Connecting marketplaces is not only an API task. Product identifiers, variants, tax, stock, pricing, images, shipping rules, cancellations, returns, and accounting need an agreed source of truth.
Map how every system behaves when data is delayed or rejected. Overselling, duplicate orders, incorrect prices, and broken feeds usually come from undefined ownership and weak exception handling rather than the storefront itself.
Marketplace reach is valuable, but an owned store provides stronger control over brand, margin, customer data, content, and repeat purchase. The architecture should let both channels support each other.
Start with a limited catalogue, validate the complete order lifecycle, document operations, and only then expand automation. A smaller stable integration is more valuable than a broad fragile one.