Strategy

Top 10 Online Selling Sites for 2025

16 minute read
By
Samuel Xu
on
January 5, 2025
January 5, 2025

Discover the top online selling sites for 2025, from Etsy and Amazon to Shopify and Facebook Marketplace, tailor-made for various products.

Choosing the right platform to sell your products is a crucial step in launching your business. With so many options available, you can find the perfect fit for your needs—whether you're selling custom print-on-demand items, vintage treasures, or handmade creations.

Let’s dive into the top online selling platforms for 2025, including an overview of their fees, features, and what you can expect from each one.

Key Takeaways

  • Etsy and eBay provide access to both niche and global audiences but come with high fees and intense competition.
  • Amazon offers massive reach and robust fulfillment options, but sellers face high fees and strong competition across most product categories.
  • Facebook Marketplace allows you to sell locally with no listing fees, though it lacks advanced eCommerce tools for scaling your business.
  • Shopify and BigCommerce are highly scalable platforms, ideal for building your own store. However, fees can increase as your business expands.
  • Wix and Squarespace are user-friendly and perfect for design-driven businesses, but they offer limited scalability for larger operations.
  • TikTok Shop provides exciting viral marketing potential, especially for younger audiences, though its features are still evolving.

Best online marketplaces to sell

Looking to reach your customers without the hassle of building an online store from the ground up? Online marketplaces offer a fantastic solution, packed with numerous advantages and features.

1.Etsy

Etsy began as a platform dedicated to handmade and vintage goods but has since expanded to accommodate a wide variety of products, including custom apparel and downloadable items.

Sellers can also use Etsy Pattern to create a personalized website, offering more branding options to stand out. However, the platform’s high fees mean careful pricing is needed to stay profitable.

Pros:

  • Access to over 90 million active buyers, mainly seeking unique or custom products
  • Easy-to-use platform for beginners and experienced sellers
  • Built-in marketing tools like Etsy Ads and offsite ads

Cons:

  • High transaction and processing fees
  • Strong competition can make it hard to stand out
  • Limited customization for storefronts
  • Sellers handle inventory and fulfillment themselves

Etsy Fees:

  • Listing fee: $0.20 per item, renewed every 4 months
  • Transaction fee: 6.5% of the sale price
  • Payment processing fee: 3% + $0.25 (US) or up to 6.5% + $0.30 (varies by country)
  • Etsy Plus: $10/month for extra features
  • Etsy Pattern: $15/month for a custom website with domain fees

2.eBay

As one of the first online auction platforms, eBay remains a dominant force in eCommerce. Known for its global reach, eBay connects sellers to millions of buyers worldwide. Whether you’re selling auction-style or fixed-price listings, eBay offers flexibility in how you do business. You can also integrate Tapstitch for print-on-demand items. Popular categories on eBay include electronics, collectibles, and second-hand products, making it a great platform for diverse inventories. Sellers can optimize profits by experimenting with various strategies and utilizing store subscriptions to lower fees.

Pros:

  • Global exposure to millions of buyers
  • Auction-style listings allow for competitive bidding, which can drive higher prices
  • Ideal for selling second-hand items, electronics, and collectibles

Cons:

  • Intense competition across many categories
  • Insertion and selling fees can quickly add up, especially for large inventories
  • No dedicated fulfillment services

eBay Fees:

  • Insertion fee: 250 free listings per month for non-subscribers; $0.35 per listing afterward. Store subscribers get additional free listings based on their plan
  • Final value fee: 13.25% of the total sale price (including shipping) for sales up to $7,500, and 2.35% for amounts above that. Additional $0.40 fee per order for sales over $10
  • Optional upgrades: Bold text costs $2, Subtitles range from $1.50 to $6
  • Advertising fees: Promoted Listings only charges a fee when the item sells
  • International fees: 1.65% of the total sale when selling internationally, plus an additional 2.5%-3.5% currency conversion fee

3.Amazon

As one of the largest and most trusted eCommerce platforms globally, Amazon offers sellers access to an enormous customer base and an unmatched reputation. Known for its vast product categories, Amazon is a go-to marketplace for sellers looking to expand their reach and sales. The platform’s success is driven by its focus on customer satisfaction and the use of cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and even drones in some regions.

For sellers, Amazon provides tools and services like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), which takes care of inventory storage, shipping, and customer service. However, sellers must carefully evaluate the costs associated with FBA and consider Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) if they wish to retain more control over their logistics.

Pros:

  • Trusted platform with strong brand credibility
  • Access to millions of customers worldwide
  • Robust seller tools for inventory management, advertising, and reporting
  • FBA simplifies storage, shipping, and customer service

Cons:

  • High fees, especially for FBA (8%-15% referral fee per sale, plus storage fees)
  • Highly competitive marketplace with many sellers
  • FBA can simplify logistics but also increase costs and limit control over the customer experience

Amazon Fees:

  • Individual plan: $0.99 per item sold (ideal for sellers with fewer than 40 sales per month)
  • Professional plan: $39.99/month (for sellers with more than 40 sales per month, offering advanced tools and insights)
  • Referral fees: Varies by product category, typically ranging from 8% to 15%
    • Example: 15% for most items in clothing and accessories, 8% for electronics
  • FBA fees:
    • Fulfillment fee: Starts at $2.50 for small standard items, with higher rates for oversized items
    • Storage fee: $0.75 to $2.40 per cubic foot, depending on the season (higher fees from October to December)

4.Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace allows sellers to reach local buyers with no listing fees. It’s ideal for selling both new and second-hand items and leverages Facebook’s large user base for easy exposure. However, it lacks advanced tools for scaling and doesn’t offer fulfillment services, so you’ll need to manage shipping and customer service yourself.

Facebook Marketplace allows sellers to reach local buyers with no listing fees. It’s ideal for selling both new and second-hand items and leverages Facebook’s large user base for easy exposure. However, it lacks advanced tools for scaling and doesn’t offer fulfillment services, so you’ll need to manage shipping and customer service yourself.

Pros:

  • No listing fees.
  • Local selling with easy access to buyers.
  • Integration with Facebook for added trust.
  • Simple to use.

Cons:

  • Limited scaling options.
  • No fulfillment services.
  • Risk of fraud with local transactions.

Fees:

  • No listing fees for most items.
  • Selling fee: 5% or $0.40 for items under $8.

Top sites for running your own online store

If you want complete control over your brand and products, creating your own store is the best option. These platforms provide customizable designs and powerful tools to help you build, manage, and scale your online business.

5.Shopify

Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, known for its user-friendly interface and powerful tools for building and managing an online store. Whether you’re selling products through dropshipping, print-on-demand, or inventory management, Shopify provides a robust platform to scale your business.

It offers numerous customizable themes, integration with third-party apps, and built-in tools to optimize your sales. Shopify is particularly popular among entrepreneurs looking to start a business without worrying about technical details.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use and intuitive interface
  • Extensive app marketplace to extend functionality
  • Built-in tools for marketing, SEO, and sales analytics
  • Seamless integration with popular sales channels like Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons:

  • Monthly fees can add up, especially for advanced plans
  • Additional transaction fees if you don’t use Shopify Payments
  • Somewhat limited customization for advanced users without coding skills

Shopify Fees:

  • Basic Plan: $39/month
  • Shopify Plan: $105/month
  • Advanced Plan: $399/month
  • Transaction Fees: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (Shopify Payments)
Quick Tip :Shopify is ideal for businesses looking to scale. If you’re starting small, the Basic Plan offers all the essentials to get you started. As your business grows, you can upgrade to access more advanced features.

6.Wix

Wix is a website builder that allows users to create stunning online stores with ease. Known for its drag-and-drop functionality, Wix is an excellent option for those who want a visually appealing, custom-designed store without needing coding skills. It offers a variety of templates and customization options, making it ideal for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.

Wix’s eCommerce features include secure payment processing, inventory management, and marketing tools to help you grow your online store. While it may not have the same scalability as Shopify, it’s an affordable and beginner-friendly platform for entrepreneurs just starting out.

Pros:

  • User-friendly drag-and-drop builder
  • Wide variety of beautiful, customizable templates
  • Affordable pricing, with no extra transaction fees
  • Built-in SEO and marketing tools
  • Free plan available (with limitations)

Cons:

  • Limited scalability for large businesses
  • Fewer third-party integrations compared to platforms like Shopify
  • Less advanced eCommerce features for growing stores

Wix Fees:

  • Business Basic: $27/month
  • Business Unlimited: $32/month
  • Business VIP: $59/month
  • Transaction Fees: None

7.Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder that also offers powerful eCommerce features, making it an excellent option for creative entrepreneurs looking to build a stylish online store.

Squarespace offers an all-in-one solution with built-in hosting, payment processing, and inventory management. It’s easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface, but it also provides advanced customization options for those with more experience. While it may not be as feature-rich as Shopify in terms of eCommerce tools, it’s a solid choice for entrepreneurs who want to combine a beautiful website with an easy-to-manage store.

Pros:

  • Gorgeous, professionally designed templates
  • Integrated payment options, including Stripe and PayPal
  • Strong built-in blogging and content management features
  • Easy-to-use interface, no coding required
  • Excellent for design-focused businesses

Cons:

  • Limited eCommerce tools compared to Shopify
  • Transaction fees on lower-tier plans
  • Limited scalability for larger businesses
  • Less flexibility for advanced customization

Squarespace Fees:

  • Personal Plan: $16/month (not for eCommerce)
  • Business Plan: $23/month (includes eCommerce features, 3% transaction fee)
  • Basic Commerce Plan: $27/month (no transaction fees)
  • Advanced Commerce Plan: $49/month (advanced features, no transaction fees)

8.WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a powerful and highly customizable eCommerce plugin for WordPress. It turns any WordPress site into a fully functional online store, giving you complete control over your store’s design, functionality, and features.

One of the biggest advantages of WooCommerce is that it integrates seamlessly with WordPress, which is already widely used for blogging and content management. If you’re familiar with WordPress, you’ll appreciate the ease of setting up and managing your store.

Pros:

  • Highly customizable and flexible
  • No transaction fees (you only pay for payment processor fees)
  • Seamless integration with WordPress
  • Wide range of plugins and extensions for advanced features
  • Ideal for SEO, thanks to WordPress’s built-in SEO features

Cons:

  • Requires hosting and domain, unlike hosted platforms like Shopify
  • Can be complex for beginners (technical knowledge may be needed)
  • Limited scalability for very large stores unless you invest in premium hosting
  • Needs frequent updates and maintenance

WooCommerce Fees:

  • Free to use (though you’ll need to pay for hosting, domain, and some premium extensions)
  • Hosting costs typically range from $3 to $10 per month, with options like Hostinger starting at $2.99 per month.

9.PrestaShop

PrestaShop is a robust open-source eCommerce platform that offers flexibility and scalability for businesses of all sizes. With a wide range of features, it allows entrepreneurs to fully customize their online store, offering the freedom to design and manage their site as they wish.

Pros:

  • Completely free to use (though additional costs may arise for themes, modules, and hosting).
  • Highly customizable with access to numerous add-ons and plugins.
  • Ideal for businesses looking for control over their store's design and features.
  • Open-source, which allows developers to tailor the site to specific needs.

Cons:

  • Requires technical knowledge for installation, setup, and customization.
  • Limited built-in support; you may need to rely on third-party support or the community.
  • Can become costly with add-ons and hosting services.

PrestaShop Fees

  • Free to download and use: PrestaShop is open-source and free to install.
  • Hosting costs: Vary between $3 to $10 per month, depending on the hosting provider, with plans starting as low as $2.99/month at Hostinger.
  • Premium add-ons: Prices for themes, modules, and professional support depend on specific requirements.
  • Hosted plan: €24/month (paid yearly) or €29/month (paid monthly), excluding VAT.

10.BigCommerce

BigCommerce is designed for growth and scalability, offering a robust platform for businesses of all sizes. It stands out for its no-transaction-fee policy, even when using third-party payment gateways, making it an attractive option for growing businesses. While its pricing is higher than some competitors, its extensive features justify the cost, especially for those looking to scale.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive tools for managing large catalogs and multiple stores.
  • No transaction fees on any sales, including those using third-party gateways.
  • Seamless integrations with platforms like Amazon, eBay, and social media.
  • Advanced SEO and built-in marketing features.
  • Scalable to support both small businesses and enterprises.

Cons:

  • Pricing can increase significantly as you scale.
  • Requires an upgrade to a higher plan once sales exceed certain thresholds.
  • Some advanced features require additional apps or custom development.
  • Steep learning curve for beginners.

Fees

  • Standard Plan: $29/month (paid annually) or $39/month (paid monthly)
  • Plus Plan: $79/month (paid annually) or $105/month (paid monthly)
  • Pro Plan: $299/month (paid annually) or $399/month (paid monthly)
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on business needs

Worthy mentions

TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop allows users to sell products directly through the app, leveraging the platform’s viral content and massive, highly-engaged audience. Ideal for content creators, influencers, and brands targeting younger demographics, TikTok Shop is quickly gaining popularity as one of the best online selling platforms. Sellers can use trending videos and influencer collaborations to drive product sales while building brand awareness.

Pros:

  • Direct access to TikTok’s highly engaged user base
  • Seamless integration with platforms like Shopify
  • Great for brand awareness and tapping into viral marketing trends
  • No listing fees, making it a cost-effective option for businesses

Cons:

  • Currently limited to specific regions
  • As a relatively new platform, tools and features are still evolving
  • Success relies heavily on active content creation and social media engagement
  • Strict deadlines for order fulfillment
  • Stringent product policies

TikTok Shop Fees:

  • Transaction Fees: 3.78%
  • Commission Fees: Ranges from 2.70% to 10.26%, depending on the product category
  • Additional charges for shipping adjustments, warehouse services, or platform penalties may apply.

Start an online store and integrate with Tapstitch

Starting an online store and integrating with Tapstitch for print-on-demand (POD) dropshipping is a seamless way to launch your eCommerce business without the hassle of inventory management or shipping. Tapstitch allows you to focus on creating and selling custom apparel, accessories, and other products while it takes care of printing, packaging, and fulfillment.

Here’s how you can get started:

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

Start by selecting an eCommerce platform to build your online store.

Tapstitch integrates with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Etsy, and more, making it easy to set up your shop.

Step 2: Sign Up for Tapstitch

Create a free Tapstitch account to get started.

Once registered, you’ll have access to a wide range of customizable products and can easily manage your designs and orders directly through the Tapstitch dashboard.

Step 3: Design Your Products

Use Tapstitch’s intuitive design tools to create unique products. Whether it’s custom t-shirts, hoodies, bags, or other apparel, you can design your products easily with a few clicks.

Step 4: Sync Your Store

Once your online store is set up, integrate it with Tapstitch. The platform offers easy integration with major eCommerce platforms, so your orders will automatically sync between your store and Tapstitch for seamless fulfillment.

Step 5: Start Selling

After you’ve designed and listed your products, you’re ready to start selling.

When a customer makes a purchase, Tapstitch will automatically handle the printing, packing, and shipping directly to the customer, while you focus on growing your brand and marketing.

Step 6: Promote Your Store

Drive traffic to your store through social media, influencer collaborations, paid ads, and organic marketing strategies.

Tapstitch’s platform is designed to help you scale with low upfront costs and minimal risk, allowing you to invest more in marketing and product development.

Why Choose Tapstitch?

  • Seamless integration with top eCommerce platforms
  • No inventory management or upfront costs
  • Customizable products for unique designs and branding
  • Fast fulfillment with high-quality printing and shipping services
  • Scalable business model that grows with you

FAQ

1.What is the best site to sell my products online?

Choosing the best online selling site depends on what you are selling and who you want to reach. Popular options include Etsy for handmade items, Amazon for a wide audience, and Shopify for custom stores. Each site has its pros and cons, so think about what fits you best.

2.Is it easy to sell things online?

Yes, many online selling sites are designed to be user-friendly! For example, Facebook Marketplace is simple to navigate. eBay also has an easy listing process. However, platforms like Shopify can take a bit more learning if you want a custom store.

3.What types of products can I sell on Amazon?

Amazon allows you to sell just about anything! Whether it’s electronics, books, clothing, or handmade items, Amazon has a vast audience. However, be ready for high competition and fees that come with selling on their site.

4.What types of products can I sell on Amazon?

Amazon allows you to sell just about anything! Whether it’s electronics, books, clothing, or handmade items, Amazon has a vast audience. However, be ready for high competition and fees that come with selling on their site.

To summarize

Selecting the right online selling platform is crucial and depends on your business objectives, product offerings, and target audience.

Whether you opt for a well-known marketplace like Etsy or eBay, or choose to create a customized store on Shopify, each platform offers unique advantages and challenges.

It's important to consider factors like transaction fees, scalability, and the tools available on each platform to ensure the best fit for your business. With a solid strategy, any of these platforms can become the ideal home for your online store.

16 minute read

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