Best 14+ Platforms to Sell Online of The Year

Do you need help finding the right platform to turn your side hustle into a thriving online business? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the countless options and worried about missing the perfect fit? You're not alone. 

This blog aims to steer you clear of that scenario. But most importantly, it's about assisting you in creating an online store that fits your needs. How can we help you with this? We will highlight the top 14+ online selling platforms based on their type and location and then share our recommendations for each category.

What are Online Selling Platforms?

Online selling platforms exist to help businesses sell their products or services over the Internet. They can do this by assisting sellers in creating their online stores or by providing a space where sellers can list their items alongside others.

If you go with the first option, having your online store means selling without facing direct competition and keeping all the money you make. Moreover, you get to know your customers better, which helps you understand what they like and how they shop.

However, it takes more time and effort to get noticed because you have to handle your own marketing and SEO.

On the flip side, selling on established marketplaces gets you in front of a lot of people quickly, which means you can start making money faster. There are two main approaches to online selling platforms:

• Marketplaces:  Imagine vast online malls where you list products alongside others. Famous examples include Amazon and Etsy. These platforms handle marketing and sometimes fulfillment, making them beginner-friendly.
• Website builders: These offer more control over your store's design. Take Shopify or Wix as examples - they provide tools for website creation, inventory management, and payments. While requiring more initial setup, they offer greater branding freedom.

However, these platforms' weaknesses are that you have less control over how your products are promoted and that you have to share your earnings with the platform. Plus, you don't get access to as much customer information to target your marketing efforts.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to selling online, so consider these points as you decide which route to take.

Why do you Need an Online Platform to Sell?

As of April 2024, there were 5.44 billion internet users worldwide. It's safe to assume that each of them will eventually browse online to make a purchase.

With the emergence of solutions like dropshipping, online stores no longer need to stock their products physically. This enables merchants to access new markets cost-effectively and expand their customer base.

So, why opt for an online selling platform in this scenario?

Firstly, because they provide you with the necessary tools for selling online. For example, an ecommerce app created with an online selling platform would come with inventory and order management features, along with essential components like log-in pages, payment screens, and shopping carts. This lets you start making money quickly without developing every aspect from scratch.

Secondly, many online marketplaces handle everything from listing products to marketing and delivery. This means vendors can handle the challenges of setting up operations themselves.

Ultimately, online selling platforms are tailored to meet the demands of 21st-century consumers. You need to utilize one to stay caught up.

Let's examine the 14+ internet-selling platforms now and see which one best meets your requirements.

Top 4 E-commerce Platforms for Online Selling

As mentioned earlier, all-in-one online selling platforms provide vendors with the tools to manage their ecommerce ventures effectively.

In addition to assisting with setting up apps and websites, these platforms may offer ongoing support services to help you maintain and enhance your online presence.

This entails monitoring your web and app infrastructure, keeping software up to date, and automatically resolving any bugs or issues.

Here is a sneak peek of the top 4 platforms available in the market currently:

• Shopify – Easiest to Use & Beginner-Friendly: Drag-and-drop interface, large app store, extensive support.
• WooCommerce – Cost-Effective & Integrates with WordPress: Free plugin, leverages existing WordPress functionality.
• BigCommerce – Scalable for Growth & Built-in Marketing Tools: Handles high-volume sales, simplifies marketing efforts.
• Magento (Open Source) – Highly Customizable & Powerful: Tailor every aspect of your store, which is ideal for developers.

1. Shopify - Best ecommerce website builder for multiple business types

Shopify is a popular choice among ecommerce website builders, supporting numerous websites with its user-friendly interface and integrated ecommerce features.

You can swiftly construct online stores on this platform, benefiting from fast loading speeds and a selection of over 150 themes and customizable templates, although only a few are complimentary. Moreover, Shopify offers diverse payment methods, third-party integrations, and round-the-clock customer support.

In addition to facilitating the creation of online stores, Shopify furnishes various ecommerce tools such as assistance for sales and logistics, analytics, email marketing, and content production, which prove beneficial. Nonetheless, specific tools and functionalities require additional subscription fees.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

The primary drawback of Shopify revolves around its pricing structure. The platform imposes a 2% transaction fee on every sale and a 2-2.9% fee for third-party payment gateways. However, utilizing Shopify Payments, their proprietary online payment system can circumvent the payment gateway fee.

2. WooCommerce - Ideal Choice for WordPress Enthusiasts

WooCommerce is a plugin designed to convert a WordPress website into an ecommerce platform. 

Although its basic version is free, its extensive library of extensions gives it many customization choices. These extensions enable diverse functionalities such as online bookings, subscription sales, and recurring payments. 

Pricing, Pros & Cons

Moreover, users can select from various shipping providers, implement coupon referral programs, facilitate pre-orders, offer online courses, and much more. The pricing for extensions varies, ranging from $0 to approximately $249 each.

While WooCommerce permits extensive customization according to your preferences, comprehensive step-by-step support may be lacking. Proficiency in technical aspects is crucial for optimal utilization of WooCommerce. Furthermore, despite the plugin's free availability, expenses for a custom domain, hosting plan, SSL certification, and integrations are inevitable.

3. BigCommerce - Ideal Choice for Boosting Sales

BigCommerce emerges as a highly adaptable platform tailored for enterprises seeking an online presence without the necessity for coding or technical expertise. The platform facilitates swift store creation and simplifies marketing efforts by featuring a user-friendly web builder.

Moreover, BigCommerce boasts an extensive app store where users can augment their online stores with additional functionalities ranging from marketing tools and online payment gateways to logistics services and accounting solutions.

With multichannel sales capabilities, BigCommerce is a platform for scaling online businesses. However, due to its extensive feature set, it may pose challenges for ecommerce novices.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

BigCommerce Pricing plans are structured based on the revenue generated by the online store. For instance, the Standard plan, at $29/month, is capped at $50k in yearly sales; the Plus plan, at $79/month, at $180k, and the Pro plan, at $299/month, for businesses generating $400k in yearly sales.

4. Magento - Best for Large Businesses with Complex Needs

Magento is a freely available open-source eCommerce platform that empowers merchants with complete autonomy over their online stores.  Since its inception in 2007, the platform has undergone significant evolution to cater to merchants' evolving needs. Following its acquisition by Adobe in May 2018, it was rebranded as Adobe Commerce.

Utilizing a Model-View-Controller framework, Magento harnesses PHP and MySQL to deliver robust developer tools and foster an active ecosystem of extensions. Presently, there exist two versions of Magento:

1. Magento Open Source (formerly Magento Community Edition): This version is freely accessible for download and offers an open-source solution.
2. Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento Enterprise Edition): This version incorporates premium features such as B2B functionality, advanced reporting, and marketing tools, necessitating an annual subscription fee. It is available in two variants: Adobe Commerce Pro and Adobe Commerce Managed Services.

Upon initial assessment, Magento Open Source suits small to medium-sized businesses embarking on their eCommerce journey. In contrast, Magento Commerce caters to the advanced functionality, support requirements, and scalability of large enterprise eCommerce sites.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

Apart from additional fees, utilizing dedicated and well-tailored VPS hosting along with affordable domains/SSLs enables Magento stores to establish secure setups for handling high traffic, with costs typically ranging from $100 to $400 per month at the outset.

This provides all the essential details for assessing options and selecting the best platform to build your online store. If you still need to decide whether to start website construction due to time constraints or technical limitations, here are the Top 10 Online Marketplaces to consider instead.

Best 10+ Online Marketplaces for Online Selling

1. Amazon 

Amazon is the industry leader in online retail sales. It's the go-to spot for shoppers searching for pretty much anything, making it a hot choice for entrepreneurs aiming to strike gold.

One reason it's so popular is its vast selection of products catering to diverse audiences. That being said, given the abundance of existing content, it might be challenging to determine what will genuinely generate revenue.  

Pricing, Pros & Cons

You need to pick a selling plan to kick off your Amazon journey.

The "Individual" plan costs $0.99 per item, which is great for dipping your toes in the water. However, you won't get access to fancy features or be able to sell certain types of items.

On the flip side, the "Professional" plan charges a monthly fee of $39.99. This option unlocks tools for managing inventory and advertising on Amazon.

Regardless of the plan, all Amazon sellers have to pay referral fees. These vary based on the type of item, ranging from 8% to 45%.

Who should choose Amazon: Established sellers with popular products.

2. eBay

eBay is a well-known platform for online selling, much like Amazon. Although it has several product categories, its popularity lies in its ability to locate used items.

What sets eBay apart is its auction system. Sellers can start bidding at a price, allowing buyers to bid until they find an offer they like. This feature can be great for those earning some extra cash fast.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

You can sign up for a Personal or Business account to start selling on eBay. Both options let you list up to 200 items for free each month, with a 30-cent fee per item once you exceed the limit.

When someone buys an item, eBay charges a final value fee, typically around 10%, depending on what you're selling.

eBay also offers Store plans for regular sellers. These range from $5.45/month to $2,999.95/month and include more free listings, discounts on business tools, and options for customizing your storefront and advertising.

Who Should Choose eBay: Sellers with a wide variety of products,  especially unique or niche products.

3. Etsy 

Etsy stands out as a top-selling platform catering to artisans, craft enthusiasts, and thrift flippers seeking to showcase their creations. This online marketplace exclusively features handmade items, crafting tools, and vintage goods dating back 20 years or more.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

Selling on Etsy incurs a fee of $0.20 per item, along with a 5% transaction rate and payment processing fees varying by location. Additionally, users may face a 15% charge for sales generated through Etsy's off-site advertising, which promotes listings on platforms like Google, Bing, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To expand your business, consider opting for Etsy's Plus plan, available for a monthly fee of $10. This plan offers advanced storefront customization, back-in-stock emails, and credits for Etsy Ads. Subscribers can also utilize a .com domain for their store's URL.

Setting yourself apart on Etsy often involves specializing in a specific product category and establishing your store as a go-to source for such items.

Who Should Choose Etsy: Artisans, crafters, and makers.

4. Walmart

As one of the top online retailers in the United States, Walmart offers vendors a great opportunity to reach a huge amount of buyers. It's renowned as one of the top online marketplaces, drawing in millions of ready-to-buy shoppers.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

The good news for sellers is that joining Walmart.com doesn't come with any upfront costs or monthly fees. Instead, sellers operate on a commission basis, paying a reasonable referral fee once their item sells. These fees, typically ranging from 6% to 15%, vary based on the product category.

However, while there are no subscription charges, sellers may need to invest in competitive pricing and marketing strategies to stand out in this bustling eCommerce environment, which could entail additional expenses.

Who Should Choose Walmart:  Sellers seeking to expand their online presence without much competition and incurring monthly fees.

5. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has emerged as a top platform for online selling in the age of social commerce. It offers free listings, requiring only an account to start selling.

To list an item, navigate to the Marketplace tab on the homepage, where you can upload photos, add descriptions, specify location, and publish the post.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

Initially designed for local buying and selling, Facebook Marketplace now allows US users to enable a Checkout feature for online payments and nationwide shipping, albeit with selling fees. The platform charges 5% for shipments over $8 and a flat rate of $0.40 for cheaper items, with fees waived until year-end.

Businesses can opt for Facebook listing partners for inventory management, though this may involve additional costs.

Who Should Choose Facebook Marketplace: Sellers with locally-focused products or those comfortable with social media marketing.

6. Bonanza

Bonanza, although not as widely recognized as other online selling platforms, has gained popularity among independent business owners.

Its notable feature, Hand-Picked Lists, allows users to curate thematic collections of items for public viewing, aiding in targeted product promotion. Bonanza also showcases attractive hand-picked lists on its homepage to drive traffic.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

To start selling on Bonanza, simply create an account, choose a payment option, and set up a Booth to list your items for sale. While there are no listing fees, users are charged a Final Offer Value fee for each item sold, typically at a standard rate of 3.5% with additional charges for items over $500.

Bonanza offers paid membership options ranging from $25/month to $167/month, providing features like Google Analytics integration, advanced stats, and featured placement on search results to boost traffic and sales.

Who Should Choose Bonanza: Sellers with niche products or those looking for an alternative to higher-fee marketplaces.

7. Craigslist

Craigslist, originally a forum site, has evolved into an online marketplace where users primarily seek deals on secondhand items in their local vicinity. Transactions typically occur face-to-face due to the absence of built-in payment and shipping systems.

Registration isn't required to list items, although it facilitates post management and renewal. To create a listing, select location, post type, and category, then provide item details, contact information, and photos.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

Most product categories on Craigslist incur no commission fees, except for certain housing and vehicle listings in the US and Canada.

Who Should Choose Craigslist: Sellers with used goods or those looking for a fast, free way to sell locally.

8. Poshmark

If you're into selling pre-loved fashion, beauty products, or home decor, Poshmark might be your go-to platform. It's a place where individuals can easily sell items they no longer need and even kickstart a side hustle as a reseller.

To get started, simply download the app or visit the website, then create a listing by adding photos, writing a description, setting the price, and posting it on Poshmark. Sharing your listing on social media can also help attract more buyers.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

Poshmark charges fees for certain services like processing financial transactions and providing customer support, typically 20% of the final sale price for items priced over $15, or a flat fee of $2.95 for cheaper items.

Because Poshmark's app layout resembles Instagram, sellers often stress the importance of high-quality photos to stand out. They also recommend maintaining a consistent brand aesthetic on your profile to leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Who Should Choose Poshmark: Sellers with used fashionable, on-trend clothing and accessories.

9. Ruby Lane

Ruby Lane stands out as a top destination for selling antique, collectible, and vintage items. The platform primarily features goods that are over 20 years old, though newer items are permissible as long as they weren't acquired within the past year.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

Before registering, it's essential to review the guidelines, as each product category has specific regulations and price thresholds to adhere to.

For sellers listing up to 50 items, Ruby Lane charges a maintenance fee of $54. Additional charges apply for each item beyond this limit, along with a service fee of 6.7%. While the platform doesn't offer membership options to reduce expenses, sellers can earn up to $300 in credit through a referral program.

It's worth noting that Ruby Lane's primary user demographic comprises women aged between 40 and 70 years old. Therefore, sellers may find greater success on the platform if their products cater to this particular demographic.

Who Should Choose Ruby Lane: Sellers of high-end vintage furniture, jewelry, fashion, and collectibles.

10. Nextdoor

NextDoor serves not only as a community gathering place but also as a top platform for free online selling, particularly suited for local transactions involving businesses, residents, and public services. 

It facilitates connections among neighbors and businesses, enabling small enterprises, larger companies, and public entities to engage with a targeted audience, typically local residents, to offer goods, services, and information.

For business owners, NextDoor provides access to a specific audience that values transactions with trusted local sources. Given the platform's reputation for reliable recommendations and information, many users feel confident making purchases or engaging with businesses found there.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

It’s completely free to use the Nextdoor platform to sell your products online.

Who Should Choose Nextdoor: Sellers with items relevant to their immediate neighborhood.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Platform

When selecting a website for selling online, it's important to consider your business model.

If you're a casual seller, platforms like Facebook Marketplace offer quick and easy setup. You can decide whether you want to sell to people nearby or further away, and you pay a bit for shipping and handling.

For small business owners looking to scale up, platforms with more marketing features like Bonanza can be beneficial – it doesn't charge as much as some other sites, and it gives you options to promote what you're selling.

If you're running a medium to large-scale business, sites like Amazon might be more appealing. While the financial investment may be higher, the broader market reach can lead to increased revenue.

The type of product you're selling also matters. Niche markets may find platforms like Ruby Lane and Etsy suitable, while eBay caters to a diverse range of buyers.

Consider how much control you want over your sales process. Creating an online store on existing ecommerce platforms like Shopify offers more control and branding opportunities. Engage with consumers on social media and through other marketing platforms to increase brand exposure.   

Before making a decision, carefully weigh the pros and cons of each platform and calculate associated fees. This will help you determine how much money you can potentially make.

If your purpose is to expand your online presence as much as possible with new markets, then explore more here to know how to get mutual benefits among platforms:

Others also read

How to Integration & Sync Etsy with Shopify

How to Connect Shopify to Amazon? The Ultimate Guide

How to Sell Items on Craigslist: Winning Sales Strategies

How to Win the Online Market? 

You’ve got the start now with your new online presence! Now, what should you notice to win the online market? 

The answer is your store design! 

Did you know that 95% of users' first impression relates to web design? That’s why investing in this would never let you down.

1. Utilize Premade Themes

To help you streamline the process of building a new website, the recommendation is to use the premade themes and page templates.  If you plan to use Shopify, The4 is the best option for theme selection. The brand is also a distinguished name on ThemeForest with 5 stars of rating from more than 3,300 customers. 

Themes from The4 cater to all kinds of businesses and industries, not only boasting a standout feature – laser-focused optimization for eCommerce, but it is also equipped with an arsenal of sales-boosting functionalities. 

2. Use a Page Builder App

Building a web page is also an essential part of this journey. EComposer is our Top suggestion for a page builder app on Shopify, you won't need to know how to code to establish a stunning and intuitive web store with its assistance. 

Especially with you as a new merchant just beginning to step into the online market, with a vast library of templates, the app helps to get started quickly, or create your own custom pages for captivating landing pages, appealing homepages to informative blogs, and more.

Drag-and-drop components and add-ons make it easy to customize your store exactly how you want it. Plus, this app includes advanced features like an  AJAX cart, AI content generator, and image compressor to boost your store's performance.

If you haven’t had a Shopify account yet, seize the opportunity to benefit from a special offer: only $1 for the first month for all plans to experience Shopify from A-Z.

Final Words

In conclusion, the dynamic landscape of online selling offers myriad platforms and marketplaces catering to diverse needs and preferences. Whether you're a casual seller, small business owner, or enterprise, there's a platform suited to your goals.

Don't just launch a website and hope for customers to reach you themselves. Use social media and other marketing channels to interact with customers and raise awareness of your business. Remember to always take care of your store’s look and utilize conversion rate to create a smooth experience for your clients.

With these 14+ online platforms and marketplaces,  explore, evaluate, and embark on your online selling journey with confidence and ambition.

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