Imagine millions of European consumers passionate about home improvement and gardening searching for their ideal tools and materials through a single platform. This platform is ManoMano, the rising star of e-commerce specializing in DIY and gardening products. For cross-border sellers, this represents a blue ocean of opportunities. But how can businesses successfully establish themselves on ManoMano and capture a share of the European market?
About ManoMano
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Paris, France, ManoMano has established itself as Europe's leading DIY and gardening e-commerce platform. Operating across six countries—France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain—the platform boasts an impressive 16 million monthly unique visitors. With over 2,000 suppliers offering more than 1.6 million products, ManoMano has become one of the preferred destinations for European consumers seeking DIY and gardening solutions.
The platform has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. In 2017 alone, ManoMano achieved global revenues of €250 million, representing a staggering 180% year-over-year increase. Particularly noteworthy was its performance in the UK market, where sales doubled, demonstrating British consumers' strong appetite for DIY and gardening products. This growth trajectory has naturally attracted increasing attention from cross-border e-commerce sellers.
Top-Selling Categories and Prohibited Items
Product selection plays a crucial role in achieving success on ManoMano. Currently, the platform's best-selling categories focus on three main areas:
- Power Tools: Including drills, saws, sanders, and various other electric tools essential for DIY enthusiasts.
- Gardening Supplies: Encompassing seeds, fertilizers, gardening tools, planters, and other items to help consumers create beautiful outdoor spaces.
- Pool and Bathroom Products: Featuring pool equipment, bathroom furniture, shower heads, and other items designed to enhance home living quality.
Potential sellers should note ManoMano's clear restrictions on prohibited items. Products unrelated to DIY, gardening, or pet care cannot be sold on the platform. Additionally, all merchandise must comply with distance selling regulations, including proper product marking, labeling, and meeting safety and quality standards—particularly CE certification requirements.
Requirements for Selling on ManoMano
Businesses interested in becoming ManoMano sellers must meet several key requirements:
- Company Registration: A valid business license is mandatory as the foundation for e-commerce operations.
- European Bank Account: Sellers must provide a RIB (French bank account) or other European bank account to receive platform payments.
- VAT Identification: A European VAT number is required for tax reporting and payment purposes.
- Product Volume: Maintaining at least 100 SKUs is recommended to offer sufficient product variety and attract customers.
- Language Capabilities: Having staff proficient in French or English facilitates effective communication with both the platform and customers.
Platform Fee Structure
Like most e-commerce platforms, ManoMano operates with a defined fee structure consisting of several components:
- Registration: Currently free, lowering the barrier to entry for new sellers.
- Monthly Fee: €100 (excluding tax) per month for platform access.
- Commission: Variable rates applied based on product categories.
- Logistics: Shipping costs determined by product dimensions and weight according to the platform's pricing schedule.
- Transparency: The platform guarantees no hidden fees, allowing sellers to clearly understand all cost components.
ManoMano presents cross-border sellers with a significant opportunity to access Europe's growing DIY and gardening market. By understanding platform regulations, developing effective product strategies, and preparing for the associated costs, businesses can position themselves for success in this promising marketplace.