In today’s digital age, finding the right platform to sell your products online can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a casual seller, our guide to the best internet selling sites will help you navigate the vast e-commerce landscape. Discover the top platforms that cater to your needs, maximize your reach, and boost your sales, making online selling easier and more profitable than ever!
Comparison Table: Popular Internet Selling Sites
| Marketplace | Best For | Listing Fee | Selling/Transaction Fee | Main Categories | Audience | Fulfillment Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | Unique, collectible, & used items | Free (up to 250/month) | 10–15% + $0.30/order | Everything: collectibles, gadgets, clothes | Global | Seller ships; local pick-up |
| Amazon | New products, large-scale selling | $0.99/item or $39.99/month | 8–20% (varies by category) | Books, electronics, home, most products | Global | Seller ships; FBA option |
| Etsy | Handmade, vintage, creative | $0.20/listing | 6.5% + payment processing | Crafts, vintage (20+ yrs), supplies | Niche/creative buyers | Seller ships |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local sales, large/bulky items | Free | None (some payment processing fees) | Furniture, gadgets, home, misc | Local | Meet-up; some shipping |
| Poshmark | Fashion & accessories | Free | $2.95 ($15) | Clothing, shoes, accessories, home | US, Canada | Seller ships (label provided) |
| Bonanza | General items | Free | 3.5% on final sale | All-purpose: fashion, home, vintage | US, Global | Seller ships |
| Ruby Lane | Antiques, collectibles | Free | 9.9% service fee + $25/month (waivable) | Vintage, art, collectibles, jewelry | Niche/collectors | Seller ships |
| Decluttr | Tech trade-in | None (buyout model) | None (Decluttr sets price) | Tech, media, games | US | Ship items to Decluttr |
| Swappa | Used electronics | Free | 3% (paid by buyer) | Tech: phones, laptops, tablets | US, Global | Seller ships (via PayPal) |
| Chairish | Furniture, home décor | Free | 12–30% commission | Home décor, furniture, art | US | Chairish/seller ships |
| Craigslist/OfferUp | Local, freeform selling | Usually Free | None | Everything: local, used items | Local | Meet-up |
Everyday Usage of Internet Selling Sites
How Do People Use Online Selling Sites?
Online selling platforms have revolutionized the way individuals and businesses offload goods:
- Decluttering & Side Income: Users list everything from used books to old smartphones, turning unwanted household items into cash.
- Launching Small Businesses: Entrepreneurs use these platforms to reach national or global audiences without brick-and-mortar overheads.
- Specialized Selling: Crafters, vintage aficionados, and designers find niche audiences on specialized platforms (e.g., Etsy, Ruby Lane).
- Bulk & Repeat Sales: Established sellers use marketplaces like Amazon or eBay for consistent, high-volume sales.
Typical Selling Journey
- Listing: Snap clear photos, write concise, honest descriptions, set a price.
- Promotion & Communication: Respond promptly to buyer inquiries.
- Transaction: Securely process payment via provided platform tools.
- Fulfillment: Arrange shipping or local pickup; pack items safely.
- After-Sale Support: Handle returns/exchanges if needed, manage reviews.
Many platforms feature mobile apps, making it easy to list and manage sales from your phone.
Key Benefits of Using Online Selling Sites
- Wide Reach: Instantly access millions of buyers worldwide or within your local community.
- Security & Trust: Established platforms offer secure payment processing, buyer/seller protections, and dispute resolution.
- Convenience: Avoid the hassle of physical yard sales or consignment shops; manage sales from home.
- Flexibility: Sell a few personal items or scale up to a full-time business.
- Specialization: Niche platforms help you reach buyers who want exactly what you’re offering, from retro t-shirts to high-end collectibles.
- Low to No Upfront Cost: Most major platforms have little to no listing fee, so you only pay when an item sells.
- Integrated Tools: Shipping calculators, printable labels, marketing and analytics—no need to be tech-savvy.
How to Choose the Right Selling Site
Step 1: Identify What You’re Selling
- General/Secondhand Items: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist
- Handmade/Vintage Goods: Etsy, Ruby Lane
- Fashion: Poshmark, Depop
- Electronics: Swappa, Decluttr
- Furniture/Home Goods: Chairish, Facebook Marketplace
Step 2: Consider Where Your Buyers Are
- Local vs. Global: Bulky items often sell best locally; collectibles and small goods can go national or international.
- Niche vs. General Audience: Specialized platforms can fetch higher prices for niche items.
Step 3: Compare Fees and Policies
- Listing Fees: Most sites are free or charge minimal fees per listing.
- Commission Fees: Ranges from 3.5% (Bonanza) to 20% (Poshmark; luxury consignment sites may charge even more).
- Shipping: Some platforms handle shipping labels (Poshmark), others leave it to you. Factor in cost and convenience.
- Returns and Buyer Protection: Policies vary; strict return policies may increase buyer confidence but could impact profit.
Step 4: Assess Your Tech & Business Needs
- App & Website Usability: Is the site easy to navigate? Does it have a reliable app?
- Integration Options: Do you want to connect your listings to social media or multiple marketplaces?
- Scalability: Are you looking to run a casual side hustle or build a branded online store (Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix)?
User Tips and Best Practices for Online Sellers
Crafting Effective Listings
- High-Quality Photos: Use natural light and show multiple angles; highlight flaws for transparency.
- Clear, Honest Descriptions: State the brand, condition, material, size, and any unique features.
- Relevant Keywords: Use terms buyers are likely to search for.
Pricing Strategy
- Check Market Value: Search for similar sold items on the same platform.
- Leave Wiggle Room: Price slightly higher if you expect to negotiate, especially for local sales.
Communication
- Respond Quickly: Fast replies build trust and boost chances of a sale.
- Be Professional: Maintain a courteous tone, even with difficult buyers.
Shipping and Fulfillment
- Pack Securely: Protect items from damage; consider insurance for valuables.
- Use Provided Labels: When available, platform-generated labels are often discounted and include tracking.
Safety First (for Local Sales)
- Meet in Public: Choose daylight hours and public places, ideally with security cameras.
- Payment Assurance: Cash, mobile payment, or platform-protected methods work best; avoid checks.
Managing Reputation
- Request Reviews: Politely ask happy buyers to leave feedback.
- Resolve Issues: Address complaints or returns promptly to maintain high ratings.
Table: Key Attributes of Major Internet Selling Sites
| Platform | Audience Size | Payment Options | Mobile App | Shipping Tools | Seller Protections | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | 135M+ buyers worldwide | PayPal, credit/debit, eBay Pay | Yes | Yes (labels, GSP) | Yes | Auctions, fixed price, reserves |
| Amazon | 300M+ accounts | Amazon Pay, cards, gift card | Yes | FBA, self-ship | Yes | Prime access, huge marketplace |
| Etsy | 95M+ buyers | Etsy Payments, PayPal, cards | Yes | Yes | Yes | Shop customization, social tools |
| Facebook Marketplace | Over 1B users | Messenger Pay, cash, PayPal | Yes | Some | Minimal* | Local focus, groups integration |
| Poshmark | 80M+ users (US/CA) | Direct deposit, PayPal | Yes | Labels provided | Yes | Social commerce, bundles |
| Bonanza | 50K+ sellers | PayPal, cards | Yes | Yes | Yes | Offer/negotiation system |
| Ruby Lane | Niche (collectors) | PayPal, Stripe, cards | Yes | Yes | Yes | Curation, homepage features |
| Decluttr | N/A (direct to company) | Direct deposit, PayPal | Yes | Free shipping | N/A | Instant quotes, data wipe |
| Swappa | Niche (tech buyers) | PayPal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Device approval, no seller fee |
| Chairish | Design collectors | Direct deposit | Yes | Yes (white-glove) | Yes | Curated listings, photo editing |
*Minimal seller protection for peer-to-peer cash sales; more for commerce-enabled listings.
Practical Advice for Choosing and Using Selling Sites
- Start with One Platform: Begin with the site that best matches what you’re selling, then expand to others as you gain experience.
- Read the Fine Print: Familiarize yourself with each platform’s seller policies, prohibited items, and payout schedules.
- Optimize for Mobile: Most sales activity happens on mobile—test your listings on your phone to ensure they look sharp.
- Keep Receipts and Records: For business sellers, maintain accurate logs for taxes and inventory.
- Test and Tweak Listings: If an item doesn’t sell quickly, update the title, description, or price.
- Utilize Seller Communities: Join platform forums or Facebook groups for peer support, tips, and current best practices.
- Scale Thoughtfully: When your sales grow, consider using spreadsheet tools, connecting with fulfillment services, or launching your own ecommerce site via platforms like Shopify or Wix for greater control and branding.
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Conclusion
Selling your stuff online is easier and more lucrative than ever before, whether you’re clearing out your closet, launching a creative side hustled, or building a scalable business. The explosion of online selling platforms means there’s a marketplace for virtually every product and seller type.
The best choice depends on what you’re selling, how hands-on you want to be, and your target buyers. Understand the key features, weigh fees against your selling goals, and use best practices to maximize convenience, profit, and safety.
With thoughtful selection and smart selling techniques, these sites can help you turn unwanted items or creative ambition into steady income—and possibly even a thriving business.
FAQ
What’s the best selling site for beginners?
eBay is great for general beginners since it’s forgiving, has a vast buyer base, and guides new sellers. For niche items like crafts or vintage, Etsy is user-friendly. For local, casual sales, Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp require minimal setup.
Do I need a business license to sell online?
Most platforms don’t require a business license for casual or occasional sales. However, if you’re selling regularly or in bulk, check your local regulations for business and tax requirements.
Which site has the lowest fees?
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are usually free for local sales. For shipped goods, Bonanza and Swappa have some of the lowest commission rates (3.5% for Bonanza; 3% for Swappa).
What is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)?
FBA means you send your products to Amazon’s warehouses; Amazon handles storage, packing, shipping, and customer service, making it easier to scale your sales.
How do I get paid?
Payment methods vary: eBay, Etsy, and Amazon process payments and deposit funds directly to your linked bank account. Facebook and Craigslist are more flexible, often involving cash or peer-to-peer payments for local transactions.
Can I sell internationally?
Yes! Major sites like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy allow international sales, but you must account for higher shipping costs and know customs/export rules.
What is the safest payment method for local sales?
For local transactions, use cash (in a safe public spot), peer-to-peer payment apps (like PayPal), or commerce-enabled payment through the platform when available.
Are returns required?
Return policies vary by platform. eBay generally encourages returns but lets sellers set policy. Poshmark limits returns to cases of misrepresentation, while Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are usually “final sale.”
How do I know how to price my items?
Check “sold” listings for similar items on the platform. Adjust for condition, rarity, and competition. For high-demand goods, slightly undercut the average for faster sales.
When should I consider making my own online store?
If you want full brand control, plan to scale, or dislike competing directly with other sellers, building your own ecommerce store (with Shopify, Wix, or BigCommerce) may be right for you. It involves more setup, but you control design, fees, and policies.
