10 alternatives to eBay

updated June 9, 2023
Reading time6 minutes
Clayton Quist
Clayton Quist
Customer Service Genie

The ecommerce giant eBay is an option for getting started in ecommerce, due to its high visibility. However, like most sites, it is far from being the only solution. Despite its huge presence, the amount of competition you’ll find on the online sales platform will also be vast, which could have the inverse effect to that desired. This means that, due to the proportions and presence of eBay, your online shop could end up with zero visibility. Have a look at these 11 alternatives to eBay and diversify your online presence!

Have a look at: 19 steps to setting up your online shop

1. Amazon

Another giant amongst virtual shops, Amazon also lets you sell your products through their platform. Despite being just as huge as eBay and having similar problems associated with it, Amazon’s rates are lower than eBay’s, and it is structured as a shop rather than an online auction. It’s worth remembering that Amazon doesn’t charge you to put products up, but only if you make a sale. The service it provides to both its buyers and sellers has received good feedback.

Click the link to access Amazon.

Amazon

2. Artfire

With a focus on artisanal products, Artfire is a good alternative to eBay as you aren’t competing with factory-made. Its community is based around all kinds of artisanal products, and it could be the perfect place to publicise and sell your work, as it is also frequented by enthusiasts that share your profession or hobby. One of the advantages is being able to choose between paying commission on sales and paying a monthly fee instead.

This has SEO tools, integration with Google Analytics and the possibility of creating discount coupons. Find out more about Artfire on their home page.

3. Etsy

Another alternative to eBay dedicated to artisanal products, Etsy competes directly with Artfire. It has various advantages, similar to those its competitor, like letting you reach an audience who are more likely to purchase this type of product, as well as not having large scale producers as competition. Etsy also charges lower rates than eBay, although it does charge to list products on the platform. Find out more about Etsy on their site.

Have a look at: 9 WordPress plugins for your ecommerce

5. Aliexpress

Another ecommerce giant, Aliexpress has gained notoriety for helping with the importation of products from China and having competitive prices, much cheaper than buying them in your own country. The downside is long delivery times, depending on where you’re buying from.

For sellers, the process is more complicated as it’s restricted to producers from China. For now, you can only become an affiliate, with banners and links you can put on your site. Find out more about the program on their official page.

AliExpress

6. Niche sites

As we explained when talking about Etsy and Artfire, niche sites which suit your business could be good alternatives to eBay, or other giants like Amazon. Despite having less traffic, the public they have access to is genuinely interested, which could mean than your products are more visible than if they were on bigger sites. It’s worth researching your niche and finding out which of these sites might accept your products, as well as checking their terms and conditions, rates, and the services they provide to buyers and sellers.

7. Bonanza

This site has a similar aim to eBay, and it is gaining popularity because it’s easy to use and it was voted this year’s best alternative to eBay. One of the big advantages of Bonanza over eBay is the fact that it lets you list an item for free, and it’s also integrated with Google Shopping. It has tool that lets you importat listings from eBay, Etsy and Amazon, has lower rates than its competitors and has better customer service. Visit Bonanza’s page to find out more about this ecommerce platform

Bonanza

8. Facebook groups or pages

Working in a similar way to niche sites, you can sell directly through Facebook pages. You can join groups dedicated to online commerce or set up a page for your shop. You can focus your product sales through the social network, but we recommend that you don’t limit yourself to Facebook, as Facebook isn’t a public domain and so you could end up losing your shop if some change takes place on the social network.

Have a look at: 8 alternatives to PayPal for ecommerce

9. OLX

Another big platform for buying and selling, the focus of OLX is on personal items. However, this doesn’t stop you from selling your products through the site, which works like a kind of online classifieds. One of the advantages of OLX is that the site also allows you to sell services rather than just products.

The disadvantage is the same as big sites like eBay: there are lots people advertising, which can limit the reach of your ecommerce business. Go to OLX and see if it fits your business goals.

10. Bidroop (in beta phase)

With features similar to those of eBay, Bidroop is a site aimed exclusively at online auctions. On their page they display current auctions, and they are looking to gain global support.

Bidroop

However, we don’t recommend you adopt this platform just yet, as it’s currently only available in German, but it’s planning to introduce translations into English and other languages after a series of tests. We included it on the list so that you can stay up to date with its development and assess whether it will suit your needs. Have a look at Bidroop’s page.

11. Your own ecommerce site

Although there are various available platforms for you to sell your products, the best option is still setting up your own ecommerce. In this way, you have online ‘territory’ and you can evaluate each step, as well as building your brand. This is vital for whoever wants to set up an online shop and turn it into their main source of income.

To find out more about how to set up a ecommerce, we recommend you read this article with these 20 sites to start your ecommerce, and this one with 19 steps to setting up your online shop.

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Which platforms do you use for your online sales?

Do you prefer big online sales platforms like eBay or its competitor Amazon, or niche sites, like Artfire, or Facebook groups? Even if you do adopt some of these platforms, we would like to underline our recommendation to also set up your own online shop, as none of the previous options help with building your brand, and they don’t let you deal directly with clients through services like Jivochat’s online chat. Don’t forget to check out its features and pricing before making your decision.

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