an online community, connect with customers, and create buzz around your brand. You want to employ SEO tactics to rank higher and increase visibility on Google and other online marketplaces. 

  1. Establish a reputable brand

One powerful way to succeed on the Target marketplace is to focus on establishing a strong reputation across all your online channels. A track record of excellent results on platforms like Amazon and Walmart positions you as a reliable seller on the Target marketplace. 

Final thoughts 

Target Plus is an exclusive marketplace with massive potential. If you are not selling on Target Plus, you may consider building your brand to increase your chances of getting invited by Target. Who knows? You just might be one of those brands who get accepted once Target begins to accept applications in the future. 

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