Selling on the Chewy marketplace requires a strategic approach focused on operational excellence and brand alignment. To succeed, maintain a high in-stock rate (at least 98%), ensure rapid, same-day shipping, and use plain or Chewy-approved packaging. Price products competitively while preserving margins, and leverage Chewy's internal advertising to boost visibility and drive initial sales.
Are you a pet founder struggling to get your products in front of the right audience? You’ve poured your heart into creating the perfect pet toy, the healthiest treat, or the most comfortable bed. But in a crowded online market, it feels like you’re shouting into the void. You know you have a great product, but how do you connect with the millions of passionate pet parents who are actively looking for what you offer? This is where a well-defined Chewy marketplace strategy can transform your business from a passion project into a profitable enterprise.
Chewy isn’t just another online retailer; it’s a community for pet lovers. Their success is built on a foundation of exceptional customer service and a deep understanding of the bond between people and their pets. They’re known for going the extra mile, from handwritten holiday cards to sending flowers when a customer’s pet passes away. This customer-centric approach has fostered a fiercely loyal customer base that trusts Chewy to provide the best for their furry, feathered, or scaled family members. For sellers, this means that being on Chewy is more than just a transaction; it’s about becoming part of a trusted ecosystem.
Chewy is selective about the brands it partners with. They’re not looking for just any product; they’re looking for high-quality, innovative products that align with their brand values. The ideal Chewy seller is a brand that is as passionate about pets as they are. You need to have a strong brand story, a commitment to quality, and the operational capacity to meet Chewy’s high standards for inventory, fulfillment, and customer service. If you’re a pet founder who is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of pets and their parents, then you’re the kind of partner Chewy is looking for.
The Chewy application process is your first opportunity to make a great impression. This isn’t the time to be modest. Showcase what makes your brand and your products special. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your business, your brand story, your products, and your operational capabilities. This includes everything from your business license and certifications to your fulfillment setup and inventory management processes. The more thorough and professional your application is, the better your chances of being accepted.
Pricing your products for the Chewy marketplace is a delicate balance. You need to be competitive, but you also need to ensure that you’re profitable. Research what similar products are selling for on Chewy and other online retailers. Factor in all of your costs, including the cost of goods, fulfillment, and any fees associated with selling on Chewy. It’s also important to consider the perceived value of your products. If you have a premium product, don’t be afraid to price it accordingly. Just be sure to articulate the value proposition in your product listings.
Meeting Chewy’s high standards for inventory and fulfillment is non-negotiable. You need to maintain a high in-stock rate (at least 98%) and be able to ship orders quickly and accurately. For many small and growing brands, this can be a major challenge. This is where a third-party logistics (3PL) provider can be a lifesaver. A 3PL can handle all of your warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment, allowing you to focus on growing your business. When choosing a 3PL, be sure to find one that has experience working with Chewy and can meet their strict requirements.
Once you’re on the Chewy marketplace, you need to have a plan for how you’re going to stand out from the competition. Chewy offers a variety of marketing and advertising opportunities, including sponsored products, display ads, and email marketing. Take the time to understand the different options and develop a strategy that aligns with your budget and your goals. It’s also important to optimize your product listings with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and relevant keywords. The more effort you put into your marketing and advertising, the more successful you’ll be on the Chewy marketplace.
Chewy is known for its exceptional customer service, and they expect their sellers to provide the same level of service. This means responding to customer inquiries promptly and professionally, and going above and beyond to resolve any issues that may arise. It’s also important to be proactive about customer service. Monitor your product reviews and respond to both positive and negative feedback. By providing excellent customer service, you’ll not only build a strong reputation on the Chewy marketplace, but you’ll also foster a loyal customer base that will continue to support your brand.
Let’s look at a fictional pet brand, “Pawsitively Pure,” that specializes in organic, grain-free dog treats. They were a small, family-owned business with a great product but limited reach. After getting accepted into the Chewy marketplace, they implemented a comprehensive strategy that included:
* **Optimized Product Listings:** They invested in professional product photography and wrote detailed, keyword-rich product descriptions.
* **Strategic Pricing:** They priced their treats competitively, but also offered a multi-pack option to increase the average order value.
* **3PL Partnership:** They partnered with a 3PL that had a proven track record of working with Chewy.
* **Targeted Advertising:** They used Chewy’s sponsored products to target customers who were searching for organic dog treats.
* **Exceptional Customer Service:** They responded to all customer inquiries within 24 hours and included a handwritten thank you note in every order.
As a result of these efforts, Pawsitively Pure saw a 300% increase in sales within their first six months on the Chewy marketplace. They were also able to build a loyal customer base that continues to purchase their products on a regular basis.
* **Chewy is a curated marketplace:** They are selective about the brands they partner with.
* **Operational excellence is key:** You need to have your inventory, fulfillment, and customer service dialed in.
* **A 3PL can be a valuable partner:** A good 3PL can help you meet Chewy’s strict requirements.
* **Marketing and advertising are essential:** You need to have a plan for how you’re going to stand out from the competition.
* **Customer service is paramount:** Providing excellent customer service is the best way to build a strong reputation and a loyal customer base.
**1. How much does it cost to sell on Chewy?**
Chewy’s fees can vary, but you can expect to pay a commission on each sale, as well as other potential fees for things like advertising and fulfillment. It’s important to factor these fees into your pricing to ensure that you’re profitable.
**2. How long does it take to get approved to sell on Chewy?**
The approval process can take several weeks, so it’s important to be patient. The more thorough and professional your application is, the better your chances of being approved quickly.
**3. What are the biggest challenges of selling on Chewy?**
The biggest challenges are meeting Chewy’s high standards for inventory, fulfillment, and customer service. This is why it’s so important to have a solid operational plan in place before you start selling.
**4. Can I sell on Chewy and my own website at the same time?**
Yes, you can sell on both Chewy and your own website. However, it’s important to have a consistent brand experience across all of your channels.
**5. What is the best way to market my products on Chewy?**
The best way to market your products on Chewy is to use a combination of tactics, including sponsored products, display ads, and email marketing. It’s also important to optimize your product listings with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and relevant keywords.
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