How to prepare your business to sell on the Target Plus Marketplace

If your sales on Amazon, Walmart, or Shopify are flatlining, expanding to Target Plus, which is a curated, invite-only marketplace, could revamp your revenue. Launched in 2019, Target Plus is actively seeking top ecommerce brands to join its exclusive platform.

Understanding Target Plus

Before delving into the specifics of how to sell on Target Plus, let's first understand what this platform is all about. Target Plus, operates similarly to its competitors Amazon and Walmart. As a third-party platform, it allows sellers to list their products on the Target.com website, significantly extending their reach to Target's extensive and loyal customer base.

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Unlike its competitors, Target Plus operates on an invitation-only model, selecting sellers who meet specific criteria. The approval process is rigorous, ensuring partnerships align with Target’s brand values and curated product assortments. By focusing on a select group of third-party retailers, Target Plus offers a unique selling opportunity with prioritized product visibility and dedicated support.

Why sellers are choosing Target Plus

Target Plus offers a unique opportunity, but what’s it really like to sell there? Dalton Leach, Ecommerce Specialist at Hazel & Fawn, a successful Target Plus seller, shares why he thinks it’s worth it:

As Dalton explains, Target Plus may have stricter requirements than some other marketplaces, but that actually works in sellers’ favor. With higher-quality listings, built-in advertising tools like Roundel, and SKU exclusivity, sellers gain a competitive edge that they won’t find anywhere else.

Want in? Apply to Target Plus today and start reaching millions of high-intent shoppers.

The ideal Target Plus seller

There are several requirements to take into consideration before you begin the process of applying to Target Plus. If you haven’t already, you can download this expanded Target Plus checklist to evaluate if you want to pursue selling on the Target Plus marketplace. 

Target Plus takes a unique approach in choosing sellers, particularly those who would bring value and quality to their online marketplace. The meticulous screening process ensures the product selection remains high-quality, and undesirable content is avoided.

Target Plus identifies ideal sellers based on specific criteria. To ensure the platform's reputation for quality and value, the following requirements are needed for sellers:

• You must have a physical presence in the United States, including both a business and a U.S.-based bank account.
• Your pricing on the Target Plus marketplace should match the prices on your other sales channels.
• You are required to dispatch orders within 24 hours, ensuring they reach customers within a maximum of 5 days.
• Cross-border trade services are not yet available, meaning your inventory must be shipped exclusively within the United States.
• Your products should adhere to the Target Plus Inclusive Merchandising requirements.

Preparing to sell on Target Plus: A step-by-step guide

Currently, becoming a seller on Target Plus is an exclusive opportunity offered only to those handpicked by Target itself. Target prefers that their established integration partners, such as Zentail, submit your company for review to start the process. Applying through Zentail significantly increases your chances of approval. 

‍Want a smoother path to approval? Apply through Zentail and get expert guidance every step of the way.‍

Here are six steps you should take to improve your chances of getting selected to sell on Target Plus:

Step 1: Offer products that complement Target Plus's selection

Ensure you're offering products that mesh well with the existing offerings on Target Plus. Consider specializing in high-quality products that cater to specific interests or demographics, such as branded pet products or specialized home décor items. Offering these "best-in-class" items would make your brand a valuable addition to their platform.

Step 2: Increase your brand visibility

Boost your brand awareness to increase your chances of being chosen for Target Plus. Not only will this strengthen your online presence, but it will also signal to Target Plus that your brand is known, valued, and trusted by consumers.By successfully selling on Amazon, Walmart, or Shopify, you can show Target that you're ready to join their platform. Use SEO strategies, Google Shopping Ads, and other advertising tactics to promote your products on other marketplaces as well as your own website will increase your visibility and credibility.

Step 3: Improve your performance on other online marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and your own site

Focus on establishing yourself as a reputable brand and fostering a positive image across all your outlets. Having a track record of excellent results on other platforms will position you as a reliable and high-quality seller, making you an attractive potential partner for Target Plus.

Step 4: Leverage other marketplaces and social media platforms

Target Plus considers your brand recognition and social media presence when evaluating sellers. Having an engaged audience on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and Quora can strengthen your application. If you’re already active, focus on growing your following and working with influencers. A strong social presence not only boosts your brand but also increases your chances of joining Target Plus.

Step 5: Maintain competitive pricing

Strive to maintain pricing similar to those on other marketplaces. Consistent, competitive pricing across multiple platforms is a crucial aspect of building a robust online presence and can make you a more attractive candidate for selling on Target Plus.

Step 6: Improve your fulfillment speed

Try to expedite your order fulfillment process. If you can ensure that orders are shipped within 24 hours and delivered within 5 days, you’ll immediately set yourself apart from the competition.

Streamline your multichannel sales and sell smarter on Target Plus

Managing your multichannel operations efficiently is crucial when expanding to Target Plus. Every marketplace has its own product listing requirements, from title character counts to descriptions, images, and attributes. Handling these differences manually through spreadsheets or EDI can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

That’s where Zentail comes in. Our platform automates the translation of your existing product catalog across marketplaces, ensuring your listings meet Target Plus’s requirements without the headache of manual work. Instead of spending countless hours managing listings, you can focus on growing your business.

‍Scaling across multiple marketplaces? Zentail makes it easier. Get in touch to see how we can help.

‍If you’re serious about selling on multiple marketplaces, having the right technology in place is essential. Zentail simplifies operations, minimizes errors, and helps you scale with ease so you can confidently sell on Target Plus and beyond. Book a call with a member of our team today to learn more. 

Ready to apply to Target Plus? 

Target Plus is an exclusive opportunity to connect with Target’s loyal shoppers, grow your brand, and stand out in a curated marketplace. If you’re ready to take the next step, Zentail can make the process faster, easier, and stress-free. Apply now.