eBay is a popular platform for selling items online, but there are plenty of alternatives available that offer more flexibility and features. Sites like Alibaba and Amazon are great for reaching a large customer base, while OpenSky is better for those selling specialty items. Etsy is a great online marketplace for crafters and DIYers, but also for suppliers of those DIYers. In all cases, you must pay a fee for every sale in exchange for convenience and good service. If you want to avoid paying fees and don’t mind the occasional online scam, Craigslist is always an option. Just be careful how you do business on Craigslist.
When it comes to selling stuff online, eBay is the first site that comes to mind for many people. However, several sites like eBay offer similar—or even better—features.
If you're looking to sell your stuff online or find great ones to buy but don't want to use eBay, you're in luck. In this post, you'll find a list of eBay alternatives you can use to sell your cherished collectibles like Pokemon cards or vintage engagement rings, or simply to set up an online store.
#1 Amazon
While Amazon may have started as an online bookstore, it has grown into one of the world's largest online marketplaces over the years. Its wide selection of products makes Amazon stand out—from electronics and toys to clothing and home goods.
Amazon is one of the best eBay alternatives out there. You can set up an Amazon store, but you should also consider using their Fulfillment by Amazon program, which will help you cut shipping and storage costs.
Unlike eBay, which is an unregulated marketplace, Amazon operates as a retail store. Because of this difference in business model, sellers on Amazon can charge higher fees and face more competition than those selling through eBay.
Amazon mainly looks out for its buyers in case of disagreements or disputes—meaning sellers often have to cover these costs. This is something to consider before listing your products on Amazon.
That said, while you'll have to pay to list products on eBay, listing products is free on Amazon. However, if you're selling items on Amazon, you'll have to pay a commission that varies depending on the product category.
#2 Craigslist
Craigslist is one of the oldest and most popular sites like eBay. It's not just an online marketplace. It's also a great way to find local deals and services in your area. Craigslist operates in over 70 countries, and you can use it to buy and sell a wide variety of products, including cars, furniture, clothing, electronics, and tools.
Unlike eBay and Amazon, Craigslist is completely free to use. You don't have to pay listing or commission fees when selling your items on the platform. Furthermore, Craigslist users can communicate directly with each other. This makes it easier to negotiate prices and reach mutually favorable agreements.
However, one of the downsides of Craigslist is that it's not as secure or safe as eBay or Amazon. Transactions are made between two private individuals, and there's no guarantee of quality products or a fair price.
#3 Etsy
Etsy is a great eBay alternative for making and selling handmade products or vintage items. Etsy attracts millions of unique buyers monthly, making it a popular site like eBay.
Unlike eBay and Amazon, Etsy only allows users to sell certain products, such as handmade items, craft supplies, and vintage items at least 20 years old.
Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee for every item listed and a 5% transaction fee on the sale price (including shipping costs). Unlike eBay, sellers don't have to pay any additional fees when they make a sale.
In addition, Etsy offers promotions such as free shipping and discounts on certain items. Thus you can use it to attract new customers.
Related: You'll find great clothes for both men and women at affordable prices on Etsy.
#4 Bonanza
Bonanza is another eBay alternative that specializes in selling handmade goods, antiques, and collectibles. It's one of the fastest-growing sites like eBay, with over three million products listed and a monthly traffic of over five million visitors.
Unlike eBay, Bonanza is free to use. Sellers don't have to pay any listing fees or commissions when selling. However, unlike Etsy and Amazon, Bonanza does not offer promotions such as free shipping or discounts on certain items. It’s also much safer and more reliable than Craigslist.
#5 Rakuten
Rakuten is a Japanese e-commerce site that offers a wide selection of products, including electronics, fashion items, furniture, and toys. It's one of the most popular sites like eBay in Japan and recently expanded to the U.S. market as well as to Canada and France.
Rakuten doesn't charge listing or commission fees. However, sellers have to pay a 3% transaction fee on the sale price of their items. Rakuten is suitable for reaching new customers as it offers promotions such as discounts and free shipping.
Plus, Rakuten also offers one of the most popular loyalty rewards programs around, competing with other big names like Fetch Rewards and Swagbucks.
#6 Newegg
Newegg is one of the largest online retailers specializing in computer hardware, computer parts, and consumer electronics. It offers a wide selection of products from leading manufacturers and brands at competitive prices.
Just like Rakuten, Newegg doesn't charge listing or commission fees but does charge a 3% transaction fee to the seller on the sale price of their items. Newegg also offers discounts, promotions, and free shipping you should capitalize on.
#7 Alibaba
Alibaba is one of the largest online marketplaces, and many refer to it as “the eBay of China.” It offers a wide selection of products from all over the world at very competitive prices, including bulk purchases.
Alibaba doesn't charge any listing or commission fees but sellers do have to pay a 3% transaction fee on the sale price of their items. Among other things, Alibaba offers numerous discounts and free shipping.
#8 eBid
eBid is one of the eBay alternatives that focuses on selling general merchandise, such as clothing, toys, and electronics. It's popular among buyers and sellers due to its wide selection of products and no-hassle process.
You don't have to pay any listing fees on eBid. However, sellers do have to pay a 3% transaction fee on the sale price of their items. eBid also offers promotions such as discounts and free shipping, making it an excellent option for those looking to get their products in front of new customers.
While eBid is a good platform, it doesn’t have a large customer base like eBay or Amazon.
#9 OpenSky
OpenSky is an online marketplace that focuses on selling unique products from independent retailers and boutique brands. It's one of the top eBay alternatives for selling specialty items at a lower cost than eBay or Amazon.
As with many other eBay alternatives, OpenSky charges a 3% transaction fee on the sale price of their items but it doesn’t charge listing fees.
A nice perk of OpenSky is that you'll find great furniture pieces at affordable prices that ship pretty much anywhere.
#10 Auction Sites
Online auction sites are another great eBay alternative for sellers looking to offload unwanted items quickly and easily. It provides a platform for buyers and sellers to interact with listings that typically last just a few days.
Unlike eBay, most auction sites don't charge listing or commission fees. However, sellers do have to pay transaction fees on the sale price of their items.
#11 Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an online marketplace where users can buy and sell almost anything. It's a great eBay alternative for those seeking to get rid of unwanted items without paying fees.
Facebook doesn't charge any listing or commission fees. The best part about Facebook Marketplace is that it attracts a large audience. However, it also has some limitations. For instance, there are few protections as sellers and buyers interact directly. This makes it quite unsafe and prone to scams both for buyers and sellers.
#12 eCrater
eCrater is an ideal option as it doesn't charge any fees to sell online. Also, if you need assistance creating an eye-catching store, plenty of templates are available. As a bonus, you can import your listings from eBay if you want to make the switch entirely.
eCrater gives you the platform and tools to build and run an online store. While you won't be charged for this, each time you make a sale, you will have to pay a transaction fee.
Reasons To Look For An eBay Alternative
Without a doubt, eBay is a big player when it comes to e-commerce. However, depending on your needs, you may prefer a different platform. Below are some of the reasons you may look for an eBay alternative.
#1 High Costs And Fees
Depending on the kind of item you're selling, what price you list it at, and if you have an eBay store, the amount of fees you pay as a seller can shift. Usually, there's an insertion fee along with a final value fee.
Furthermore, eBay offers additional listing upgrades like bold print, a more extensive photo gallery, subtitles, and themed layouts—all for an extra fee. These fees accumulate over time and can really eat into a seller's profit margin—which is bad news when they're selling low-priced items that don't generate much revenue to begin with.
#2 To Gain Greater Control Over Listings
On eBay, the company sets all the rules for how a listing should be set up—from where certain information goes to how long a product description you can have. Many sellers find this restrictive and prefer the freedom of setting up their own store with their own rules.
#3 Flexibility
Some eBay alternatives offer greater flexibility than eBay when it comes to shipping and payment options. Sites like Etsy, OpenSky, and eCrater offer more options, such as accepting payments in multiple currencies.
Furthermore, eBay has policies that hinder you from cross-marketing to other platforms. Sites like OpenSky will let you link to your blog or website, giving you more control over where buyers can find out more about your products.
Factors To Consider When Choosing An eBay Alternative
When selecting an eBay alternative, consider the type of products you sell and the services and features you'll need for your store. Here are some things to consider:
- Costs: Many eBay alternatives don't charge any listing fees or commissions. However, it's essential to look at their costs, including transaction fees, payment processing fees, and any additional costs associated with using their platform.
- Audience: Sites like eBay have an extensive customer base that you can tap into if you're looking for a large audience. However, many eBay alternatives specialize in niche markets, so consider each site's audience when deciding which one to choose.
- Features: Many sites offer a variety of features, such as integrated analytics tools, marketing automation tools, custom storefronts, and more. Make sure you check out the features included in each platform before making your decision.
- Integrations: Sites like eBay have integrated payment processing systems that work with their platforms. However, other sites may require extra setup to ensure your payment processing system is up and running. Check to see if your preferred platform has the integrations you need before committing.
Which Is The Best eBay Alternative?
The best eBay alternative will depend on what you're looking for. Sites like Alibaba and Amazon are great options if you want a large customer base, while OpenSky is better for those selling specialty items at lower costs.
If you're just looking to offload unwanted items quickly and easily, then auction sites are the way to go. Finally, if you're looking to create an online store without paying any fees, then eCrater should be your go-to choice.
Here’s a table showing the platforms that stand out in different areas.
| Platform | Feature |
| Amazon | Wide variety of products |
| Amazon & Craigslist | Broad reach |
| OpenSky, Craigslist, FB Marketplace & eCrater | Zero listing fees |
No matter which eBay alternative you choose, research and read the reviews before jumping in. That way, you can ensure it's the right fit for your needs.
In Summary
Plenty of great eBay alternatives are available for those looking to sell their stuff without paying fees. Sites like eBay and Alibaba are great for reaching a large customer base. Meanwhile, other sites like OpenSky and eCrater are better for those who want more control over their product listing.
No matter which site you choose, ensure it suits your needs and offers the features you're looking for.
The Best Sites Like eBay FAQs
What is the best eBay alternative?
The best eBay alternative will depend on what you're looking to do. Different platforms are ideal for varying functions. Sites like eBay and Alibaba are great for those looking to reach a large customer base, while OpenSky is better for those selling specialty items at lower costs.
Are there any free eBay alternatives?
Yes, platforms like eCrater are free eBay alternatives that make it possible to set up an online store without paying fees. However, you will need to pay a service fee when you make a sale. For a completely free experience, you can choose Craigslist.
Do eBay alternatives have different fees?
Yes, eBay alternatives typically charge different fees than eBay. Sites like OpenSky offer more flexibility regarding shipping and payment options, while Options like Etsy and eCrater may charge lower fees but don’t offer the same customer base as eBay.
Do eBay alternatives have less restrictive policies than eBay?
Yes, some eBay alternatives offer more flexibility when listing and selling products. Sites like OpenSky let you link to your blog or website, giving you more control over where buyers can find out more about your products. This encourages cross-marketing and gives you more control over your listing.
