4 Pitfalls of Choosing the Wrong Target Plus Integration Partner

Target Plus requires its sellers to work with one of its five approved integration partners. Similar to potential sellers, these integration partners have undergone a rigorous vetting process and must meet Target’s high standards. 

All sellers must use one of these partners to be submitted for screening. These partners not only significantly increase your chances of getting approved but also ensure your continued success selling on the Target Plus marketplace.

It’s clear that who you choose as your integration partner will greatly impact your success on Target Plus. Below, we'll explore the three types of integration partners, common pitfalls to avoid when choosing a partner, and why cheaper isn’t always better.

The Three Main Categories of Target Plus Integration Partners

Target’s approved integration partners fall within three specific categories: budget solutions, feed management solutions, and growth solutions.

Budget Solutions

Budget solutions are more affordable but often lack comprehensive features, robust support, and are better suited for small sellers or those hesitant to invest in Target Plus.

Main Players: GoFlow & Acenda

A quick note: It’s easy to be enticed by a lower price tag, but cheaper isn’t always better. This is especially true when you consider the immense value you can get from being an approved seller on Target Plus. The right partner can be a worthy investment to ensure you maximize your time and success on the platform. 

Feed Management Solutions

Feed management solutions offer hands-on, managed services ideal for sellers who want a highly involved partner. While they free up internal resources, they often lack flexibility and scalability, requiring constant communication and frequent manual adjustments. 

Main Player: Feedonomics

Growth Solutions

Growth solutions offer flexibility and scalability, adapting to the unique needs of sellers, making them an ideal partner for businesses of all sizes. They seamlessly integrate with existing tools, empowering customers to achieve their goals effectively.

Main Players: Zentail & Rithum 

For a more comprehensive breakdown of each partner, check out our guide to choosing the right Target Plus integration partner.

4 Pitfalls of Choosing the Wrong Integration Partner

Choosing the wrong integration partner can be a costly mistake that hampers your success on Target Plus. Below, we’ll break down the common pitfalls Target Plus sellers encounter when they choose the wrong partner:

1. Longer Onboarding Times

Extended onboarding to Target Plus can significantly delay your ability to start generating profits. A slow onboarding process can strain your relationship with Target, as they expect sellers to meet specific timelines. Delays could lead to a missed launch window, resulting in lost revenue opportunities, or in the worst-case scenario, the termination of your opportunity to sell on the platform altogether.

💡Consider: Ensuring your integration partner has a proven track record of quick, efficient onboarding. Request references or case studies that demonstrate their ability to meet deadlines.

✋ Ask: 

→ How quickly can we expect to be fully operational on Target Plus? 

→ What specific resources or support do you offer to minimize onboarding time?

2. Higher Order Defect Rate

A high order defect rate can severely damage your reputation on Target Plus. Some integration partners may not have the necessary tools or processes to accurately track and manage defective orders. If defective orders are not identified and resolved quickly, they can lead to negative customer reviews, returns, and increased chances of being penalized or losing your relationship with Target Plus.

💡Consider: Choosing an integration partner that provides automated quality checks and real-time reporting. 

✋ Ask: 

→ How do you monitor order defects, and what processes are in place to resolve them quickly?

→ Do you offer real-time updates and comprehensive reporting features to keep us informed?

‍3. Lack of Visibility Into Listing Status

Not every Target Plus partner offers the necessary transparency into your product listing status. Without real-time visibility, you’re left in the dark about which products are live on Target.com. This lack of insight can result in lost sales, as you may assume your listings are live when they are not, leading to disappointed customers who can’t purchase your products. Additionally, without clear visibility, you can’t quickly resolve issues, optimize listings, or make data-driven decisions, putting your Target Plus performance at risk.

💡Consider: Opting for a partner that offers a comprehensive dashboard or reporting tools that provide real-time visibility into your listings.

✋ Ask: 

→ What level of visibility will we have into the status of our listings?

→ How frequently is the data updated, and how accessible is it?

→ Do you provide analytics or insights to help optimize product listings and pricing?

‍4. Limited Control Over Your Listings

Some integration tools offer limited functionality, restricting your ability to make changes independently. If you’re constantly relying on your partner to make adjustments, you lose control over your data and your ability to respond quickly to market changes or listing issues. This can slow down your operations, delay important updates, and prevent you from making timely decisions that could impact your sales and profitability.

💡Consider: Picking an integration partner that empowers you to manage and update your listings independently, providing you the necessary flexibility to remain agile. 

✋ Ask: 

→ How much control will I have over my own listings within the platform?

→ Can I make changes independently, or will I need to request adjustments from your team?

‍

Being invited to list your products on Target Plus and build a relationship with Target is a rare and valuable opportunity for sellers. Choosing the wrong integration partner could jeopardize your relationship with Target. It’s wise to choose a tool that meets your current needs while also supporting your future growth. 

Download a free copy of our Target Plus partner evaluation checklist to ensure you choose the best fit for your business. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

→ Essential criteria for evaluating Target Plus partners

→ Step-by-step guide to the partner selection process

→ A detailed three-page checklist to ensure you cover all necessary transactional and operational capabilities for success on Target Plus

Avoid the Costly Mistakes of Choosing the Wrong Target Plus Partner – Choose Zentail Instead

When you choose Zentail as your Target Plus partner, you’re investing in fast, efficient support and sustainable growth. Avoid the pitfalls of slow onboarding and poor integration by benefiting from direct access to the Target Plus team, white glove onboarding, ultra-fast product listing, and automated change management. 

With Zentail’s comprehensive, data-driven approach, you can expand easily and save over 100 hours per month – ensuring your success without the costly delays and inefficiencies that come with the wrong partner.

Book a meeting with a member of the Zentail team to help you chart your journey to success with Target Plus.

Ready to apply to Target Plus? 

Target prefers that their established partners, such as Zentail, submit your company for review to start the process. Applying through Zentail greatly increases your chance of success, as Target Plus prioritizes applications submitted via an integration partner.

Interested in becoming a Target Plus seller? Schedule a session with the Zentail team to explore the benefits of joining Target Plus, strategies for maximizing your sales, and a comprehensive walkthrough of the application process.