There’s no denying the power of eCommerce. It’s an unstoppable force. With everyone buying everything from gadgets to clothes online, it’s no wonder the industry made over $4.9 trillion in 2021.
And one of the largest platforms driving this growth is eBay. With over 138 million active buyers, eBay has secured its place as one of the world’s top eCommerce marketplaces. However, selling on the platform isn’t without its faults, from high costs to poor policies and intense competition.
Before you settle for anything less, explore our list of eBay alternatives to inform your decision on where to set up shop.
1. Amazon
Once upon a time, Amazon’s schtick was that it was the world’s largest online bookstore, but then it diversified and became the largest online retailer. It went from selling only books in 1995 to offering multiple services across different categories.
How Amazon Compares to eBay
Amazon is a good choice if you want a large marketplace that many buyers trust. For one, it makes your buyers feel like they’re purchasing their products directly from Amazon.
Unlike eBay, which is like an auction house, Amazon has a traditional retail setup with fixed prices.
Pros
- You can list your products for free
- A large customer base
- Minimal market costs
- Amazon helps smaller vendors fulfill orders with its Fulfillment Network.
Cons
- Amazon’s extensive customer base results in higher platform fees
- You’ll compete with other sellers and Amazon products for visibility
- Growing your brand is challenging.
2. Etsy
If you’re looking for where or how to sell your art, vintage, or homemade craft items, then you might consider Etsy.
The platform initially started as a community for artists but has gained over 81.9 million users, with around $10.28 billion in gross merchandise sales.
Etsy connects over 4.36 million active sellers with buyers across the globe.
How Etsy Compares to eBay
eBay and Etsy charge similar listing fees, but the latter charges only $0.20 per item and a standard 3.5% commission. In addition, eBay listings last between 10-30days for a fixed amount, while Etsy allows up to four months.
Pros
- Etsy stores are easy to run
- Longer listing period
- Built-in analytics
- Collaborative seller community
- The platform has a highly engaged audience.
Cons
- Etsy has the final say
- It has a niche-specific customer base
- It has less traffic than eBay
- Etsy charges product listing and transaction fees
- You can’t create email lists.
3. eBid
eBid is the budget version of eBay. It’s a lower-cost alternative that follows eBay’s auction-style product listing format.
This British company was created in 1998 and positions itself as an eBay competitor. You can sell everything you’d sell on eBay, except on a much smaller scale.
How eBid Compares to eBay
eBid and eBay are trusted eCommerce platforms with vast product offerings and categories. While eBay has a larger marketplace, eBid allows higher profit margins.
So, if you already have a loyal customer base or can promote your products on social media, you could try eBid.
Pros
- eBid is a cheaper and lower-risk option
- You don’t pay for your listings
- Low commission fees (no more than 3%)
- It’s easy to use
- Helpful and supportive customer service.
Cons
- It receives less traffic (you’d have to generate it yourself on social media)
- Smaller customer pool
- Listings last longer on the site
- eBid requires more work to get your store running smoothly.
4. Aliexpress
While Aliexpress is the go-to marketplace for dropshippers, it’s also a solid platform for setting up an online store.
This eCommerce platform was formed in 2010 by the Alibaba Group, a multinational B2B and B2C company. Aliexpress offers faster shipping for products sold in Europe or China.
How Aliexpress Compares to eBay
Aliexpress offers a wide variety of products and easy access to suppliers. In addition, opening a store is straightforward. The platform also leverages Alibaba’s huge membership base.
Pros
- The platform is free to use
- Easy access to multiple countries across the globe
- Automatic language translations
- Large customer base.
Cons
- Aliexpress retains between 5-8% commission for each product sold
- Limited shopfront aesthetics
- You only get paid when the buyer confirms the receipt of an item.
5. Walmart
Walmart joined the eCommerce giants in 2016 after acquiring an online retail site called Jet for $3.3 billion. Most considered this move by Walmart to bridge the gap between itself and Amazon.
If you already have products in Walmart retail outlets and want to make a good online impression, you could try this marketplace.
How Walmart Compares to eBay
Walmart is still establishing its online marketplace, so the online sales aren’t as high as eBay’s, but they are gaining momentum.
Pros
- Walmart has a vast reach and massive customer base.
- The competition is minimal.
- No setup or maintenance fees.
- You have easy access to advanced listing tools and shipping programs.
- You only pay for what you sell.
Cons
- Walmart Marketplace is selective and requires you to apply to sell your products.
- You’ll compete with Walmart-owned items.
- Expect lower profit margins.
- You need prior eCommerce experience to succeed.
- Since Walmart Marketplace is still new to the eCommerce scene, it has low customer traffic.
6. Rakuten
Dubbed the Amazon of Japan, Rakuten competes with eBay and Amazon as a global marketplace with over $105 billion in sales.
Japan is a large market, with a population of over 126 million and a high penetration of internet users. It has the third-largest economy and the fourth-largest eCommerce market.
Big brands like Lenovo, Dell, Air Weave, Office Depot, and Dyson use Rakuten to reach their customers.
How Rakuten Compares to eBay
Rakuten is a traditional eCommerce website that allows more flexibility to build your brand and interact with customers.
Pros
- Rakuten doesn’t compete with its sellers.
- You can customize your store to suit your style and business needs.
- It’s an excellent platform for improving your online selling presence.
- Access to support and seller resources.
Cons
- Rakuten fees are higher than eBay’s.
- It’s an invite-only platform and requires an application process.
- Sellers from countries outside Japan or the US need a third-party partner.
7. Bonanza
Bonanza is still new to the eCommerce world. But thanks to its recent online attention, the site is now one of eBay’s notable competitors. It has shoppers and merchants in nearly every country in the world.
The platform has over 40,000 online stores and more than 22 million product listings. You can list and sell as many items on Bonanza as you wish.
How Bonanza Compares to eBay
Bonanza has a lower transaction fee than eBay—at 3.5% per sale. And you can easily import your existing eBay listings and feedback numbers to the platform.
Pros
- Higher profit margins for zero listing fees
- Easy to import items from eBay, Amazon, and Etsy
- It promotes transparency.
Cons
- It works best for unique or offbeat items
- Lower customer base.
8. Mercari
Mercari is another Japanese eCommerce platform established in 2013. It has a growing presence in the US, UK, and Japan.
You can list several items from the mobile app, from clothes to shoes and electronics.
How Mercari Compares to eBay
Mercari has similar product categories to eBay and allows you to sell second-hand items. And it charges a flat 10% fee for every successful sale.
Pros
- It allows free signups and product listing
- Flexible product shipping options
- The application is easy to set up and use
- Favorable seller policies
- Low maintenance listings.
Cons
- It takes longer to sell items
- Mercari lacks a global presence.
Things to Consider Before Choosing an eBay Alternative
Your Target Market or Audience
You should ensure the platform is suitable for your target audience and has everything your brand needs.
The Types of Products to Sell
Consider the kind of products you can sell on the website. For example, if you specialize in handmade and artsy items, Etsy might be best for your brand.
Platform Fees
Some eCommerce websites have high listing fees, while some allow you to list your products for free and only charge commissions. Make sure you check the ones with reasonable prices before using them.
The Amount of Competition on the Platform
Intense competition might hurt your business, especially if you’re still new to the game. Competing with the platform’s products and other sellers might prove overwhelming for your brand.
You can choose websites with less competition or add a unique spin to your products to make them stand out.
Start Exploring eBay Alternatives Now
So, there you have it – the eight eBay alternatives to consider for your business. If you want similar but cheaper sites, eBid, Amazon, and Bonanza are the closest options. Etsy is your go-to for anything crafty or vintage, while Aliexpress, Rakuten, and Mercari tap into the Asian and global markets.
It’s left for you to decide which of the following elements appeal the most to you.
