Article | 6 min read

Start A Beauty Product & Cosmetics Marketplace: Build On Shopify And Beyond

Build a Marketplace
Author
Samiksha Kukreti
Editor
Manav Gupta
Published
November 28, 2024
Last Updated
December 11, 2024

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Table of Contents

Whether you’re an established skincare brand looking to diversify your dropshipping supplier base, or an established retailer seeking to diversify your offerings, or an entrepreneur driven by a passion for skincare, launching a multivendor beauty marketplace opens doors to significant opportunities.

These platforms also empower sellers—from indie brands to global manufacturers—to connect with a broader audience while giving buyers access to diverse product options.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to create a successful beauty product marketplace. If your vision is to support local artisans, feature sustainable beauty brands, or curate premium cosmetics for global shoppers, this roadmap will help you bring your marketplace to life.

1. Leading beauty marketplaces for inspiration

Here are some established multivendor marketplaces in beauty and personal care niche to get inspired from: 

Sephora is a global leader in the beauty marketplace:

  • Offers a massive range of beauty products, from skincare to makeup, all from top brands like Fenty Beauty, Tarte, and Dior.
  • The shopping experience is highly interactive with virtual try-ons and personalized product recommendations.
  • Depending on need, there are regular beauty classes and events where customers are given expert advice and tutorials on enhancing beauty routines.

GlamSquad leading the online service marketplace:

  • Connects individuals to different beauty professionals who offer services including makeup artists and hairstylists.
  • Users can schedule beauty services whenever they feel like, at their place of choice like an office or even home hence promoting personal grooming.
  • It forms partnerships with key players within this sector thus ensuring top-quality delivery at all times.

Vagaro has revolutionized booking beauty services:

  • Allows for beauty salons, spas, and fitness professionals to be searched based on their location and their availability.
  • Enables real-time booking and payment options hence managing appointments by its users is easier.
  • Comes with reviews and ratings from users as well. This is to help customers who are interested in it make better-informed choices.

Further, partnering with Shiptutle positions you at the forefront. See how these brands have transformed their digital presence by partnering with Shipturtle to build successful online beauty markets that cater to modern consumers' needs.

I. Brown Living

Website: Brown Living

Brown Living's organic personal care products focus on sustainability and ecologically friendly living. Furthermore, skincare products, hair care products and body care products created from natural non-toxic ingredients constitute part of its range. This implies that the company sources its products ethically, it does not test the products on animals but instead utilizes minimal packaging which is in line with the concept of sustainable living.

Key Features:

  • Natural, Toxin-Free Ingredients: All products are made with plant-based, chemical-free ingredients that are safe for both the skin and the planet.
  • Cruelty-Free: No animal testing is involved, ensuring that the brand remains ethical and compassionate.
  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Uses recyclable, biodegradable, or minimal packaging to help reduce waste.

II. Suspire

Website: Suspire

Suspire is a curated collection of eco-friendly and vegan beauty, personal care, apparel, and home living among other things. Featuring more than 350+ different sustainable brands, it encourages ethical practices by promoting the use of organic products derived from nature. It’s likewise possible for shoppers to adopt green lifestyles owing to the availability of certain amenities such as prepaid order free-of-charge deliveries, refund possibilities, as well as payment options by installments on this website.

Key Features:

  • Eco-Friendly Products: Offers a wide range of sustainable products made from natural, cruelty-free ingredients.
  • Vegan Options: All products are free from animal-derived ingredients, aligning with a vegan lifestyle.
  • Wide Product Range: Offers a variety of categories, including beauty, personal care, apparel, and home living, all with an eco-conscious focus.

III. PYVIT

Website: PYVIT

US-based PYVIT is all about enhancing the influencer shopping experience. They offer a curated selection of beauty, skincare, and wellness essentials from reliable brands, with a main focus on exclusive deals and top-notch products. If you need hair stuff such as hair conditioner, body oil like shea butter that also can be used as fast absorbing cream, Color resurrection liquid lipstick, go to the PYVIT online store where you can easily buy the newest beauty innovations for all tastes while also having opportunities to freely choose strategies concerning content generation or communication with likeminded people.

Key Features:

  • Curated Beauty Selection: Offers a handpicked range of beauty, skincare, and wellness products from top brands.
  • Exclusive Deals: Provides special offers and discounts on high-quality products, available only through the platform.
  • Community Engagement: Encourages influencers and shoppers to create content, share experiences, and interact with the community.

Shipturtle makes things super simple with over 400 pre-built workflows and customizable options through open APIs. 

Here's how it helps businesses:

  • Easily manage a specific group of suppliers.
  • Handle listings, orders, and logistics with 100+ suppliers.
  • Use tools to list a ton of branded products quickly if you have a big inventory.
  • Streamline order processing and fulfilment to save time.
  • Automatically update inventory for large product categories.
  • Simplify logistics with automated order processing.
  • Organize and manage orders based on locations or PIN codes.

2. Recommended marketplace types

Choosing the correct model is essential while building an online marketplace. Every model has exclusive benefits:

I. Service-based marketplace

A service-based marketplace for beauty and personal care is designed for customers who want to find, book and buy services for personal care, grooming, as well as wellness. A platform like StyleSeat connects users with beauty and wellness professionals, from hairstylists to nail technicians. Its features include online booking, reviews, and dynamic pricing based on demand.

II. Product-based marketplace

Businesses sell a wide range of products to consumers without intermediate parties. Think about Sephora which sells beauty products directly to potential buyers in an online store. It is a simplistic shopping approach that involves brand-to-customer interaction only.

III. Pre-owned marketplace

These marketplaces focus on providing value through affordability and sustainability by extending the lifecycle of goods. Platforms like Poshmark allow individuals to resell gently used beauty products to others. It's more personal, with buyers and sellers engaging directly in the transaction.

IV. P2P marketplace

A peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace allows individual buyers and sellers to trade goods and services without the need for a centralized intermediary. Establishing a digital space for listing items and communicating with potential customers/tenants. A noteworthy example is PYVIT, which integrates user-generated content and influencer collaborations to create a quasi-P2P environment.

Turn your Shopify store into a multi-vendor marketplace and boost your revenue by 10x. With 5000+ integrations & open API support, go beyond traditional use cases and bring a revolution!

Shipturtle makes it seamless, scalable, and commission-free.

Take a demo today.

3. Essential features in a beauty and personal care marketplace

This is a list of important features for a beauty platform to have:

i. User-Friendly Design

A clean, intuitive layout is essential. Shoppers should be able to navigate easily, filter products by categories (skincare, makeup, etc.), and find what they’re looking for without any hassle.

ii. Search and Filter Options

With so many products available, buyers need a robust search function. Filters like brand, price, ingredients, and product type make it easier for them to find the perfect product.

iii. Secure Payment Gateway

A reliable and secure payment system is crucial. Offer multiple payment options (credit/debit cards, PayPal, etc.) to cater to all buyers.

iv. Inventory and Order Management

A good platform should allow sellers to easily manage their products, track inventory, and handle orders efficiently.

v. Shipping and Tracking

Make the shopping experience even better by providing seamless shipping options. Buyers should be able to track their orders from the moment they check out.

Learn how you can onboard suppliers from any platform using Shipturtle.

If you're on the hunt to close a tech stack for your marketplace, consider Shipturtle.

"The team at ShipTurtle is professional and always willing to help when I need it. They have done a lot of custom work for me, and broke my expectations for their custom capabilities. I would recommend their platform over all other marketplace apps on Shopify. Lastly, their customer service team deserves 5 stars."

Snehal Burhade
Ecolo.Store, India

4. Key steps to building an online marketplace using Shipturtle

Building a feature-rich multi-vendor marketplace may seem like a big and daunting task, but it can really happen with the right tools and clear self-explanatory steps.

Let's break it down into 6 simple steps:

  • Step 1: Set up your cart platform.
  • Step 2: Select your multi-vendor plugin.
  • Step 3: Connect vendor stores.
  • Step 4: Utilise strong workflows and integrations.
  • Step 5: Customise using open APIs.
  • Step 6: Promoting your marketplace.

Note: A unique domain name and a hosting plan is needed.

Step 1: Set up your cart platform


Setting up your eCommerce platform is crucial for laying a solid foundation.

Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento are some platforms that can help you to create a popular marketplace that would satisfy all your company needs.

This is how you do it:

  1. Visit the Shopify website and set up an account.
  2. To use Woocommerce, first install WordPress and then activate the WooCommerce plugin.
  3. Choose a website theme that fits your marketplace's specialisation.

Step 2: Select the multivendor plugin

Having your cart platform ready guarantees that your business may be transformed into a multivendor marketplace utilising technologies such as Shipturtle. You may now grow operations by incorporating multivendor features.

Shipturtle provides all of the tools required to develop and run a multivendor marketplace for any niche, including health supplements and wellness items.

If you continue to be confused, watch the App Overview video tutorial.

Step 3: Connect vendor stores

Shipturtle connects stores across Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Squarespace, Wix, and even physical retailers. Vendors may effortlessly integrate inventory and sales across several platforms. This cross-platform connection is ideal for growing your marketplace and recruiting vendors from other ecosystems.

Our Vendor Sync functionality uses Webhooks instead of APIs. This eliminates overselling and underselling altogether, offering a 10% increase in income. Furthermore, Shipturtle's powerful reconciliation system and modification record ensure correct inventory practically every time.

If you're still confused, see the Vendor Module video tutorial.

Step 4: Utilise strong workflows and integrations

Shipturtle provides your multivendor marketplace with 400+ processes and 5000+ integrations. Together, the powerful components automate and simplify operations, allowing you to expand successfully while maintaining process control. 

Take a deeper look at its robust processes and integrations:

i. Product listing module

Allow merchants to easily manage their product catalogues.

  1. Vendors may add, update, and delete goods straight from their dashboard.
  2. Upload items in bulk using CSV files to save time with huge inventory.
  3. Organise items into categories and use custom tags to improve discoverability.
     

You have complete control, with the power to accept or reject postings, guaranteeing quality and uniformity throughout the marketplace.

If you're still confused, see the Products & Listings Module video tutorial.

ii. Order module

Streamline order processing using Shipturtle's automated order management solution.

  1. Automatically divide orders among suppliers based on the items ordered.
  2. Vendors get order alerts and may manage fulfilment through their dashboards.
  3. Orders are tracked from start to finish, with real-time information for both consumers and sellers.

This assures proper order processing, avoids delays, and provides a pleasant consumer experience.

If you're still confused, see the Orders Module video tutorial.

iii. Payouts module

Simplify vendor payments using Shipturtle's numerous options:

  1. Set commission rates for each vendor on five levels, using a flat charge, percentage, or combination.
  2. Automate payments with Stripe, PayPal, or Razorpay connections.
  3. Create precise reports to guarantee that all vendors receive accurate profits on schedule.

This transparency fosters confidence among your vendors while streamlining your financial operations.

If you're still confused, see the Payouts Module video tutorial.

IV. Shipping module

Logistics made simple with Shipturtle's extensive shipping features:

  1. Create global shipping rules or bespoke rates for each vendor depending on region or product category.
  2. Offer consumers a variety of shipping alternatives, ranging from basic to expedited delivery.
  3. Integrate with 200+ third-party logistics companies such as FedEx, UPS, and local courier services to ensure flawless delivery operations.

The module guarantees that suppliers may effectively manage shipping while you maintain control over the whole client experience.

If you're still confused, see the Shipping Module video tutorial.

Step 5: Customise using Open APIs

Take your marketplace to the next level with open API support. Whether you want bespoke processes, complex analytics, or specialised payment methods.

Shipturtle's API infrastructure enables you to create personalised solutions. This adaptability guarantees that your marketplace changes per your company goals and client expectations.

Remember, the cost isn't everything.

Yes, off-the-shelf solutions can be cheaper initially.

However, the below-determining factors impact the cost of the custom marketplace:

  • Design: Impacts the complexity of your marketplace's visual design
  • Platform: Impacts the programming language used for development (e.g., PHP, Python)
  • Feature Set: Impacts the functionalities you want to integrate and desired marketplace workflows
  • Infrastructure: Impacts the server and network setup required to support your platform.

Step 6: Promotion strategies for your marketplace

Here are some broader areas to consider when marketing your multivendor beauty store online:

I. Define Your Niche and Target Audience

  • Determine whether your marketplace specializes in cruelty-free, vegan, organic, or luxury beauty products online.
  • Use data analytics tools to create detailed buyer personas (age, beauty preferences, skincareskin care concerns, lifestyle).
  • Craft a unique value proposition focused on what your audience truly values, like “Sustainable Skin care brands for Sensitive Skin.”

II. Seasonal and Limited-Time Promotions

  • Create exclusive offers around key beauty events (e.g., “Summer Glow Sale,” “Holiday Skincare Essentials”).
  • Use countdown timers or flash sales to create urgency and drive impulse buys.
  • Offer limited-edition products or sets, encouraging customers to buy before they run out.

III. Partnerships and Collaborative Commerce

  • Collaborate with local beauty salons, spas, or wellness centers to cross-promote your products.
  • Encourage beauty influencers and bloggers to promote your marketplace via unboxing videos, reviews, or tutorials.
  • Bundle products with services (e.g., a skincare set with a free virtual consultation with a dermatologist).

Enquire Shipturtle about its brand directory service. Compare it with Shopify Collective or Carro.

Building beauty and personal care marketplace on your own

i. Custom coding and integrations are costly.

ii. Building and testing takes significant time.

iii. Requires advanced backend systems for scalability.

iv. Needs experienced developers and designers.

v. Ensuring strong security measures and compliance.

vi. Continuous updates and bug fixes are necessary.

vii. Compatibility issues with payment, shipping, and CRM tools.

viiii. Balancing design with functionality for ease of use.

Building beauty and personal care marketplace using Shipturtle

i. Shopify store or any CMS platform

ii. Shipturtle app and its open APIs

That's how simple it is to create a multivendor marketplace or platform with Shipturtle

Moreover, it is way more cost-effective with pre-built 400+ marketplace workflows and at the same time, flexible to customize based on your unique requirements!

99.9%

Our Vendor Sync feature works via Webhooks and not APIs. This eliminates overselling and underselling completely, promising upto a 5% boost in revenue. Moreover, Shipturtle's super strong reconciliation mechanism and change log ensures accurate inventory almost all the time!

5. Launch your beauty products marketplace in 48 hours

Shipturtle specializes in creating scalable, multivendor marketplace solutions tailored for specific niches, such as beauty and personal care products. We can help you build a successful marketplace: 

  • Whether it’s booking beauty consultations, managing salon appointments, or handling inventory, the platform is adaptable to your business needs.
  • From skincare to cosmetics, the platform supports a wide range of product categories, offering flexibility for diverse sellers and customers.
  • Quickly integrate various beauty brands, suppliers, and independent beauty experts to expand your product range.
  • Provide tools for inventory management, product listings, and performance tracking, allowing sellers to efficiently manage their presence on your marketplace.

As your marketplace grows, Shipturtle’s platform scales to accommodate more users, products, and transactions without compromising performance. Wait no further, book a demo to understand more use cases.

FAQs

1. How do I identify my target audience in the beauty and personal care space?

Begin by looking into the demographics age, gender, location and beauty preference to identify your targeted audience. Factor in lifestyles like skincare issues or routines which would help in marketing that address these areas of need. Detailed buyer personas can be created by going further into customer surveys interacting through social media or carrying out market research.

2. What are the challenges of building a niche beauty marketplace?

Creating a niche beauty marketplace poses challenges such as ensuring a stable supply of products, managing vendors and coping with stiff competition. In addition, you have to observe the changing beauty trends and customer expectations while at the same time maintaining high-quality levels as well as customer response strategies. Concentrating on your niche facilitates getting around these hurdles by providing distinct but attractive items to your target audience.

3. How do I ensure my beauty marketplace stays compliant with industry regulations?

To ensure compliance, familiarize yourself with regulations such as the FDA's rules on cosmetics and skincare products. Make sure vendors display accurate ingredient lists and certifications and offer clear disclaimers. Regularly audit your platform for compliance with privacy laws like GDPR, and implement secure payment systems to protect customer data.

Get advanced shipping, configurable vendor management, payment features, and more. Install Shipturtle today from the Shopify App Store and enjoy a free trial to experience its benefits firsthand.

Want to learn more about how Shipturtle can benefit your business? Book a personalized demo with our sales team.

Experience the power of Shipturtle for free. Start your trial today and discover how it can transform your Shopify multivendor store!

Start a conversation! Share this article with your network. Let them know how we can help in improving their multivendor store.

About The Author

Samiksha Kukreti

Samiksha Kukreti is a content creator with a unique blend of scientific expertise and creative flair. Having earning a U.G. degree in Biotechnology, Samiksha is pursuing her creative and strategic interests in digital marketing and helping Shipturtle grow.