When people think of selling online, Amazon and eBay are usually the first platforms that come to mind. While both marketplaces offer massive audiences and strong brand recognition, they also come with intense competition, high fees, and strict seller policies.
If you’re looking for alternative eCommerce platforms to grow your online business, you have plenty of options. Whether you want more control over your brand, lower fees, or a niche-specific marketplace, this guide will explore the best alternatives to Amazon and eBay.
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Shopify
Best for: Entrepreneurs who want full control over their online store.
Shopify is a leading eCommerce platform that allows you to build and run your own online store. Unlike Amazon and eBay, Shopify lets you create a branded website where you control everything from design to customer relationships.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop store builder.
- Integrates with social media and marketplaces.
- Supports multiple payment gateways, including Shopify Payments.
- Thousands of apps for customization.
Pros:
- No marketplace competition—your store is fully your own.
- Lower transaction fees compared to Amazon.
- Scalable for small businesses and large enterprises.
Cons:
- Requires driving your own traffic.
- Monthly subscription fees.
Pricing: Starts at $39/month.
Etsy
Best for: Handmade, vintage, and creative products.
Etsy is a marketplace focused on handmade, vintage, and unique goods. If you create custom jewelry, home decor, or art, Etsy is an excellent alternative to Amazon and eBay.
Key Features:
- Built-in audience of buyers looking for unique and handmade items.
- Easy-to-set-up storefront.
- Marketing tools like Etsy Ads to boost visibility.
Pros:
- Lower fees than Amazon.
- Highly engaged customer base.
- Great for creative entrepreneurs.
Cons:
- Limited product categories.
- Competition with other handmade sellers.
Pricing: $0.20 per listing + 6.5% transaction fee.
BigCommerce
Best for: Growing businesses looking for an alternative to Shopify.
BigCommerce is a powerful eCommerce platform similar to Shopify but with more built-in features, making it a great choice for growing businesses.
Key Features:
- No transaction fees on any plan.
- Supports multi-channel selling on Facebook, Instagram, and Google.
- Highly scalable for large stores.
Pros:
- Comprehensive built-in features.
- Better for high-revenue stores.
- Great SEO capabilities.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to Shopify.
- Higher costs for advanced features.
Pricing: Starts at $39/month.
Walmart Marketplace
Best for: Businesses looking for a major retail marketplace beyond Amazon.
Walmart Marketplace allows third-party sellers to list products on Walmart’s website, giving you access to millions of shoppers without the intense competition of Amazon.
Key Features:
- No monthly fees—only pay a referral fee per sale.
- Integration with Walmart’s fulfillment services.
- Trusted retail brand with high traffic.
Pros:
- Lower competition compared to Amazon.
- No listing fees.
- Potential to qualify for Walmart Fulfillment Services.
Cons:
- Requires an application to join.
- Strict seller requirements.
Pricing: 6-15% referral fee per sale.
Facebook Shops
Best for: Social media-driven businesses.
Facebook Shops allows businesses to sell products directly through Facebook and Instagram. It’s a great option for businesses with strong social media followings.
Key Features:
- Sell directly on Facebook and Instagram.
- Seamless integration with Shopify and BigCommerce.
- Built-in messaging and customer interaction tools.
Pros:
- Access to billions of social media users.
- No upfront costs—only pay transaction fees.
- Mobile-friendly shopping experience.
Cons:
- Dependent on Facebook’s algorithm changes.
- Limited customization options.
Pricing: 5% transaction fee per sale.
Newegg
Best for: Electronics and tech-related products.
Newegg is a niche marketplace that focuses on electronics, computer hardware, and gaming accessories.
Key Features:
- Tech-focused audience.
- Seller programs for fulfillment and marketing.
- Opportunities for B2B sales.
Pros:
- Lower competition than Amazon.
- Targeted niche audience.
- Bulk sales potential for tech products.
Cons:
- Limited categories.
- Not ideal for non-tech products.
Pricing: 8-15% referral fee per sale.
Amazon and eBay are great platforms, but they’re not the only options for selling online. Whether you want a fully customizable store, a niche marketplace, or a social commerce platform, there’s an alternative that fits your business needs.
Which platform should you choose?
- For full control: Shopify or BigCommerce.
- For handmade and vintage items: Etsy.
- For major retail exposure: Walmart Marketplace.
- For social selling: Facebook Shops.
- For electronics: Newegg.
By exploring alternative eCommerce platforms, you can find the best fit for your products, audience, and business goals. Ready to expand beyond Amazon and eBay? Start exploring these options today!
