Online shopping is getting more popular by the moment it seems. Many independent business owners and small companies want to promote their products digitally to better serve their customers. But, with so many selling options on the internet, knowing which platform to work with can be a challenge.
Fortunately, we’re well-versed in the world of online buying and selling sites, so we’ve compiled a helpful list of ten of the best platforms to sell products online. Follow along to discover which sites to sell products can help you reach more customers and grow your business.
Read More: Best Multi-Vendor Marketplace Platforms
What is an Online Marketplace?
An online marketplace is a type of e-commerce website, where multiple third parties (vendors) can sell their products. Unlike traditional e-commerce websites, online marketplaces combine various sellers under one roof, which lets buyers purchase from multiple brands or individuals on a single platform. Examples of popular online marketplaces include Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.
Pros and Cons of Selling on Online Marketplaces
Like any business venture, marketplace selling has its pros and cons. Let’s examine both for a more informed decision.
Pros:
- Large customer base – Reach millions of potential buyers.
- Less technical issues – The online marketplace manages all the technical aspects of the website, so you don’t have to worry about website support and maintenance.
- Customer service – The marketplace can handle shipping, delivery, returns, and exchanges for you.
Cons:
- Fees and commissions – Platforms may charge listing, transaction, or subscription fees, making it more difficult to make a profit.
- High competition – Competing with thousands of sellers with similar products can make it difficult to stand out.
- Limited control – Sellers must follow the marketplace’s policies and terms.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Marketplace
How do you choose a marketplace when you decide to sell on one? There are several things you need to consider:
- Fee structure – Consider listing fees, subscription costs, and transaction fees.
- Target audience – Determine where your target customers shop most frequently.
- Seller support – Check for support resources, tools, and customer service.
- Integration capabilities – Ensure the platform integrates with your existing tools and software.
Best Sites to Sell Online: Comparison Table
Now that you know what to pay attention to in your choice, let’s examine the best 10 online marketplaces. Click the link in the table to jump right to the description of the platform you're interested in.
Marketplace | Overview | Pricing | Product Category |
|---|---|---|---|
A leading marketplace with a global customer base, robust fulfillment options, and established trust. | $39.99/month + referral fees | All product categories | |
Auction-style sales and fixed-price listings, accessible to a global audience. | Listing fees + sales fees ($0.30 for orders $10.00 or less. $0.40 for orders over $10.00) | General merchandise | |
Focuses on handmade, vintage, and unique items, attracting a creative and niche audience. | $0.20 per listing + transaction fees | Handmade and creative items | |
Access to Walmart’s vast U.S. customer base, offering sellers access to a broad retail audience. | Referral fees only | General merchandise | |
Popular for international dropshipping, with access to suppliers worldwide. | Commissions vary between 5% and 8% depending on the product category | Dropshipping, global retail | |
Local, direct-to-consumer sales with simple, free listing options. | Free to list | Local sales, pre-owned items | |
A mobile-friendly app for selling general merchandise, catering to casual sellers. | 10% of the selling price | General merchandise | |
Specializes in fashion, connecting brands with fashion-savvy customers across Europe. | Range from 7% to 25%, depending on product category | Fashion and apparel | |
Focused on electronics and tech products, catering to tech enthusiasts. | Range from 8% to 15%, depending on product category | Electronics, tech products | |
Specializes in home decor, furniture, and home products, targeting a specific market. | Commission-based | Home and decor |
1. Amazon
Everyone has heard about Amazon. It has become a massive online marketplace in the past decade and is one of the most trusted and competitively priced shopping platforms in existence today. Amazon is a go-to option for businesses of all sizes, in all industries, that sell all kinds of things.
That said, selling products on Amazon is not exactly easy. Since it has over 10 million sellers operating on the platform, the competition is fierce. With the help of Amazon marketing agencies, you can cut through it by crafting winning strategies that attract potential customers to your products and set you apart.
Small businesses considering this platform can expect to pay Amazon 99 cents per unit sold under the Individual plan. The Professional plan eliminates this charge for a single cost of $39.99 per month no matter how many or how few items sell.
2. eBay
eBay is a classic selling platform, one of the oldest of its kind. While it was once a website designed to allow ordinary people to sell items via online auctions, it has evolved into a popular marketplace.
To use eBay, sellers need to pay a listing fee that allows keeping product listings active for a determined amount of time. When sales are made, eBay takes transaction-related fees from the total that the seller made on the item they sold.
Many small businesses find eBay a valuable resource as they do not have to pay monthly package fees to conduct standard eBay business practices.
Read More: How to Sell on eBay
3. Etsy
For businesses related to crafting one-of-a-kind products or creating art, Etsy is one of the best platforms to sell online. It resembles eBay in that it requires users to pay a listing fee to post product offerings. To be precise, a 20-cent charge will keep your listing active for an entire quarter (four months). Standard processing and transaction fees also apply when using Etsy as a selling platform.
However, unlike several other platforms, Etsy also pays sellers to advertise their products through offsite ads. For sellers who need more robust marketing or sales features, the Etsy Plus option might be worth considering at only $10 per month.
Read More: How to Sell on Etsy
4. Walmart Marketplace
Walmart Marketplace is a powerful option for sellers looking to reach Walmart’s massive customer base. Unlike Amazon, Walmart Marketplace doesn’t require a monthly subscription fee. Instead, sellers only pay referral fees, which vary by product category.
Since Walmart customers already trust the brand, sellers benefit from the company’s built-in credibility. However, unlike platforms like Amazon, Walmart does not offer fulfillment services, meaning sellers must handle their own shipping.
This platform is a great fit for established businesses with reliable shipping systems in place. For businesses looking to break into big-box retail online, Walmart Marketplace is one of the best sites to sell products online.
5. AliExpress
If you’re looking for an international solution for the B2C segment, AliExpress is one of the best online-selling platforms for dropshipping. Sellers can list products from suppliers all over the world, and when a customer places an order, suppliers ship the product directly to the customer.
AliExpress charges fees based on the type of product you sell, but it’s often lower than what you’d pay on other platforms. This setup allows for a hands-off selling process, especially for businesses looking to avoid warehouse management.
This platform is ideal for businesses in the dropshipping model, as it offers an easy way to sell without keeping inventory.
6. Facebook Marketplace
If you want to sell products locally, without fees, Facebook Marketplace is one of the best websites to sell stuff. It connects you directly with buyers in your area, and there are no listing fees for personal items. Sellers can list items for free and communicate directly with buyers through Messenger.
Facebook Marketplace is the best site to sell items locally – from autos and electronics to home decor. Businesses can also use Facebook Shops, a more professional option for creating a storefront directly on Facebook or Instagram.
If you’re looking for a site to sell items locally, this platform is ideal due to its accessibility, simplicity, and free listings.
7. Mercari
If you prefer a mobile-first selling experience, Mercari is one of the most convenient platforms for selling on the go. Sellers can list items directly through the app and ship them to buyers using pre-labeled shipping options.
Mercari charges a flat 10% selling fee, which is slightly lower than other platforms. It’s best for used goods, electronics, home decor, and fashion items. Since it’s mobile-focused, it’s easy to manage listings, track orders, and communicate with buyers.
For casual sellers and side hustlers, Mercari offers a quick and easy way to sell online without creating a dedicated store.
8. Zalando
Zalando is one of the best platforms for selling online if your business focuses on fashion, shoes, or accessories and is located in the European market. The platform allows sellers to list products on its marketplace, offering direct access to thousands of fashion buyers.
To join Zalando, sellers must apply for a partnership, and fees are set on a case-by-case basis. Sellers also benefit from exposure on Zalando’s large fashion-focused platform, making it an ideal choice for brands looking to enter the European market.
9. Newegg
Newegg is one of the best sites to sell online for products like gadgets, computers, and hardware. This marketplace is designed for tech enthusiasts and is a go-to platform for anyone looking to buy specialized electronics.
Sellers on Newegg pay listing fees plus a commission, but the platform is widely known for its loyal customer base. It’s a great place to sell electronics, especially if you want to reach a niche audience of gamers, tech experts, and PC builders.
10. Wayfair
For sellers focused on furniture, home decor, and large appliances, Wayfair is one of the best sites to sell products. It connects furniture retailers with a dedicated customer base seeking high-quality home goods.
Unlike some marketplaces, Wayfair works on a commission basis, and sellers must meet strict shipping and product guidelines. But for companies in the home decor space, the exposure to Wayfair’s customer base can be a major opportunity.
Building Your Own Store
If you looking for more control over branding, pricing, and customer experience, you can consider building your own store. Platforms like Magento and Shopify allow you to create a fully customized e-commerce site that stands out from generic marketplace listings.
Unlike online marketplace, your store gives you more control and ownership of customer data, and you don’t have to pay marketplace fees and commissions. Check out this guide to the best e-commerce CMS platforms to learn more about choosing the platform to build your store.
Key benefits of building your store:
- Unique customization capabilities – Customize your store’s look and layout according to your unique needs.
- No marketplace fees – Avoid referral and transaction fees.
- Customer data control – Get ownership of your customer data.
With Amasty’s Magento and Shopify development services, you can build a store according to your business goals. Our expert developers will help you design a user-friendly website with all the necessary integrations. Whether you’re starting from scratch or optimizing an existing store, our team ensures every element aligns with your brand strategy and business objectives.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best platform to sell online depends on the type of products you offer and your business goals. Etsy or Facebook Marketplace may be ideal for a side hustle or a small business looking for an easy setup. If you want access to a large, global audience, consider Amazon or eBay. For tech products, Newegg is a great option, while those focused on home goods can explore Wayfair.
However, for full control over your business, consider building your own store with Magento or Shopify. Owning your platform eliminates fees, lets you manage branding, and provides valuable insights into customer behavior.
