pagefly.ioSelling online has become the rule, insead of the exception, especially since the COVID-19 global pandemic hit. 2020 was challenging for everyone but e-commerce, according to Digital Commerce 360, “Consumers spent $861.12 billion online with U.S. merchants in 2020, up an incredible 44.0% year over year.”
That’s why, more than ever before, it’s important to have an online presence, especially if you’re a seller looking for new opportunities or sales channels to explore.
Due to high demand, supply has skyrocketed as well. There are plenty of great options for you to explore and pick from, that’s exactly why we have put together a list of the best platforms to sell online.
I. Create Your Own Website
Using low-code tools has become as easy as it gets, websites such as Shopify, Wix, WordPress, Magento, among others, simplify the process of creating an online site in a way never seen before. Most website builders offer different templates for you to customize, now, you get to create your own website with little to no help at all… But, how do you pick the correct website builder for you?
By staying with us, yes, you read that right, we have put together an extensive list with everything you need to know to make the right choice for you!
01. Shopify
Starting off with our favorite choice, shopify is a great pick for everyone, from beginners to professional website designers, and developers.
With a variety of low-code tools, you will get used to it in no time. Shopify has its own app store, where you can find multiple ads-on, meaning, you can add free and paying apps that will help you with the personalization of your website.
As if this was not enough, Shopify is a great way to create an online store, there are plenty of apps such as PageFly that will help you add the perfect final touch. The app is ranked number 1 in the page builder category and offers great templates for you to choose from.
Shopify offers a free-trial of two weeks, after which you need to choose between three different pricing plans.
Did you know: By opening a Shopify store with PageFly link, you can get up to an exclusive 30-day Free Trial? Sign Up HERE.
Depending on what you’re looking for, you can check out every single plan feature here.
02. Wix
It’s a great option for first-timers looking to better understand basic tools. We recommend Wix for anyone who’s looking to show off a creative portfolio, or similar. Wix offers customizable templates that will make your work so much easier.
Wix, different from others, allows you to use its service for free, depending on what you’re looking to build. However, if what you want is to upgrade your site from a basic one, you will need to pay.
You can choose between website plans or e-commerce plans, check them out here.
03. WordPress
WordPress is famous for being the go-to option for writers looking to start a blog, WordPress, although a little more complicated than other options, allows you great customization.
You can start for free with WordPress, and choose the option that better fits your needs after; you can even pay on a monthly basis or on a yearly basis with an extra discount.
In order to check out what each plan includes, click here.
04. Magento
Magento, different from others, works with Adobe Commerce, it helps you create beautifully crafted websites, perfect for a customizable experience. Adobe is known for its innovation and aesthetic design, meaning some of these qualities might reflect on your new site if you decide to go with Magento.
Magento offers a free trial, however, there’s no free version of it after the trial. Pricing starts at almost $2000 per month.
II. Best Online Selling Sites
A marketplace is a great way to become an online seller, it’s one of the best ways to find, research and target customers for any type of product or service, but in order to choose the best option for you to promote your items as a retailer, you first need to understand all available options, and from there, choose the one that better adapts to your necessities.
We have come up with a super-easy list to understand on some of the most famous online marketplaces out there, hopefully, after reading through the list, you’ll find the right choice for you!
01. Wayfair
Wayfair has more than 31 million customers, and more than 55 million orders placed, just last year.
Wayfair is the go-to marketplace for anyone looking to buy furniture, here you can find everything from decoration to lighting and cookware; there are options for every budget, and in general, it is easy to set up an account, you simply have to set up an account, wait to be approved (3 - 5 days) and then add your products, sell and ship!
Pricing for sellers function in two different ways, the professional plan costs $39.99 a month; with the individual plan, you pay $0.99 per item sold.
02. Rakuten
Rakuten is the biggest marketplace in Japan, with more than 50 million users, you can find items from Best Buy, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Priceline, Target, and others.
Pricing for sellers functions charging per individual linting, and per monthly account. Individual listing fee at 99 cents for each of the listings. Monthly account fee at the rate of $39 per month.
03. Etsy
Etsy is well known, famous for finding crafts and creations from different sellers, you can find rare, or different items handmade. It’s big for DIY creations, illustrations, and more!
For pricing, according to Etsy, “after the 30-day free trial, you'll be charged a monthly subscription fee of $15.00 USD. Where applicable, Etsy will charge sales tax on your monthly subscription fee for sellers located in the United States.”
04. Ruby Lane
Ruby Lane is the place to go for every collector, is the biggest marketplace for antiques; you can find collectibles, vintage items, art, dolls, and even jewelry.
Ruby Lane has multiple fees, as well as free services, such as:
Setup Fee - None
Listing Fee - Free
Up to 50 items: $54 per month
- From item 51-150: 30 cents per item
- From item 151-1000: 20 cents per item
- From item 1001 on: 1 cent per item
6.7% based on Purchase Order total (does not include Sales Tax), Capped at $250
05. Chairish
Chairish might be one of the most stylish marketplaces out there, famous for selling vintage furniture, art, and accessories for your home. Chairish is a great marketplace if you’re looking to reinvent your home style, or if you’re looking to sell artistic items.
For pricing, according to Chairish, they “pay Consignor sellers 70% of the revenue from each sale and 80% to Professional and Elite sellers after the item has sold.”
06. Swappa
Swappa is the marketplace for every tech lover, and seller: here, you will be able to re-sell old technological products, such as phones, computers, video games, home tech, among others.
Different from other marketplaces, Swappa does not charge any fees to the seller, according to the site “Sellers do not have to pay Swappa any fees to create a listing or for sold listings. Buyers do cover a small sale fee that is automatically added to the price of each normal listing, which is sent directly to Swappa as a separate payment upon purchase.”
07. Craigslist
More than a marketplace, Craigslist might be one of the most known communities out there, here you can find pretty much any type of online Ad, from people advertising services, and products to jobs and homes.
Depending on the service or type of item, Craigslist might charge a fee to the advertiser, however, most times it is free or a minimum fee.
08. Walmart Marketplace
Walmart is the biggest multi-channel retailer, that’s why, if you’re looking to offer your product to millions of potential customers, this might be the option for you.
There’s a zero-commission fee for the first 30 days, according to Walmart's site “ Walmart does not require an account subscription fee to sell on its marketplace. However, you will be charged a referral fee which ranges from 6% to 20% of your product's selling price, depending on the category.”
09. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is the place to go if you’re looking to sell new products or re-sell a second-hand item just once, or if you’re looking to buy cheap items near you.
Facebook does NOT charge any type of fees for selling items at Facebook Marketplace.
Read more: How To Grow Your eCom Business with Facebook Shop and Facebook Marketplace.
10. VarageSale
This marketplace was specially made to resemble a garage sale online, it’s family-friendly and you can find, and sell new and used items locally.
VarageSale does not charge for sales, instead, it keeps a transaction fee of the sale that Stripe automatically takes off, which is around 2% to 3%.
11. Handshake
Handshake marketplace might be one of the most singular marketplaces on the list, here you can find one-of-a-kind brands and order wholesale for your own store. They carefully pick unique brands.
Different from other marketplaces, currently Handshake does NOT charge commissions for buying or selling on its marketplace.
12. Bonanza
Bonanza marketplace is specialized in different types of products, such as: fashion, home and health, beauty, and art. You can find a little bit of everything here.
Bonanza rates are considered low, according to their website, “When you sell an item directly through Bonanza, you will always pay our base 3.5% fee rate.”
13. Redbubble
Specially made for independent artists, at Redbubble you’ll be able to find gifts and merchandise; from t-shirts to posters, stickers, and even home decoration.
Redbubble it’s free to signup and it does NOT have a listing fee, however, it has something called “artist margin”, meaning “you only get paid an artist's margin. So, a shirt could sell for $20 but you may only see $6.00 from that sale.”
14. Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is for artisanal products, you can find rare, or exotic pieces handmade items; it’s a great marketplace if you’re looking to sell one-of-a-kind handmade pieces.
Amazon Handmade does NOT charge a subscription fee, however it does charge a 15% commission after every sold item.
15. Depop
Last, but not least, Depop is the place to go if what you’re looking to change is your personal style. You’ll be able to find different clothes, sneakers, accessories, and more, always focusing on fashion.
Depop charges you a 10% fee on the total amount of your listing, this includes shipping costs.
Final Thought
Now that you’ve read, and learned a little bit more about different website builders, and marketplaces is time for you to choose the option that best fits your necessities, remember you can always do trials where you compare tools, customer service and other important factors for you.
