10 eBay Alternatives: The Best Platforms for Your Online Business

Established in 1995, eBay is still the second most popular marketplace in the world. From its humble beginnings as a virtual garage sale, it’s grown into an ecommerce giant. The best part about eBay is that anyone can sell anything. Well, except for unpasteurized dairy products, counterfeits, and several other restricted items.

eBay is ideal for individual sellers, collectors, small businesses, and startups. Sellers of vintage or rare items can benefit from eBay’s auction system, while entrepreneurs can test new products and gauge interest. eBay also allows personalized interactions between buyers and sellers and provides greater control over pricing.

Learn how to sell on eBay like a pro. Check out these effective tips for selling on eBay to become a top seller.

While eBay is an excellent option, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Depending on the products you sell, other platforms could be more appropriate. Luckily, there are plenty of eBay alternatives that may better suit your needs.

Why search for an alternative?

eBay is still the place to sell second-hand products, antiques, auctionable goods, or anything restricted on other platforms. Product categories like fashion items, electronics, toys, beauty products, or automotive parts also sell well on eBay.

However, there are reasons to search for the best eBay alternatives. Some existing eBay sellers aren’t happy with their dispute resolution process. Vinyl record seller voltagevillage shares his opinion in the eBay community forum:

‘‘The platform’s dispute resolution process is heavily biased toward buyers, leaving sellers vulnerable to unwarranted claims and refunds, and often resulting in lost profits and damaged reputation.’’

In most cases, buyers won’t complain if your products are high-quality. But it’s reassuring when the platform protects both parties’ interests. eBay doesn’t offer order fulfillment and shipping services. Plus, while direct communication with buyers has its advantages, it’s also more of a hassle for sellers.

Discover the 10 best eBay alternatives where you can sell products today. We’ve listed each platform’s main features, who it’s best suited for, pricing, and pros and cons so you can make an educated choice.

Top 10 eBay alternatives

eBay is an auction-style online marketplace. This means sellers can choose to have buyers place bids, or they can set fixed prices. In this list of the best eBay alternatives, we’ll explore different options like online marketplaces, ecommerce platforms, and custom-built solutions.

Let’s dive in!

1. Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace that mainly caters to the handmade, vintage, and crafts niche.

Source: Etsy

Etsy’s main features

• A user-friendly interface that makes browsing, buying, and selling simple and intuitive.

• SEO for shop pages and listings. Etsy provides search engine optimization (SEO) tools for boosting product listings.

• Shipping management tools that simplify order fulfillment.

• A built-in community and search engine for niche products.

Etsy is best suited for . . .

Artisans, crafters, and small business owners selling handmade or vintage items. So, if you’re selling artsy products like custom greeting cards, Etsy could be perfect for you. Explore Etsy’s product categories. Learn how to sell on Etsy like a pro.

Etsy’s pricing

Listing fees are $0.20 per item plus a 6.5% transaction fee for every sale. To compare, eBay charges a 13.25% final value fee (or lower, depending on the product category) plus a $0.40 or lower per-order fee. You also get 250 free listings per month.

If you use Etsy Ads, additional fees will apply. Find out more about Etsy’s fees.

Pros of Etsy

• A niche market with a dedicated audience.

• Easy setup and low initial costs.

• Strong community support.

• Etsy has a growing number of customers that shop on the platform. From 2019 to 2024, the number nearly doubled!

Source: Statista

Cons of Etsy

• An extensive list of restricted items.

• Limited branding and customization options.

• Etsy has a steeper learning curve than eBay, and competition is fierce. Learn how to succeed on Etsy.

2. Shopify

Shopify is one of the leading ecommerce platforms. It offers an all-in-one ecommerce solution that allows users to create an online store, manage payments, inventory, and more.

Source: Charle Agency

Shopify’s main features

• Ability to build and customize your online store.

• Access to countless apps and features available in Shopify’s App Store.

• The possibility to grow your own brand.

• SEO and other marketing strategies that can attract visitors.

• Integrated payment processing and multi-channel selling.

Shopify is best suited for . . .

New sellers who want complete control over their online store. It has an easy-to-use, intuitive interface, offers professional-looking website templates, and doesn’t take too long to set up. 

Shopify’s pricing

Source: Shopify

Shopify offers four pricing plans: Basic, Shopify, Advanced, and Plus, with prices ranging from $29 to $2,300 per month. Beginners can access a 3-day free trial with basic Shopify features. After you complete your free trial, the monthly fee is $1 for the first three months.

Pros of Shopify

• The Shopify App Store offers 8,000+ apps and integrations focused on ecommerce businesses.

• Easy-to-use online selling platform that’s perfect for dropshipping.

• No coding or design experience is needed.

• Highly customizable and scalable.

Cons of Shopify

• Migrating store data, products, and themes from Shopify is challenging due to its proprietary platform.

• Monthly subscription fee plus additional costs for apps and themes.

• Requires more effort to drive traffic compared to marketplaces.

3. Amazon

Amazon is the largest online marketplace in the world. In 2023, Amazon’s annual revenue was $554.02B, while eBay made a mere (in comparison) $10.06B. In the US, people use Amazon to find products more often than Google’s search engine.

Source: Company’s Market Cap

The difference with eBay is that sellers are also competing with Amazon’s own products. And you can only create fixed-price listings.

Amazon’s main features

• Detailed business analytics and marketing tools.

• Automated pricing tools based on competition and market conditions.

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for easy shipping and inventory management.

• Amazon brand registry helps you protect your intellectual property (IP), manage your listings, and grow your business.

Amazon is best suited for . . .

Businesses and retailers looking for a trust-worthy platform with a vast global customer base. Sellers can also benefit from Amazon’s extensive selling tools to grow their business. The platform supports large inventories and helps third-party sellers scale without managing logistics, thanks to FBA.

Source: Amazon

Amazon’s pricing

Selling on Amazon incurs fees that vary depending on the product and fulfillment method. You can use FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) or FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant).

Let’s consider Bluetooth earbuds, selling at $23.98 per item. Here’s a breakdown of the fees and profit you’d get using Amazon FBA vs FBM:

Source: Amazon Seller Central

Other Amazon selling fees include referral fees that depend on the product category but are around 15%. Plus, if you choose an individual seller account, you pay a $0.99 closing fee for each sale. You can avoid the closing fee by opting for a professional seller account that costs $39.99/month. Find out more about Amazon’s fees.

Pros of Amazon

• Amazon Prime keeps customers coming back for more, and it’s also the main reason they’re likely to do all their big holiday shopping there.

• FBA simplifies storage, shipping, and customer service.

• Huge customer base and high trust level.

Cons of Amazon

• All customer data is handled by Amazon, so Amazon sellers don’t get access to any customer data. This limits your options for establishing a brand and market outside Amazon.

• Higher fees and competition than other platforms.

• Strict policies and potential for account suspension.

Learn the main differences between Amazon vs. Shopify.

4. Walmart

The Walmart marketplace is like Amazon in that you have to compete with their own products. Walmart hasn’t been around for as long as Amazon, but its popularity is skyrocketing.

Source: Walmart

Walmart’s main features

• Access to Walmart’s vast customer base.

• Integration with Walmart’s physical stores.

• Seller Center for managing listings, orders, and performance.

Walmart is best suited for . . .

Established sellers with a proven track record. The Walmart Marketplace is an excellent eBay alternative for sellers of consumer goods and everyday items. Or for new sellers looking to build brand awareness and credibility.

In 2023, Walmart’s online sales amount to $73.7B, and you can tap into this market. The best part? You can do it without putting your money on the line! By using print-on-demand production, you only pay for what you sell.

Walmart’s pricing

 Walmart charges a category-specific referral fee of 5%–20% per sale. If you’re connecting to Walmart Marketplace through Printful, you don’t need to worry about other Walmart fees. Learn about Printful’s fulfillment fees. Find out more about Walmart’s fees.

Pros of Walmart

• Large, diverse customer base.

• Lower fees compared to Amazon.

• Trust and recognition of the Walmart brand.

Cons of Walmart

• Strict application process and requirements.

• Limited control over customer data and branding.

• Lower profits due to Walmart favoring competitive pricing.

5. Wix

Wix is an intuitive website maker that gives you the tools to create and manage your business website, online store, blog, and more.

Source: Wix

Wix’s main features

• Drag-and-drop website builder with ecommerce capabilities.

• Variety of templates and customization options.

• Built-in SEO and marketing tools.

Wix is best suited for . . .

Creators whose primary goal is to build a content-rich website and show off their work while doing ecommerce on the side. Since it wasn’t built as an ecommerce tool, Wix is a versatile platform for anyone wishing to have an online presence. It’s also best for those who wish to sell locally.

Wix’s pricing

If you want to start a Wix online store, you’ll have to upgrade to a paid plan. Wix offers three paid plans for ecommerce businesses—Core ($27/month), Business ($32/month), and Business Elite ($159/month), as well as a separate Enterprise plan. All plans include basic features, like a custom domain, no Wix site branding, and 24/7 customer support.

Pros of Wix

• 800+ free templates, all mobile-friendly.

• Access to consumer behavior insights and marketing tools.

• The Wix Help Center is incredibly detailed.

• The Wix website’s in-editor Help section allows you to search for help without leaving the website editor.

Cons of Wix

• Inflexibility in changing store theme templates once you have built your website.

• Limited ecommerce-specific templates, apps, and features.

• No free tracking and analytics.

Find out how Wix compares to Shopify.

6. Squarespace

Squarespace is a drag-and-drop website builder. In 2024, it was the second-biggest platform for website building, second only to Wix.

Source: Built With

Squarespace’s main features

• Sleek, professionally designed templates.

• Integrated ecommerce functionality.

• Strong focus on aesthetics and design.

Squarespace is best suited for . . .

Content creators or artists who are looking for the best eBay alternative for building a store. Squarespace is primarily a platform for service providers. The platform is praised for its premium look, which can be achieved with no prior design experience.

Squarespace’s pricing

Source: Squarespace

There are 3 plans with selling enabled: Business, Commerce Basic, or Commerce Advanced. Depending on the features you want, the prices range from $23 to $49 per month.

Pros of Squarespace

• Exquisite modern templates and effortless customization.

• The platform is user-friendly, and its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design and customize your online store without coding skills.

• No transaction fees for higher price tier plans.

Cons of Squarespace

• Squarespace’s primary focus isn’t ecommerce, so this store builder lacks the advanced features of dedicated ecommerce platforms.

• Limited payment gateway options.

• Limited third-party integrations (e.g., no possibility for businesses to connect to email marketing services or advanced analytics).

Find out which website builder is better for you in our Wix vs. Squarespace showdown.

7. Storenvy

Storenvy is a platform focused on indie brands and unique products, creating a community where each store shares its story. Similar to Etsy, it’s where online shoppers find rare goods.

Source: Storenvy

Storenvy’s main features

• Free to set up with customizable storefronts.

• Marketplace feature to attract additional traffic.

• Social integration for community-driven sales.

Storenvy is best suited for . . .

Sellers who want to create an authentic brand experience and engage with a community that cherishes the unconventional.

Storenvy’s pricing

There are no monthly maintenance fees or listing fees, but you’ll pay a 15% commission on each sale total (including shipping). Plus, you must cover payment processing fees.

Pros of Storenvy

• A dedicated community that loves supporting indie brands.

• Freedom to personalize your storefront.

• Highly responsive and helpful customer support.

Cons of Storenvy

• Smaller audience.

• Limited marketing tools.

• Heavy reliance on social media for driving traffic.

• Complex navigation and a steep learning curve.

8. Shift4Shop

Shift4Shop is a long-standing ecommerce platform that was founded in 1997 out of Tamarac, Florida.

Source: Shift4Shop

Shift4Shops’s main features

• Comprehensive ecommerce platform with robust features.

• A website builder with free plans.

• Extensive tools for SEO, marketing, and inventory management.

Shift4Shop is best suited for . . .

Small to medium-sized businesses with a good sales volume seeking a cost-effective solution. It’s also suitable for sellers in need of advanced ecommerce features without high costs.

Shift4Shop’s pricing

Shift4Shop offers a free plan, but it comes with conditions. You have to process a minimum of $500 per month with Shift4 through your Shift4Shop store. Shift4 is the platform’s proprietary integrated payment processing solution. Therefore, newcomers who don’t reach $500 in monthly sales will have to pay an upgrade fee of $29/month.

Pros of Shift4Shop

• No monthly fees with Shift4 payment processing.

• Rich feature set and 100+ free templates added daily.

• Strong SEO and marketing tools.

• Up-to-date fraud protection powered by Kount (an Equifax Company that protects companies against payment fraud, safely collects customer data, and simplifies requirements related to industry rules and government regulations).

Cons of Shift4Shop

• Only free if you process over $500 per month.

• Potential learning curve for beginners.

• Free plan offers limited customer support compared to premium plans.

9. Bonanza

Bonanza is similar to eBay and Amazon, but it’s known for being more small-business-friendly. You can sell all sorts of things on Bonanza, from clothing and fashion accessories to home decor and collectibles.

Source: Bonanza

Bonanza’s main features

• Easy-to-use marketplace for a variety of products.

• Low fees with a focus on seller support.

• Integrated tools for marketing and cross-listing on other platforms.

Bonanza is best suited for . . .

Sellers ready to offer something different and engage with a community that values authenticity.

Bonanza’s pricing

It’s free to list an item on Bonanza. Selling fees are $0.25 + 3.5% commission for orders under $1000, plus a flat 1.5% of the amount over $1000. Sellers can choose to cover shipping costs themselves or leave it to customers. Find out more about Bonanza pricing.

Pros of Bonanza

• No listing fees.

• User-friendly platform, ideal for newcomers.

• A community that appreciates the unusual and authentic.

Cons of Bonanza

• Smaller audience reach compared to ecommerce giants like Amazon and eBay.

• Limited brand visibility and marketing tools.

• Requires proactive effort to drive traffic to your listings.

10. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress that is also an ecommerce software platform. It allows you to turn a WordPress website into a store with product listings, a shopping cart, and checkout.

Source: WooCommerce

WooCommerce’s main features

• WordPress plugin for building customizable online stores.

• Extensive range of plugins and themes.

• Complete control over design and functionality.

WooCommerce is best suited for . . .

Business owners with a preexisting WordPress site. It’s one of the best eBay alternatives for smaller sellers or medium-sized businesses looking to control costs while growing their online presence.

WooCommerce’s pricing

WooCommerce itself is free, but it has a pay-for-what-you-need model. You’ll incur costs for web hosting, extra security, payment gateways, and extra plugins or themes.

A hosting platform created by WooCommerce, Woo Express, tailors to online stores. It provides security, enhanced store performance, and more. The least expensive plan costs $39 monthly, but you can test out both of the available plans for $1 for 3 months.

Pros of WooCommerce

• High customizability and seamless integration with existing WordPress sites.

• Access to a wide range of WordPress plugins and themes to enhance your online store.

• No initial costs. 

Cons of WooCommerce

• WooCommerce is a self-hosted platform, it requires a lot of maintenance.

• Additional costs like hosting, payment processing fees, and add-ons. 

• No official support team for WooCommerce. 

• Requires design and coding knowledge or training.

How to choose the right alternative?

Now that we’ve looked at the best eBay alternatives, it’s time to choose your winner. Of course, there’s no one size fits all. Which platform is best for your online business will depend on your specific needs, budget, vision, etc.

Source: PX Here

Consider these factors when picking alternatives to eBay:

• Lower fees. For cost-effectiveness, choose online marketplaces without monthly subscriptions. Learn about platform fees and calculate potential costs to budget accordingly.

• Less competition. The more buyers there are per seller, the better for you. For example, Bonanza has a 1,300:1 buyers-to-sellers ratio, while eBay has a 7:1 buyer-to-seller ratio.

• Customizability. Customizing your storefront can help your brand stand out and provide a unique customer experience. For more customization freedom, choose website builders or dedicated ecommerce solutions.

• Brand control. Maybe you want a simple way to sell online or perhaps to build an extinguished brand. Custom-built websites or ecommerce platforms provide more brand control than online marketplaces.

• Customer data. Unlike eBay or Amazon, owning a store on Shopify provides direct access to customer data. This enables personalized marketing and customer relationship management.

• SEO benefits. SEO plays a critical role in attracting organic traffic to your online store. Ecommerce platforms have SEO tools that allow you to rank higher in search engines. Learn more about SEO for ecommerce.

• Long-term growth. Before settling on a platform, consider growth opportunities. Does the platform make it easy to scale your business? How many items can you sell? Is the selling fee lower depending on your sales volume?

Connecting with Printful

Do you want to sell your designs on 349 premium products without holding inventory or managing shipping? Then print-on-demand may be right for you. With Printful, a print-on-demand service provider, you can sell custom items with your own authentic designs. All under your brand!

Source: Printful

This pay-per-order business model involves no upfront costs. You pay for an item only when a customer places an order.

Printful integrates with most of the abovementioned eBay alternatives (and with eBay). So, if you’re choosing one of Printful’s integrations, it can be easily connected to Printful.

Follow these steps to start a print-on-demand dropshipping business with Printful:

1. Sign up for a free account with Printful. Use your Facebook, Google, Apple, or email account.

2. Link your Printful account with one of 20+ ecommerce platforms and marketplaces.

3. Pick your products and add your designs to trending products.

4. Add products to your store. From your Printful Dashboard, go to Product Templates and click Add to store.

5. Set up a payment method on your online platform and in your Printful account.

6. Set prices and shipping fees. Follow our ecommerce shipping pricing strategies guide.

7. Market your business and watch the orders roll in. Build a strong marketing strategy.

8. Printful prints, packages, and ships the product to your customers with your branding.

Find out more on how to start an online store with Printful. Read this next if you’re interested in starting a clothing brand.

Choose wisely

When picking an online selling platform, consider your business’s specific needs, your technical skills, and your budget. Each platform has its strengths and is suitable for different types of online sellers.

Here’s a summary of our findings:

• Etsy is ideal for artisans and crafters, and artists selling prints of their work on canvases or trendy products.

• Amazon provides a vast customer base for retailers.

• Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify are flexible alternatives for those who want more control over branding and store customization.

• Platforms like Storenvy and Bonanza provide low-cost alternatives with unique features.

• WooCommerce is ideal for those who prefer a customizable WordPress solution.

Whichever path you choose, don’t put off starting your online business. Before selling items, ensure you’ll have healthy profit margins. Follow our guide to setting a good profit margin for print-on-demand. Don’t have any capital to invest? No problem. Learn how to start an ecommerce business with no money.