TPHUBS.COMHow to grow your own store without breaking marketplace rules
Once sellers see the risk of selling only on a marketplace, the first instinct is to message buyers: “next time buy from my website, it's cheaper”. That's the fastest way to get suspended. Here's where the line sits between what's prohibited and what's fine, so you can build your own channel safely.
What marketplaces typically prohibit
- Steering buyers off the platform to avoid fees. Etsy calls this fee avoidance and bans it. TikTok Shop also prohibits off-platform transactions.
- Links or store discount codes in buyer messages. Amazon prohibits using buyer messaging for marketing or to direct buyers to another website.
- Flyers in marketplace orders pointing to your site. Amazon explicitly prohibits this. Rules differ by platform, so read them before you print thank-you cards.
- Using marketplace customer data (email, phone, address) for marketing without consent.
Rules change over time and by country. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Always check the current policy in your marketplace's seller center.
7 legitimate ways to build your own channel
- Use one memorable brand name across your marketplace shop, social media and domain. Happy customers will search for you on Google.
- Build your own social channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest) with your store link in the profile.
- Publish content and do SEO on your store: size guides, how-tos, product stories. New buyers from Google land directly on your site.
- Send new buyers from ads to your store rather than to the marketplace, and use the fees you save as ad budget.
- Collect emails on your own store with a first-order offer. That list is fully yours.
- List on Google Shopping through Google Merchant Center so your products show on Google and link straight to your store.
- Work with creators using links to your store, in addition to marketplace sales videos.
Where to start
You need a store professional enough for a buyer to trust on a first order: clear design, familiar payments, complete policy pages, fast on mobile. Use our 30-point launch checklist to check yourself, or message TPHubs for a free consultation. Every account and domain stays in your name. See pricing.