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Best Online Selling Platforms

Best Online Selling Platforms

You can sell a lot of things online but choose the wrong platform and you can’t make good money with it. We’ve curated a list of the best online selling platforms to help you out. Whether you are into e-commerce, dropshipping, or any kind of online business, you can sell your services on them. Heck, you can create digital products too and make bulk sales.

best selling platforms online

So, are you excited? Let’s explore the list.

Top Online Selling Platforms in 2025

top online selling platforms

You can start selling online today. All you have to do is register on these sites, make a profile, enter GSIT, upload documents, and other details, and you’re good to go. Since a lot of buyers buy stuff on them, you can also attract organic traffic to your online presence the more sales you make. Your business networks are everything and these are a great start.

Without further ado, here is a complete overview of the best online selling platforms for 2025:

Amazon

Amazon remains the undisputed king of online marketplaces, processing billions in sales annually and reaching millions of customers worldwide. You can sell virtually anything here - from books and electronics to home goods and clothing - making it perfect for both individual sellers and established businesses. 

The platform offers two main fulfillment options: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) where Amazon handles storage, packaging, and shipping, or Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) where you manage everything yourself. With FBA, your products become Prime-eligible, often leading to faster sales and higher visibility in search results. Amazon's robust advertising tools, including Sponsored Products and Lightning Deals, help boost your product visibility, though you'll face intense competition and fees ranging from 6-15% depending on your category.

eBay

eBay pioneered online auctions and continues to thrive as a marketplace where you can sell almost anything legally, from collectibles and vintage items to brand-new products. What sets eBay apart is its flexible selling formats - you can list items as auctions, fixed-price "Buy It Now" listings, or enable "Best Offer" negotiations with buyers. 

The platform charges final value fees between 10-15% depending on your category, but there are no monthly subscription fees unless you choose their store options. eBay's global reach spans over 190 countries, making it excellent for international sales, though you'll need to set up proper shipping policies for different regions. You can integrate with PayPal for payments and use eBay's managed payments system, with funds typically deposited within 4 days of a completed sale.

Etsy

Etsy has carved out a unique niche as the go-to marketplace for handmade, vintage, and creative items, attracting over 90 million active buyers who specifically seek out unique products. You can sell handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, craft supplies, digital downloads, and custom items - basically anything that fits Etsy's creative, artisanal aesthetic. The platform charges a 6.5% transaction fee plus payment processing fees, with optional advertising available to boost visibility. 

What makes Etsy special is its supportive seller community and emphasis on storytelling - buyers often connect with the stories behind handmade items. The platform's search algorithm favors listings with strong SEO optimization, so using relevant keywords and tags becomes crucial for discovery. Shipping is handled by sellers, and Etsy provides integration with major carriers to help streamline the process.

Walmart Marketplace

Walmart Marketplace has emerged as a serious challenger to Amazon, offering sellers access to millions of customers without the intense competition of other platforms. You can sell in most product categories, though Walmart maintains strict quality standards and requires approval before you can start selling. There are no setup fees or monthly subscriptions - you only pay commission rates ranging from 6-15% based on your category. 

The platform offers Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), similar to Amazon's FBA, where Walmart handles storage and shipping for your products. What's appealing about Walmart is the lower competition compared to Amazon, potentially giving your products better visibility. The application process involves business verification and can take a few days to complete, but once approved, you can reach customers who specifically trust the Walmart brand.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace taps into the social network's massive user base of over 2.8 billion people, making it perfect for local sales and community-driven commerce. You can sell household items, furniture, clothing, vehicles, and baby items - essentially anything physical that can be picked up locally. The platform is completely free to use with no listing fees or commissions, making it attractive for casual sellers. Most transactions happen locally with cash payments and in-person pickup, eliminating shipping hassles. 

Facebook's integration with your social profile adds a layer of trust since buyers can see your real identity and mutual connections. For businesses, Facebook offers integration with e-commerce platforms like BigCommerce, allowing you to create Facebook Shops and expand beyond just local sales. You can learn more about Facebook Marketplace dropshipping here.

Wayfair

Wayfair operates as an invitation-only marketplace focused exclusively on home goods, furniture, and decor, serving over 21 million active customers. You can sell furniture, home decor, appliances, and garden items, but you'll need to apply and be approved based on product quality and business credentials. Unlike other platforms, Wayfair doesn't compete with sellers by offering its own branded products, reducing direct competition. 

The platform uses a wholesale pricing model where you set your cost and Wayfair determines the retail price, allowing them to run promotions and adjust pricing dynamically. Wayfair offers CastleGate fulfillment services to help with logistics, and products tend to have higher average order values since furniture and home goods are typically more expensive purchases. You'll need product liability insurance and must comply with Wayfair's supplier code of conduct. Read Wayfair’s review.

Newegg

Newegg built its reputation as the premier destination for electronics, computer hardware, and tech products, attracting over 35 million tech-savvy customers globally. You can sell computer components, consumer electronics, gaming gear, and increasingly, non-tech items like sporting goods and office supplies. The platform offers different seller tiers: a pay-per-item option at $0.49 per sale, or subscription plans ranging from $29.95 to $99.95 monthly with additional benefits. Commission rates vary by category, typically ranging from 8-15%, with video game consoles having the lowest fees at 8%. 

Newegg provides Shipped by Newegg (SBN) fulfillment services similar to FBA, handling storage, packaging, and shipping. The platform also offers marketing tools like Sponsored Product Ads and has a dedicated business marketplace for B2B sales. Is Newegg legit? Yes.

Bonanza

Bonanza positions itself as a seller-friendly alternative to larger marketplaces, offering more customization options and lower fees. You can sell almost anything here, from fashion and collectibles to home goods and handmade items, with particularly strong performance in niche markets. The platform charges just 3.5% for sales under $500 and an additional 1.5% for higher amounts, making it one of the most affordable options available. 

You can create either a standard "Booth" or upgrade to a "Webstore" with your own domain and no selling fees, just a flat subscription. Bonanza allows direct integration with other platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Shopify, letting you easily import existing listings. The platform emphasizes community and doesn't compete with sellers by offering its own products, creating a more collaborative environment than larger marketplaces.

Rakuten

Rakuten operates as Japan's largest e-commerce platform, often called the "Amazon of Japan," serving over 100 million registered users. You can sell virtually any product category, but success requires understanding Japanese consumer preferences and local market dynamics. 

Unlike Amazon's direct sales model, Rakuten allows sellers to create customized storefronts with their own branding and direct customer relationships. The platform's Super Points loyalty program encourages repeat purchases, with customers earning points they can redeem on future orders. Commission rates vary by category, typically ranging from 5-8% annually, with potential reductions based on sales volume. You'll need to provide various business documents and comply with local regulations, but the platform offers substantial revenue potential given Japan's affluent consumer base.

Mercari

Mercari simplifies secondhand selling with a mobile-first approach that makes listing items incredibly easy - you can create a listing in under 60 seconds. You can sell clothing, electronics, home goods, collectibles, and most physical items, making it perfect for decluttering or casual reselling. The platform charges a flat 10% selling fee plus payment processing costs, with no listing fees or monthly subscriptions. 

Mercari offers Smart Pricing that automatically adjusts your prices over time based on market demand, and Smart Offers that automatically accept or counter buyer offers. Shipping is streamlined with prepaid labels available at discounted rates up to 40% off retail carrier prices. The platform attracts over 4.93 million active users in the US and processes over a billion dollars in transactions annually.

Craigslist

Craigslist remains the king of local classified advertising, offering completely free listings for most categories and connecting you directly with local buyers. You can sell virtually anything - from furniture and vehicles to electronics and services - with the advantage of no shipping hassles since most transactions happen face-to-face. The platform's hyperlocal approach means you're competing with fewer sellers in your immediate area rather than nationally. Posting is straightforward: choose your location, select a category, write a compelling description with clear photos, and include your contact information. 

Safety is crucial since you'll meet buyers in person, so always choose public locations and trust your instincts. While Craigslist lacks the sophisticated features of modern marketplaces, its simplicity and zero fees make it perfect for bulky items, local services, and quick sales.

Shopify

Shopify powers over a million businesses worldwide, from solo entrepreneurs to billion-dollar brands like Gymshark, offering a complete e-commerce solution rather than just a marketplace. You can sell anything legally permissible through your own branded online store, with complete control over design, pricing, and customer relationships. The platform offers multiple pricing tiers starting around $29/month, with transaction fees varying based on your plan and payment processor. 

Shopify handles everything from inventory management and payment processing to shipping integration and mobile optimization. You can sell across multiple channels including social media, Google Shopping, and Amazon directly from your Shopify dashboard. The platform offers extensive app integrations, AI-powered tools for content creation, and robust analytics to help grow your business.

Google Shopping

Google Shopping serves as a product comparison service rather than a traditional marketplace, displaying your products directly in Google search results when people look for what you're selling. You can list products from any category, but you'll need an existing online store or website since Google Shopping pulls product information from your own site. The service is free to use for organic listings, though you can pay for Google Ads to increase visibility in shopping results. Products listed on Google Shopping appear with images, prices, and store information directly in search results, capturing high-intent shoppers who are actively looking to buy. 

Google provides purchase protection and customer service for transactions completed directly through their platform. The key advantage is reaching customers at the exact moment they're searching for your products, making it an excellent complement to your existing e-commerce efforts.

AliExpress

AliExpress connects sellers primarily from China with buyers worldwide, offering access to a massive global marketplace with millions of active users. You can sell in categories ranging from electronics and fashion to home goods and automotive accessories, though certain categories like health and beauty may require special authorization. The platform charges a $1,500 annual store fee plus commission rates between 5-8% depending on your product category. Registration requires business documentation including VAT numbers, operating licenses, and company registration details. 

AliExpress handles payment processing and offers buyer protection, which builds trust with international customers. The platform provides extensive seller tools, marketing opportunities, and access to European markets for approved sellers. Success often depends on competitive pricing, quality products, and reliable shipping to international destinations. You can also try AliExpress dropshipping.

Shopee

Shopee dominates Southeast Asian e-commerce, offering sellers access to millions of customers across multiple countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. You can sell virtually any product category, from electronics and fashion to home goods and beauty products. The platform offers different seller badges - Preferred sellers get enhanced visibility, while Mall sellers represent official brand stores. Shopee charges commission fees that vary by category and location, with additional fees for payment processing. The platform provides strong marketing tools including flash sales, vouchers, and sponsored listings to boost product visibility. Shopee handles payment processing and offers various shipping options, including their own logistics network in many regions. Success requires understanding local market preferences and seasonal trends across different Southeast Asian countries.

TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop uses the platform's massive social media presence to create a unique shopping experience where entertainment meets commerce. You can sell products directly through TikTok videos, live streams, and dedicated shop pages, reaching the platform's predominantly younger, highly engaged audience. The platform integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce systems like Shopify and WooCommerce, making it easy to sync your existing inventory. 

TikTok Shop thrives on urgency-driven sales, with features like flash sales, countdown timers, and limited-time offers performing particularly well32. You can collaborate with influencers and content creators to showcase your products in authentic, engaging ways that feel natural to the platform. Success requires creating compelling video content that demonstrates your products in action while maintaining TikTok's entertainment-first approach rather than traditional advertising.

Flipkart

Flipkart serves as India's leading e-commerce marketplace, offering sellers access to over 300 million registered customers across the country. You can sell in categories including electronics, fashion, home goods, books, and automotive accessories, though the platform maintains strict quality standards and only allows new, authentic products. Registration requires business documentation including PAN cards, GSTIN, and bank account details, with different requirements based on your business structure. 

Flipkart offers two fulfillment options: Flipkart Fulfilled (FBF) where they handle logistics, or seller-fulfilled where you manage shipping yourself. Commission rates vary by category, with additional charges for payment processing, shipping, and other services deducted from your order value. The platform provides marketing tools, analytics, and seller support to help grow your business in the Indian market. Payments are processed quickly, with sellers typically receiving funds within 7 days depending on their seller tier.

Conclusion

Selecting the right online selling platform depends entirely on your specific needs, products, and business goals. Whether you prioritize low fees, global reach, or specialized audiences, there's a platform designed for your success. Consider starting with one or two platforms that best match your products and selling style, then expand as you gain experience and confidence. 

Remember that success on any platform requires quality products, excellent customer service, and patience as you build your reputation. The online selling world offers incredible opportunities for those willing to invest time in understanding their chosen platforms and consistently delivering value to customers.

Best Online Selling Platforms FAQs

How much does it cost to start selling online?

Costs vary dramatically by platform. Some charge no upfront fees but take commissions from sales, while others require monthly subscriptions. You'll also need to consider product costs, shipping materials, and potential advertising spend. Many platforms allow you to start with minimal investment – sometimes just the cost of your first product listing.

Which platform is best for beginners?

Beginner-friendly platforms typically offer simple listing processes, built-in payment systems, and strong seller support. Look for platforms with free listing options, transparent fee structures, and active seller communities. Consider starting locally to minimize shipping complications, then expanding to national or international platforms as you gain experience and confidence.

Can I sell on multiple platforms simultaneously?

Yes, many successful sellers use multiple platforms to maximize their reach and diversify their income streams. However, managing inventory across platforms requires careful attention to avoid overselling. Consider using inventory management tools or starting with one platform before expanding to others to avoid overwhelming yourself initially.

How long does it take to see results from online selling?

Results vary based on your products, pricing, and marketing efforts. Some sellers make their first sale within days, while others may take weeks or months to gain traction. Building a successful online selling business typically requires consistent effort over several months, with most sellers seeing steady growth after 3-6 months of regular activity.

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