Introduction
The question “Skroutz or independent e-shop?” remains crucial for any entrepreneur who wants to grow online. In 2025, the Greek digital environment is characterized by high competition, constantly increasing CPC in advertising, and increased consumer demands. The right strategic choice can make the difference between an eshop that grows and one that remains stagnant.
Today’s consumers are more informed than ever. They compare prices, read reviews, value delivery speed, and pay attention to the browsing experience. Thus, merchants are called upon to choose whether to invest in the powerful Skroutz brand, which offers ready-made traffic, or to create their own platform that will allow them to build a loyal audience and long-term value.
What is Skroutz Marketplace today (2025)?
Skroutz Marketplace is no longer just a price comparison platform. In 2025, it operates as a complete marketplace where consumers complete purchases without leaving the site.
- Commissions & rates: Charges range from 7% to 12% depending on the category.
- Promotion options: Premium showcases, sponsored placements, and “eshop within Skroutz” for enhanced presence.
- Services 2025: Automated logistics, “Skroutz Plus” customer subscriptions, and enhanced reviews.
The platform has evolved into an ecosystem where customers remain “locked in” to Skroutz, enjoying easy payments, free shipping for certain amounts, and a unified shopping environment. For businesses, this means access to a huge user base, but also heavy dependence on the rules set by the platform.
Advantages & disadvantages of Skroutz
Advantages
- Direct traffic from millions of users who trust Skroutz as “Greece’s shopping engine.”
- Increased credibility thanks to the brand, especially for new businesses that are not yet well known.
- Easy entry into the market without high initial costs for developing an e-shop.
- Ready-made solutions for payments, shipping, and customer service.
Disadvantages
- Lower profit margin due to commissions and advertising costs.
- Limited control over branding, as the customer associates the purchase with Skroutz rather than with the store.
- Intense price competition – often leads to price wars and pressure on margins.
- Lack of access to complete customer data, making remarketing difficult.
For example, if you sell premium products with high brand value, a lack of control over positioning can limit your image. On the other hand, if your product is mass-market and competitively priced, Skroutz can perform extremely well.
What does an independent e-shop offer?
Creating an independent e-shop gives the business complete control:
- Branding & Design: Complete freedom in design and corporate identity.
- SEO & Performance: Optimization potential for organic results (SEO).
- Data collection: Full access to emails, analytics, and customer behavior.
- Cross-selling & remarketing: Strategies that strengthen customer loyalty and increase LTV.
- Digital Marketing: Flexibility in Google Ads και Social Media campaigns.
An independent e-shop requires more effort and an initial advertising budget, but it is an asset to the business. There is no risk of suddenly losing its presence if the terms of use of the marketplace change, while it offers much better prospects for building a community and repeat customers.
Comparison table: Skroutz vs Independent Eshop
| Κριτήριο | Skroutz Marketplace | Ανεξάρτητο Eshop |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | Ready, immediate | Investment in SEO/Ads is required |
| Branding | Limited | Total control |
| Profit per sale | Less (supplies) | Larger (no commission) |
| User experience check | Limited | Complete |
| Platform dependency | High | Low |
The table above helps to clearly show that there is no single “best” option. There are only different strategies that suit different types of businesses.
The ideal scenario: A hybrid model
The answer is not always “skroutz or independent eshop” but “skroutz and independent eshop”. The combination can maximize sales:
- Use Skroutz for introductory traffic and acquiring first customers.
- Funnel creation: customer purchases via Skroutz → remarketing with Facebook Ads → next purchase in the eshop.
- Google Ads and email marketing collaboration for retention and increased Customer Lifetime Value.
For example, a new store can start through Skroutz to gain visibility and cover initial sales. Then, with the right remarketing and loyalty program, it can drive customers to its own e-shop, where profit margins are higher and the customer relationship is more direct.
What should I choose in the end?
There is no single answer. The choice depends on:
- New businesses: Skroutz for quick entry and immediate sales.
- Highly competitive categories: Combination of marketplace & e-shop to balance costs and profitability.
- Premium products: Independent e-shop with emphasis on brand and experience.
Firstidea recommends that you evaluate not only your current sales, but also where you want your business to be in 3–5 years. If your goal is recognition and continuous customer growth, an independent e-shop is the only way to go. If your goal is direct sales without initial risk, Skroutz is a safe solution. In most cases, however, a smart combination is the key.
Summary
In 2025, strategy is everything. Skroutz offers volume, while an independent e-shop offers control. Combining them, tailored to the needs of your business, can yield maximum results. The important thing is to know the pros and cons of each option and design a model that will serve your goals.
