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Are you wondering, "Is eCrater legit?" You're not alone. With an increasing number of online marketplaces, it's crucial to ensure your safety when shopping or selling. eCrater, a platform with a mix of both buyers and sellers, has raised some questions about its legitimacy. In this comprehensive 2025 review, we’ll dig deep into eCrater’s authenticity, buyer protection policies, complaints, and what makes it stand out compared to competitors like eBay. Whether you're a potential seller looking to use eCrater or a buyer trying to make informed decisions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about eCrater’s safety and its reputation in the online marketplace world.

What is eCrater?

eCrater is a global online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell a wide range of products. Similar to platforms like eBay and Amazon, eCrater enables sellers to set up their own stores without any listing fees. Sellers only pay a small commission when they make a sale, making it an appealing platform for small businesses and individuals who want to avoid large upfront costs. As of May 2025, eCrater attracts nearly 500,000 monthly visitors, demonstrating its active and growing presence. Whether you're looking to buy unique products, great deals, or start your own shop, eCrater provides a simple and flexible platform to meet your needs.

Where is eCrater Located?

eCrater is based in the United States, with its main office in California. However, it serves customers and sellers from all around the world. The platform has region-specific sites like ecrater.co.uk, which caters to the UK market. In 2024, ecrater.co.uk earned $3.6 million in online revenue. This international reach allows users to shop or sell across borders, making eCrater a truly global marketplace.

What Can You Buy and Sell on eCrater?

eCrater offers a vast selection of products, making it a go-to marketplace for a variety of needs. You can find items in categories like:

• Electronics
• Home Goods
• Clothing
• Automotive Parts
• Collectibles
• Vintage Items

Sellers can list almost anything, from rare hobby items to everyday essentials. Whether you're searching for unique products like vintage jerseys, hard-to-find gadgets, or DIY supplies, eCrater’s extensive catalog has something for everyone. The platform also allows sellers to create customizable storefronts to stand out and offer their products to a global audience.

How Does eCrater Work?

eCrater offers an easy and flexible platform for both buyers and sellers. It allows buyers to find great deals, while sellers can run their own stores with minimal upfront costs. To answer the common question, "Is eCrater legit or not?" Understanding how the platform works is crucial. Here’s a breakdown for both buyers and sellers so you know exactly what to expect.

For Buyers: Searching and Purchasing Products

Shopping on eCrater is simple and straightforward. Here's how it works:

1. Browse Categories: eCrater offers a wide range of categories like electronics, clothing, home goods, auto parts, and collectibles.
2. Search Function: Use the search bar to quickly find specific items.
3. Product Listings: Each product includes clear photos, detailed descriptions, pricing, and customer reviews.
4. Check Reviews: Customer reviews help identify trusted sellers and avoid issues such as fake products or scams.
5. Checkout Process: Once you find the product you want, add it to your cart and proceed to checkout. eCrater accepts PayPal for secure payments, providing buyer protection.
6. Contact Sellers: If you have questions, you can directly reach out to the seller.

Many buyers on platforms like Reddit and Quora enjoy eCrater for its low prices and unique finds but recommend checking seller ratings before purchasing to ensure product authenticity.

For Sellers: Setting Up and Managing Stores

Selling on eCrater is quick, free, and easy. Here's what you need to know:

1. Store Setup: Register and create your store with a custom logo and banners. There are no listing fees or monthly charges, which makes eCrater a popular choice over platforms like eBay or Amazon.
2. Commissions: You only pay a small commission (approximately 2.9% + a small fixed fee) when you make a sale.
3. Product Listings: List your products in your custom storefront or the main eCrater marketplace. Upload product images, write descriptions, set prices, and choose shipping options.
4. Payments: Payments are processed through PayPal, ensuring fast and secure transactions.
5. Manage Your Store: Respond to customer reviews, manage inventory, and handle your store’s operations easily.

eCrater's low fees and customizable storefronts make it an ideal choice for new sellers or anyone seeking to minimize costs. However, since you handle your own marketing, growing a customer base will require some effort. Many sellers agree that eCrater is a reliable platform, especially for niche products and unique items.

Is eCrater Legit? Evaluating the Platform’s Reputation

If you’re wondering, “Is eCrater legit?” or searching for an honest eCrater review in 2025, you’ll come across mixed opinions. While eCrater has a solid presence as an online marketplace, with over 1,637 reviews and a TrustScore of 3.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot, there are both positive experiences and notable complaints to consider before deciding whether it’s the right platform for you.

eCrater Reviews and Complaints (2025)

Positive User Experiences

Many users appreciate eCrater for its:

• Wide product selection: eCrater is great for finding rare parts, collectibles, and unique items that aren’t available elsewhere.
• Affordable prices: Buyers enjoy the deals they can find on the platform.
• Seller features: Sellers love the low fees and the ability to customize their storefronts.
• Prompt shipping: Many reviews highlight reliable sellers who offer quick shipping, especially for hard-to-find products.
• Transparent review system: The platform’s easy-to-use design and clear review system help foster trust among new shoppers.

Common Complaints & Negative Reviews

Not all experiences on eCrater are positive. Some common complaints include:

• Orders not arriving: Some buyers report that their orders were never delivered.
• Refund issues: Getting a refund can be challenging for certain transactions.
• Slow communication: Several buyers express frustration with delayed responses from sellers.
• Counterfeit products: Concerns about fake products, particularly in high-demand categories like shoes and jerseys, have been raised.
• Website functionality: Some users mention issues with the website and delays in customer support responses.

eCrater Reviews on Reddit & Quora

On Reddit and Quora, you’ll find many users discussing whether eCrater is legit. Most agree that the platform is real, but warn about purchasing from new or unknown sellers. While some share positive experiences of good deals, others mention slow shipping and unresponsive sellers. The general consensus is to:

• Use PayPal for buyer protection.
• Always read reviews before purchasing to ensure a safe transaction.

Does eCrater Sell Fake Shoes or Jerseys?

Concerns about fake products on eCrater, particularly in categories like shoes and sports jerseys, are common. Because eCrater allows independent sellers to list products, there’s a risk of counterfeit goods.

• Counterfeit concerns: Some buyers have received items that didn’t match their descriptions or appeared fake.
• Tips for buying branded products: When shopping for shoes or jerseys, check the seller’s ratings, read reviews, and ask questions to confirm authenticity.
• Secure payment methods: Always use secure payment options like PayPal to protect yourself from potential scams.

Is eCrater Legit for Jerseys and Sportswear?

eCrater itself is a legitimate platform, but the quality and authenticity of products like jerseys and sportswear depend on the individual seller.

• Positive experiences: Some buyers report excellent purchases of authentic sports gear.
• Negative experiences: Others complain about receiving knockoff products.
• Buyer tips: To avoid disappointment, carefully check the seller’s ratings, read customer reviews, and reach out to the seller with any questions about the product.

How to Spot Scam Listings on eCrater

To avoid scams on eCrater, keep these tips in mind:

1. Check seller ratings and read recent reviews.
2. Look for detailed product descriptions and clear, real photos.
3. Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.
4. Use PayPal for buyer protection.
5. Avoid sellers with little or no feedback.

Is eCrater Safe? Security and Payment Protection

If you’re wondering, “Is eCrater safe?” you’re not alone. Safety and payment protection are important concerns for any online shopper or seller. While eCrater is a legitimate marketplace, it works differently from larger platforms like eBay. Here’s a breakdown of how payments, refunds, and dispute handling work so you can shop and sell with confidence.

Payment Methods and Buyer Protection

eCrater offers several payment options, including:

• PayPal
• Stripe
• Money Orders
• Checks
• Cash on Delivery (in some cases)

Most buyers prefer PayPal for its secure transactions and buyer protection. When you pay through PayPal, you get up to 180 days of purchase protection if something goes wrong, such as:

• Your item is not arriving.
• The item being not as described.

eCrater itself doesn’t process payments or hold your money, so it’s important to rely on PayPal or your credit card company for additional protection. For added security, always use PayPal or a credit card.

Refund Policy and Order Cancellation

• Order Cancellation: You can only cancel an eCrater order if you haven’t made the payment. After payment, you must contact the seller directly for cancellation. If the seller agrees, they will refund your payment.
• Refund Process: If a problem arises—like receiving an incorrect or undelivered item—try to resolve it with the seller first. If that doesn’t work, you can file a dispute with PayPal or your credit card provider. Most refunds are processed through your payment provider, but eCrater will step in if the seller is unresponsive.

Handling Disputes and Complaints

• Dispute Resolution: The best way to handle a dispute is to contact the seller directly. Most issues can be resolved this way. If you don’t get a response or a solution, you can file a complaint with PayPal or your credit card company. They will investigate and may issue a refund if your claim is valid.
• eCrater’s Grievance Form: If the seller asks for payment outside of eCrater or violates marketplace rules, you can report them through eCrater’s grievance form.

For extra peace of mind, always:

• Check seller ratings.
• Read product descriptions carefully.
• Use secure payment methods.

By following these steps, you can shop with confidence and avoid common pitfalls on eCrater.

How to Buy Safely on eCrater

Shopping on eCrater can be a rewarding experience if you take the right precautions. While eCrater is legit, with over 1,600 reviews and a TrustScore of 3.2 out of 5, there are still risks such as late deliveries or unresponsive sellers. Here’s how to shop smart and avoid potential issues.

Checking Seller Ratings and Feedback

Before making a purchase, always check the seller’s feedback. Here’s how to do it:

• Feedback System: eCrater allows buyers to leave reviews if they paid via PayPal or Google Checkout.
• Review Process: Click on the product listing and follow the feedback link to see what other buyers say.
• Look for Recent Positive Reviews: Focus on recent reviews that highlight fast shipping, good communication, and quality products.
• Message the Seller: If you're unsure about a seller, send them a message and see how quickly they respond.

Avoid sellers with a lot of complaints, especially about missing orders or poor customer service.

Avoiding Counterfeit or Fake Products

Counterfeit products, particularly in categories like shoes and jerseys, can appear on eCrater. To avoid these:

• Be Wary of Unbelievable Prices: Prices that are too good to be true often signal counterfeit goods.
• Check Product Photos and Descriptions: Ensure that the listing includes clear, original photos and detailed descriptions.
• Avoid Stock Images: Listings with stock images or poor descriptions are red flags.
• Ask for Proof of Authenticity: If buying branded items, ask the seller for additional photos or proof of authenticity.

Stick to sellers with positive feedback and clear product images to ensure authenticity.

Using Secure Payment Methods

For your safety, always use PayPal or a credit card when shopping on eCrater:

• Buyer Protection: These payment methods offer protection in case your order doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described.
• Avoid Unprotected Methods: Don’t pay with money orders, checks, or wire transfers as they provide no protection if something goes wrong.

PayPal is the safest and most secure option on eCrater.

Steps to Take if You Have a Problem

If an issue arises, follow these steps:

1. Contact the Seller: Start by reaching out to the seller. Many problems can be solved through direct communication.
2. File a Dispute: If the seller is unresponsive or refuses to help, file a dispute with PayPal or your credit card company.
3. eCrater’s Complaint Form: You can also fill out eCrater’s complaint form, but most refunds and resolutions happen through your payment provider.
4. Keep Documentation: Save all order details and communication in case you need to provide proof.

eCrater Fees: What Does it Cost to Sell?

Understanding the cost structure is crucial for determining if eCrater is the right platform for you. While many sellers ask, "Is eCrater legit?" and wonder if the low fees are too good to be true, the fee structure is simple and transparent. Here’s a breakdown of the fees, so you know exactly what to expect and how they compare to other marketplaces.

No Listing Fees

eCrater stands out by charging no listing fees. You can open your store and list unlimited products for free. Unlike platforms like eBay or Etsy, where you pay to have your items listed, eCrater only charges when you make a sale.

Transaction Fees

When you sell an item, eCrater charges a small transaction fee:

• 2.9% of the sale price.
• A fixed fee of about $0.30 per transaction.

For example, if you sell an item for $50, eCrater will charge you about $1.45. This is significantly lower than eBay, where the fees can go up to 10% or more in final value fees.

Payment Processing Fees (PayPal, Credit Card)

eCrater uses PayPal as its main payment processor, and PayPal charges:

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for domestic sales.
• Slightly more for international payments.

For a $50 sale, PayPal will take around $1.75, bringing your total cost (including both eCrater and PayPal fees) to about $3.20.

Optional Paid Listings (Promoted Listings)

eCrater offers optional promoted listings to help you increase visibility. By paying extra, your products can be featured in search results or on the marketplace homepage. This is not required, but it can help you boost your best-selling items. The decision to use this feature depends on your sales goals.

Shipping Costs and Fee Structure vs. Competitors

• Shipping Fees: You, as the seller, set your own shipping fees. You can choose flat-rate, weight-based, or use shipping calculators to provide accurate shipping rates to buyers.
• No Extra Shipping Fees: eCrater does not charge any additional fees beyond what you collect from buyers.

Comparison to Competitors

• eBay: Charges listing fees and final value fees up to 10-12%.
• Amazon: Referral fees can be 15% or more, plus monthly charges.
• Etsy: Charges $0.20 per listing and 5% transaction fees.

eCrater stands out with no listing fees and low transaction fees, making it one of the most affordable options for new and small sellers.

Pros and Cons of eCrater

When considering whether eCrater is the right marketplace for you, it's important to evaluate both its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect.

Pros

1. Low Fees for Sellers

• No Listing Fees: eCrater stands out for its zero listing fees and low transaction fees—typically just 2.9% when using marketplace ads.
• Affordable for New Sellers: You don’t have to pay to open a store or list products, making it one of the most affordable platforms for sellers, especially when compared to platforms like eBay and Amazon.

2. Customizable Storefronts

• Branding Flexibility: eCrater lets you create a branded storefront, offering full control over your shop’s design and policies.
• Import Products: Sellers can even import products from eBay in bulk, making it easy to expand your store quickly.
• Unique Online Presence: This flexibility is great for small businesses and resellers who want to stand out without extra charges.

3. Global Marketplace Access

• International Reach: eCrater connects sellers to buyers worldwide, increasing your chances of making sales.
• Google Shopping: Your products are featured on Google Shopping, boosting visibility.
• Wide Range of Categories: Whether you’re selling niche products or everyday items, eCrater supports a broad spectrum of categories, making it easy to attract international and specialized buyers.

Cons

1. Mixed Customer Support Experiences

• Limited Support: Customer service is often cited as a major drawback, as eCrater lacks live chat or phone support. The only option is the contact form, and many users report slow responses or difficulties getting help when issues arise.
• Frustration for Buyers and Sellers: This can be especially frustrating if there’s an urgent issue, as support is not as accessible or efficient as on other platforms.

2. Inconsistent Product Quality

• Seller-Dependent Quality: The quality of products on eCrater can vary since it depends on individual sellers.
• Buyer Risks: Some buyers report receiving items that didn’t match the description or were of lower quality than expected. This highlights the importance of checking seller reviews and ratings before making a purchase.

3. Limited Buyer Protection

• No Platform-Based Protection: Unlike eBay or Amazon, eCrater does not offer its own buyer protection program. Buyers must rely on PayPal or credit card providers for refunds and dispute resolution.
• Direct Seller Contact: If an issue arises, buyers need to contact the seller directly. The outcome of this process can vary, which is a key concern in many eCrater complaints.

eCrater vs Other Marketplaces: How Does It Compare?

If you’re asking, “Is eCrater legit compared to eBay, Amazon, or Etsy?” you’re not alone. Each platform has its unique set of features, fees, and challenges. Let’s compare eCrater with these giants to help you make the best choice for your business or shopping needs.

1. eBay

eBay is one of the most popular marketplaces worldwide, but it comes with higher costs:

• Listing Fees: eBay charges both listing fees and final value fees, which can range from 10–12% depending on the category.
• Customer Base: eBay offers a massive audience and strong marketing tools to increase visibility.
• Customizability: eBay does not provide the same level of storefront customizability that eCrater does.

How eCrater Compares

• No Listing Fees: eCrater charges no listing fees and only a 2.9% commission when you make a sale, making it a much more cost-effective platform for small sellers.
• Store Customization: eCrater allows customizable storefronts, giving sellers more control over their store’s look and feel.

Best for: Small sellers or those just starting out who want to avoid high overhead costs.

2. Amazon

Amazon is a dominant player in online sales, but it may not always be the best option for small sellers:

• Referral Fees: Amazon charges referral fees ranging from 6% to 45%, depending on the product category.
• Additional Fees: You may also have to pay for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) services, adding to your costs.
• Limited Store Branding: Amazon offers fewer opportunities for store branding, and sellers have less freedom to design their storefronts.

How eCrater Compares

• Lower Fees: eCrater’s commission is much lower, and there are no monthly fees.
• Branding Freedom: eCrater gives sellers more freedom to design their own storefront and set their own policies.

Best for: Sellers who want to save on fees and build a unique brand.

3. Etsy

Etsy specializes in handmade, vintage, and creative items, but its fees can add up:

• Listing Fees: Etsy charges $0.20 per listing.
• Transaction Fees: Etsy takes a 5% transaction fee, plus payment processing fees.

How eCrater Compares

• Free Listings: eCrater lets you list unlimited products for free and only charges a small commission when you make a sale.
• Broader Range of Products: While Etsy specializes in handmade and vintage items, eCrater supports a broader range of categories, including electronics, auto parts, and home goods.

Best for: Sellers who want to sell a variety of products and keep costs low, with more flexibility than Etsy.

Conclusion: Is eCrater Legit or Not?

eCrater is a legitimate marketplace with a solid reputation for offering low fees, customizable storefronts, and a wide range of product categories. While it has a TrustScore of 3.2 on Trustpilot, which shows a mix of positive and negative reviews, many buyers and sellers appreciate its simplicity and affordability. However, like any platform, buyer protection and customer service can be concerns. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable, flexible marketplace with global reach, eCrater is a good option—but always exercise caution when dealing with new sellers.