ASOS have launched their ASOS marketplace in the UK and individual sellers can sign in and start listing for free straight away, if you want an ASOS Boutique then there is an application process. ASOS say that the Boutiques are intended for emerging design talent, independent labels and vintage specialists, so they may not be open to all sellers that would like them. However if you deal in vintage clothing it’s worth taking a closer look.
The first thing you’ll notice about the ASOS marketplace is that the items for sale are in displayed in street style photos rather than the more typical hanger or mannequin images from other marketplaces. Customer interaction on social networks and part of ASOS’s strategy and so even sign in to the new site can be via your Facebook account.
Whilst the ASOS marketplace may not be great news for eBay it certainly won’t harm their corporate coffers as ASOS say that “we are BFF with PayPal” which will be the payment method for purchases as well as any seller fees. Currently though there’s no ASOS involvement in dispute resolution and the site simply says “If the seller is not cooperating, you can raise a dispute with PayPal and request a refund.” However there will be seller feedback with both ratings and comments to give some confidence in who you’re buying from.
You shouldn’t need to worry about fakes on the ASOS marketplace, they say that they operate a zero tolerance policy towards the buying and selling of counterfeit goods. In fitting with the nature of the site they add regarding fakes “We just won’t stand for it, and we love standing for things. It shows off our shoes.”
Individuals selling on ASOS will pay 10% fees while for a boutique there’s a £50 a month fee along with 15% fees. All fees will automatically be deducted from your PayPal account and currently the site is open to UK sellers only.
If you’re in the clothing, fashion or accessories business then head over to the ASOS marketplace and check it out now. If you’re a fashion conscious buyer then head over their too as they already have a selection of goods up for sale.
3 Responses
“ASOS Marketplace boutiques will comprise of key emerging design talent, groundbreaking independent labels and boutiques and the finest vintage selections.”
So this rules out the vast majority of unbranded sellers that make up a fair majority of eBay/Amazon.
Matt
We applied for the boutique option and it was a no, I get the feeling it won’t be like amazon or ebay really it will be for students and small designers to sell their goods rather than companies that will flood the place with cheap goods.
I would say marketplace on ASOS is a clever marketing tool rather than something for them to make money with!
I love the ASOS marketplace. I have some really rare vintage Dr Martens that I am going to sell on there (not as a boutique). I think they will get more appreciation then via massmarket marketplaces. Its a bit of fun…will see how it goes!