Contents
How to start selling on Zalando Marketplace?
What?
Zalando offers the opportunity to sell on its platform, but not every company can take advantage of it – the platform limits the number of registrations by selecting sellers who meet certain requirements.
Why?
Zalando strives to maintain high-quality products and services, which is why it only accepts selected sellers who meet strict criteria.
Who is it for?
Companies with experience in online sales and meeting Zalando's standards for quality, logistics, and customer service.
What conditions must be met to sell on Zalando?
1. Business registration
To start selling on Zalando, you must have an officially registered business in Europe. The platform only works with companies and does not allow individuals to sell.
2. Having an online store
Sellers should have experience selling online and have an integrated order management system. Zalando requires partners to have the ability to provide customer service at a level consistent with the platform's standards.
3. Assortment compliant with Zalando requirements
Only specific product categories, such as clothing, footwear, fashion accessories, and beauty products, are eligible for sale on Zalando. Products must meet the platform's quality standards.
4. Logistics standards
- Mandatory free delivery for Zalando customers.
- Returns possible within 100 days.
- Ensuring appropriate packaging and shipping standards.
5. Inventory management system
Every seller must have a digital inventory management system that allows for ongoing updates on product availability on Zalando.
6. GTIN/EAN codes
Zalando requires that all products be marked with unique GTIN/EAN codes, which allows for easy identification of goods on the platform.
7. Quality standards
Partners must adhere to Zalando's guidelines regarding customer service, photo quality, descriptions, and product compliance with the platform's terms and conditions.
8. Limited number of registrations
Zalando has a selective acceptance process for new sellers. The platform limits the number of new partners, accepting only companies that meet the highest standards of sales and customer service.
Meeting these conditions is necessary to join Zalando Marketplace and successfully sell your products on one of the largest fashion platforms in Europe.
Zalando Marketplace registration and verification process
1. Submitting an application for registration
Sellers begin the process by contacting the Zalando team via a dedicated form or the Affiliate Program email address. The application requires providing key information about the company, product range, and online sales experience.
2. Merchant verification (KYC process)
Zalando conducts detailed seller verification as part of its "Know Your Customer" (KYC) process. Company registration documents, business activity information, and compliance with the platform's terms and conditions are required.
3. Creating a seller account
After positive verification, the seller receives access to the Zalando platform, where he or she creates an account and completes the registration form, accepting the terms of cooperation.
4. Integration with the Zalando system
The next step involves technically synchronizing the retailer's sales systems with Zalando. This process includes:
- Real-time inventory updates.
- Synchronization of product prices and discount policies.
- Automation of the ordering process and customer service.
5. Preparing a product catalog
The seller must provide a product catalog with detailed descriptions, professional photos, and GTIN/EAN codes. All information must meet Zalando's content quality standards.
6. Product verification by Zalando
The Zalando team assesses the quality and compliance of submitted products with the platform's terms and conditions. If there are any deficiencies, the seller must adjust the content in accordance with the guidelines.
7. Sales launch
Once all stages are completed and the product catalog is accepted, the seller's offer becomes available to Zalando customers and the sale is launched.
It is worth remembering that the registration process on Zalando is selective – the platform limits the number of new sellers, choosing only those who meet the highest operational and quality standards.
Benefits for companies and consumers of joining the Zalando Marketplace
Benefits for companies
Joining the Zalando Marketplace opens up numerous opportunities for sellers to grow and expand into new markets. Key benefits include:
- Access to a broad customer base – Zalando is one of the largest fashion platforms in Europe, allowing sellers to reach millions of potential customers.
- Ready-made logistics infrastructure – With Zalando Fulfillment Solutions (ZFS), sellers can benefit from an advanced warehouse network and optimized delivery processes.
- Minimizing marketing costs – Zalando invests in promotional activities, which allows companies to increase visibility without the need for large advertising expenditures.
- Seamless international expansion – Ability to sell in multiple European countries without the need to create separate online stores.
- Technology support – Sellers can use Zalando analytical tools to help optimize prices and manage inventory.
Consumer benefits
Thanks to the presence of many brands and sellers on Zalando, customers benefit from:
- Faster deliveries – Logistics optimization and an extensive fulfillment network shorten order fulfillment times.
- Greater product selection – Access to a wide range of brands, both global and local.
- Attractive returns policy – Possibility to return products free of charge within 100 days.
- Better personalization of shopping – Zalando's advanced algorithms adapt the offer to customer preferences.
Zalando marketplace – market impact
The expansion of Zalando Marketplace also brings benefits to the entire digital world, including:
- Increased competitiveness – Companies are adapting their strategies to better compete in a dynamically developing market.
- Greater variety of offers – Customers gain access to unique products that may previously have been difficult to find.
- Development of new technologies – Marketplace platforms drive innovation in logistics, personalization and data management.
Zalando Marketplace is a great opportunity for both sellers and customers, offering convenience, a wide range of products and high standards of service.
Is selling on Zalando easy?
Starting to sell on Zalando requires meeting stringent requirements and completing a registration process. For experienced companies with well-developed logistics and the right infrastructure, this can be relatively straightforward. However, for smaller sellers just developing their business in the digital world, it can be challenging. It's also important to note that Zalando may not approve the registration of a particular company.
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Marcin Stadnik
e-commerce advisor
The author is a manager with extensive experience in e-commerce, sales strategy, and content marketing. He is a digital practitioner and consultant with over 15 years of experience in e-commerce projects, sales strategy, and online business development, as well as 25 years of experience in broadly defined distribution (offline and online). He specializes in creating and implementing effective solutions for online stores, supporting companies in developing their digital presence. He co-creates appropriate strategies for e-businesses, conducts audits, and oversees marketing activities—always combining analytical knowledge with market practice. He is the author and co-author of content published on the swiatcyfrowy.pl website—based on his many years of consulting, analytical, and operational experience. The materials created are intended to provide reliable, valuable knowledge that truly supports the development of online businesses. The content here is designed to address the real challenges and needs of companies operating in the e-commerce environment (the digital world).


