Ways to Invest in Trading: Tips for Strategic Players

700 billion rubles – that’s the revenue Wildberries showed for 2024. The logic is simple: where there is money, a flow of sellers strives. How to start selling on marketplaces in 2025 is not a philosophical question, but an engineering task. The entry point is simple, but you can’t bypass the pitfalls. That’s why we’ll break it down step by step – firmly, clearly, to the point.

How to start selling on marketplaces: analytics before the start

Before starting, it’s important not to just “sell,” but to understand who, what, and why. Market research at this stage is the foundation of the strategy. Without analyzing demand and competition, you can’t calculate the margin, forecast revenue, and choose a platform for placement.

The numbers speak for themselves: on Ozon, not a single product without analytical preparation entered the top 100 categories by the end of 2024. Specific tools – MPStats, Moneyplace, Mparser. These services provide data on demand dynamics, price range, and the share of sellers with Fulfillment by Marketplace.

Choosing a niche: logic, not inspiration

How to start selling on marketplaces? To begin with, you need to decide what the product will be. Choosing a niche for sales happens not on Instagram, but in Excel. Margins – no less than 30%. Demand volume – not less than 10 thousand queries per month. Competition – no more than 10 major players on 1-3 pages. This is what the real launch math looks like.

Marketplaces are not about “I love knitting mittens.” Starting a business from scratch there requires calculations: costs for logistics, packaging, promotion, commission. The average commission is 5-17% depending on the category.

Product and delivery: starting from the base

Entering the market through online platforms is impossible without a well-established logistics system. Working through FBO – when the goods are pre-shipped to the platform’s warehouses – reduces delivery time and increases the chance of getting into the BuyBox.

The average storage period in the warehouse is 60 days. Beyond that – penalties. Logistics are built through automated services: SberMegaMarket and Yandex.Market already in 2025 introduced integrations with TMS and ERP systems.

Key: how to start selling on marketplaces – to streamline not only delivery but also stock levels. Without accurate inventory – minus rating.

Packaging and certification

The EAC certificate is mandatory for clothing, footwear, cosmetics, and children’s products. In practice – up to 14 days for processing and 15-25 thousand rubles for products of medium complexity.

Packaging affects not aesthetics, but preservation. Damaged goods = return = penalty. Standards at WB, Ozon, YM differ – it’s important to study the platform’s technical documents in advance.

Choosing a marketplace for the product

The platform determines the strategy. Wildberries dominates in clothing, Ozon in electronics, Yandex.Market in technology and FMCG, SberMegaMarket in everyday goods. AliExpress – in budget categories.

Key: how to start selling on marketplaces – understand where the audience is already buying the necessary product. Transition from one platform to another rarely pays off. It’s better to choose one with high relevant traffic.

Selling packaging

Customers choose with their eyes. The main thing is not design, but data: accurate parameters, guarantees, return conditions. Photos – not less than 1500×1500 px, at least 5 angles. Title – concise, with keywords.

A card with high conversion rate is an e-commerce funnel in miniature. Content affects CTR and CR: with an increase in the number of photos from 3 to 6, conversion increases by 14%, according to Ozon data.

Key: how to start with sales on online platforms – not just upload the product, but make it visually and contextually competitive.

How to start selling on marketplaces: step-by-step guide

Empty theories don’t drive sales, numbers and actions do. The plan should not just hang in your head, but be executed step by step, like a checklist.

How to start trading on online platforms:

1. Choose a niche. Evaluate demand, competition, price range. MPStats, Yandex Wordstat, Ozon Analytics.
2. Select a product. Not based on passion, but on profitability. Minimum 30%.
3. Prepare documents. Individual entrepreneur or LLC, current account, digital signature.
4. Get certified. By categories, mandatory for brands.
5. Set up logistics. FBO / FBS / DBS – choice based on strategy.
6. Register on the platform. Ozon, WB, YM – different interfaces, same goals.
7. Create an online store within the platform. Proper cards, SEO descriptions, photos.
8. Launch advertising. Internal promotion system + external channels: social media, context.

Eight steps – a roadmap for starting. Each point is a critical juncture without which the e-commerce system simply won’t launch.

Monitoring metrics

The platform rewards active sellers. High rating, quick responses, minimal returns – all affect the position in the results. Advertising budget is not charity, but a tool.

Advertising within the platform pays off with an ROI of 120% or more. Stopping it doesn’t mean saving money, it means dropping in search results.

Tools

Moneyplace, Mpstats, SBIS.Analytics, Ozon Seller. Show dynamics, average price in the category, order volume – all in numbers. This is the only way to adjust the strategy and increase profits.

Key: how to start selling on marketplaces – track metrics and react quickly.

Beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Violations of shipping deadlines, inflated revenue expectations, lack of product stock – the three main mistakes. Beginners often “forget” about taxes, including the 6% simplified tax system and contributions for individual entrepreneurs (at least 52,000 rubles in 2025).

Selling on marketplaces for beginners is not about luck, but about systematic work. One wrong step – and the card loses positions, and the product sits idle.

Starting to earn from online sales correctly means considering risks, not relying on chance.

How to start selling on marketplaces: the main thing

It’s important to fully engage in the process: choose a niche, test the product, launch sales, work with metrics, scale. Only concrete steps bring results. Conducting trade through the internet is not a one-evening project, but a business with a system, analytics, and constant adjustment.

Each era gives birth to its own money symbols. In the 2020s, one of them is a coffee shop. Not just a place, but a multifunctional cross between an office, an interest club, and a marketing platform. Coffee sales have moved into the category of high-turnover microbusiness with minimalist aesthetics. This type of business proved to be resilient even in the years 2020-2022, when offline retail, catering, and entertainment venues were declining. Demand remained stable, and even the average check increased. In 2024, the coffee market in Russia increased by 7.3%, reaching over 290 billion rubles in turnover. Interest in the niche remains consistently high, especially among investors. They are looking for businesses with a clear model and a short payback period.

From a financial and management perspective, is it worth investing in a coffee shop in 2025 is a question that has long lost its romanticism. It’s about calculation, logistics, analytics, and fighting for traffic. Let’s consider all the nuances in this article.

### Investment Attractiveness of Cafes

By the beginning of 2025, investments in the coffee business have transitioned from being a trend to a stable investment format. Simple start-up, stable demand, and high profitability make the model attractive. The volume of investments in the market reached 7.9 billion ₽, showing an 8% growth compared to the previous year. To-go formats and franchises are leading, thanks to easy scalability and risk reduction.

Drinks provide a margin of up to 300%, and the profitability of a coffee establishment is usually 30-45%. The revenue of a successful location starts from 500,000 ₽, with a payback period of at least 6 months.

A coffee franchise strengthens positions: the brand, training, and standards simplify the launch. Even with high competition, demand in regions remains stable. This is why the question remains relevant: is it worth investing in a coffee shop if the format continues to show growth.

### Financial Model of a Coffee Establishment

A clear business model of a coffee project helps reduce risks and accurately forecast profitability. Initial investments in an establishment start from 850,000 ₽. The main expense items are rent, renovation, equipment, and marketing.

Equipment for a coffee shop includes a coffee machine, grinder, showcases, and working inventory – a significant part of the budget goes to this.

Monthly expenses include rent, salaries, taxes, logistics, and raw materials. Food costs – up to 25% of revenue. With stable operation, a to-go location brings good income. Its net profit varies depending on traffic and costs.

Buying an existing coffee business is a quick start but requires document and financial checks.

To understand whether investing in a coffee shop is worth it, it is necessary to control every ruble and manage the project’s economy wisely.

### Evaluation of Risks and Profitability of a Coffee Business

More than a third of new coffee shops close in the first year. Reasons include errors in traffic assessment, weak business model, and inflated expectations.

For example, a coffee shop in the center of Novosibirsk with investments of 1.8 million ₽ did not break even – it lacked guest traffic. Another location in a residential area for 700,000 ₽ paid off in six months due to stable foot traffic.

A franchise of such an establishment reduces risks through standards and support. However, external threats remain: price increases, supply disruptions, staff turnover.

Whether to invest in a coffee shop depends on the ability to manage not only profit but also risks.

### Competition in the Coffee Establishment Market

Metropolitan markets are oversaturated – there are over 8000 cafes in Moscow alone. Coffee shops in central districts stand literally opposite each other. In small and medium-sized cities, market competition is lower. The density of establishments remains within one point per thousand people. This opens up prospects for new formats.

Three types of players operate in the market:

– boutique coffee shops;
– franchise projects;
– mobile formats and kiosks.

Those who offer a non-standard approach win: unique flavors, local collaborations, events. Therefore, the question remains relevant: is it worth investing in a coffee shop if the concept stands out from competitors.

### Entry Formats: Franchise, Ready Business, From Scratch

The coffee business offers three main starting options. Starting from scratch provides complete freedom in choosing a concept but requires time, experience, and significant expenses. Most of the budget goes to renovation, equipment, and design.

A coffee franchise provides a quick start without unnecessary complexities: brand, standards, marketing, and location assistance come as a package. However, strict frameworks and royalties limit flexibility.

Buying an existing coffee shop helps start quickly. This option saves time on launch. But before the deal, it is necessary to carefully check the documents, debts, and actual financial indicators. Without this, there is a high risk of mistakes.

Choosing a location for such establishments is a key success factor. Even a strong concept does not work without traffic.

The format can vary, but the essence is the same – whether to invest in a coffee shop if there is no clear idea and financial cushion for the first months.

### Profit: The Truth Without Sugar Coating

The profitability of a coffee shop depends not on the number of drinks but on the precise calculation of all expenses and revenues. Drinks bring good income due to high markups. Additional options – desserts, syrups, plant-based milk – increase the order price. This raises the average check and makes each sale more profitable.

A coffee bar with good foot traffic can bring stable income. With proper expense management and careful control of drink costs, the business yields a confident net profit. It allows covering costs and forming a reserve for development.

Additional revenue channels:

– merchandise, beans, accessories sales;
– cuppings, coffee masterclasses;
– collaboration with local bakeries;
– delivery through aggregators;
– coffee subscriptions.

The financial result of the establishment is formed by several factors. It is important how the team works, how well internal processes are organized, and how quickly the establishment adapts to seasons and guest tastes. The faster the business reacts to changes, the more stable the income.

Continuous analysis: LTV, revenue, average check, rejection of non-performing items – are critically important. Only this way can a confident answer be given to the question: is it worth investing in a coffee shop if the goal is not to indulge ambitions but to earn.

### Conclusion

Starting a coffee project is not about cozy armchairs and Edison lamps. It’s about calculation, economics, and daily micromanagement. The breakeven point usually comes in 4-6 months. A successful project recoups investments in 8-14 months. But without experience, market understanding, and a safety cushion, opening a coffee business turns into an expensive experiment.

Format, location, team, food cost control, menu flexibility, analytics – all of this matters as much as coffee quality and atmosphere. This is why whether to invest in a coffee shop is not about the industry but about the approach. If the approach is systematic and the calculation is cold, coffee warms not only the hands but also the account.