Selling on Cdiscount: a complete guide to the French marketplace

What is Cdiscount?

Cdiscount is one of the leading generalist e-commerce platforms in France. Founded in 1998, it now offers a catalogue of over 63 million items across numerous categories, establishing a strong presence in the French market.

It ranks among the most prominent online sales portals in Europe, recording approximately 17 million monthly visits. For sellers, it offers a competitive marketplace with a fixed monthly fee and efficient regional logistics that also support models such as dropshipping.

Why sell on Cdiscount

Selling on Cdiscount is particularly advantageous if you wish to access a platform with a vast and diverse audience that is price and quality-conscious. It represents a good opportunity for brands and sellers looking to expand their customer base in Europe without directly competing with the scale and international logistics of Amazon.

Key advantages include:

• More balanced competition: the marketplace is not as crowded as Amazon, making it easier to gain visibility and position yourself.

• Clear cost structure: defined monthly fee and transparent commissions, with no surprises.

• Breadth of catalogue: possibility to sell in almost all categories, thanks to a generalist and open approach.

• Simplified logistics: with Cdiscount Fulfilment, it is possible to delegate the entire logistics process, from storage to returns.

• Support for dropshipping models: the platform facilitates those who do not want to manage warehousing and procurement.

• Flexible delivery: in-store collection and dedicated pick-up points that expand options for customers and improve the shopping experience.

How to sell on Cdiscount?

To sell on Cdiscount, the main steps are:

1. Create a seller account by filling out the form on the official website, providing company details such as name, address, VAT number, and contact details.

2. Verify fiscal and product requirements, possessing a valid VAT number, products identified with real EAN codes and descriptions in French, and guaranteeing customer service in French.

3. Upload the product catalogue once the account is activated, indicating available stock, product condition (new or used), and selling prices.

4. Manage shipments, utilising the platform’s logistics or guaranteeing delivery of goods within 2 days of order receipt.

5. Receive payments every 10 days based on sales revenue.

How much does it cost to sell on Cdiscount?

Selling on Cdiscount involves a fixed subscription cost and variable commissions based on the product sector, with benefits for those operating in the French or European market due to lower entry costs compared to other large marketplaces.

The main costs consist of:

• Monthly subscription: €39.99 (excluding VAT) for professional sellers.

• Sales commissions: generally equal to 15% of the selling price including VAT plus shipping costs, with variations by product category.

  • For example:

    • Fashion and jewellery: 20%

    • Household appliances: 8-10%

    • High-tech and computing: 5-7%

    • Non-new products (used or refurbished) incur a 2% commission increase.

Cdiscount compared to major marketplaces in Europe

Analysing Cdiscount alongside the main European marketplaces, it immediately emerges how each platform interprets the market and consumer needs. From geographical coverage to the range of products offered, this comparison highlights strengths, key differences, and opportunities for those selling online.

What to sell on Cdiscount?

Cdiscount stands out for its extremely varied catalogue, ranging from technology to home, from fashion to food. This variety allows sellers to offer almost any type of product, reaching customers with diverse interests and needs.

Furthermore, the platform offers Cdiscount Voyage, a service dedicated to the travel sector. It allows users to book flights, hotels, holiday packages, car rentals, cruises, and themed stays such as skiing holidays or city breaks simply and affordably.

What can you not sell on Cdiscount?

On Cdiscount Marketplace, the sale of certain products is prohibited or subject to restrictions, in compliance with the law and the Platform’s General Conditions (GCMA). Sellers, primarily responsible for product compliance, must refrain from offering items whose sale is banned by national, European, or international regulations, or by Cdiscount’s GCMA.

Here is a complete overview of products that cannot be sold on Cdiscount Marketplace:

• Medicines requiring a prescription

• Cigarettes

• Products from countries under sanctions or embargo

• Products violating intellectual property rights

• Discriminatory or violent content

• Weapons in categories A to D

• Live animals

• Stolen goods

• Advertising

• Illicit substances and related items

• Items posing a risk to health, safety, or the environment

• Items contrary to the law

Reviews and Feedback from Cdiscount customers

Customer reviews on Cdiscount highlight great general satisfaction. Many users appreciate the variety of products available and the competitive prices offered by the platform.

Some feedback points out opportunities for improvement regarding shipping times and customer service, but overall the shopping experience is positive: according to a 2023 survey, 75% of users declared themselves satisfied. Reading reviews can nevertheless help to make the best choice and discover the experiences of other buyers.