Article by Aike Schultheis, ad agents
From prejudice to growth strategy in e-commerce
Many Swiss companies still associate Amazon with an international, non-domestic marketplace and underestimate its potential for their own business. The reality is that customers are increasingly turning directly to marketplaces when shopping online – and Amazon plays a central role in this.
This opens up two key opportunities for Swiss companies: international visibility through exports and thus access to new markets, and an additional sales channel for customers in Switzerland.
Why Amazon is relevant for Swiss companies
- Largest reach in Europe: access to millions of customers inside and outside Switzerland
- Established Swiss presence: Over 900 Swiss SMEs already use Amazon’s international reach to sell to foreign markets.
- High customer acceptance: With sales of CHF 910 million, Amazon.de ranks fourth in the Swiss e-commerce ranking, making it one of the most popular Swiss online retailers
Amazon is not only a search engine for products worldwide, but also a springboard for growth beyond national borders.
Reservations – and reality
Many SMEs hesitate because they expect high administrative costs, complex customs procedures, and narrow margins. Today, the reality is different:
- Simplified logistics and customs
With “Fulfillment by Amazon,” Amazon takes care of storage, delivery, returns, and customs clearance.
- One account, many markets
A single seller or vendor account can be used to sell on Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, and other markets, subject to various conditions.
- Scalability as needed
As demand grows or new countries are tapped into, the business can be expanded step by step.
- Potential for higher sales
Products with clear unique selling points, professional presentation, and targeted marketing benefit particularly.
Success factors for Swiss SMEs
To ensure that Amazon brings not only sales but also profitable growth, a strategic approach is needed:
- Focus on high-margin products
Smart analytics help identify which products are worthwhile despite customs and shipping costs.
- Professional presentation
Meaningful product descriptions, high-quality images, and storytelling create trust and set offers apart from the competition.
- Targeted expansion
Gradual market development and competitive analysis ensure sustainable growth.
Conclusion
Amazon offers Swiss SMEs the opportunity to expand their reach and sales channels—both domestically and internationally. The decisive factor is not whether Amazon is worthwhile, but rather which products and which strategy to use. Those who manage margins, content, and campaigns professionally can use Amazon as a sustainable growth engine.
Would you like to check whether your products are profitable on Amazon? We support Swiss companies in realistically assessing their opportunities, making a successful start, and exploiting their maximum potential.