The advent of the Internet brought along online commerce, where people converge in a digital marketplace to buy and sell goods and services without ever having to go to an actual store. eBay is among the pioneers who introduced the modern world to things like online auction and e-commerce.
Now a dominant force in the online marketplace with more than $16 billion in revenue, eBay is not without its flaws. Bad customer service, steep seller fees, and poor security measures that are often exploited by fraudulent buyers and sellers, millions of merchants and purchases alike are scurrying to find the next best thing. Fortunately, there are 10 of them. Check them out.
1# iOffer
A merchant-friendly website, iOffer not only offers fixed price and auction listings, but also allows trades and swaps. Using the platform’s basic features is free and users only pay a fee when their item is sold. For users who opt to upgrade their sellers account, they will receive a storefront for their products.
#2 Etsy
Etsy only caters to buyers and sellers of handcrafted products, crafting supplies, vintage items, and rare collectibles. The site is a solid contender for crafts merchants looking for an eBay alternative. Although there are no storefront setup fees required from sellers, Etsy charges users every time they list a product within the initial period of four months.
#3 uBID.com
A solid alternative to eBay. uBID.com is an online platform where sellers and buyers converge to peddle and look for stuff. The site functions like eBay, offering sellers a place where they can sell their wares via fixed-price listings and/or auction listings. Buyers can browse through its directory of products (brand new, used, and refurbished) in dozens of categories, which consist of consumer electronics, home and gardening, and fashion.
#4 Bonanza
An online avenue where you can sell and buy general merchandise, brand new items, and second hand products, Bonanza is a good place to start. Many sellers love to peddle their stuff in Bonanza due to the site’s very low rates. That said, there is no auction feature so pretty much everything being sold in Bonanza has its price fixed. Another thing, only a few people know about Bonanza, virtually making it a dwarf when compared to a giant like eBay.
#5 Artfire
While eBay caters to a myriad of sellers and buyers, Artfire is very specific with its target market, focusing only on merchants and customers who are selling and looking for crafts, craft supplies, vintage goods, and fine art. Another thing that sets Artfire apart from eBay is that it does not require sellers to pay fees unless they opt to open a Pro account. In that case, sellers are then asked to pay a monthly subscription rate. Subscription comes with a load of premium seller features SEO tools, a coupon feature, and Google Analytics integration among others. Also, the site has received positive reviews for its excellent customer service.
#6 Ruby Lane
Very much like Artfire, Ruby Lane welcomes in its arms buyers and sellers of art pieces, high end antiques, vintage collectibles, and old memorabilias. But while they do have a decent following, Ruby Lane has very expensive rates that turn off some users. That said, many believe that it is all a matter of what is being sold and whether it is worthwhile or not.
#7 Bidstart
Bidstart specifically caters to merchants who prefer to have their collectible items auctioned. There are fees involved but the rates are half of what eBay requires from their users. If you have a vintage item or an expensive antique, Bidstart is a perfect online portal for you to list your product.
#8 Cqout
Pronounced as “seek-out”, this UK-based online marketplace is growing fast and now serves more than 70 countries in the world. One of its standout policies is the “no sale, no fee” rule, where a fee is only required from the users once a sale is completed. That said, an upfront free is required from both buyers and sellers upon registration if they want to use the Cqout platform.
#9 Ebid
Ebid is a merchant-friendly platform as indicated by its throng of easy to use online merchant programs like auctions, fixed-price transactions, and storefronts. Reasonable rates are applied which is significant to merchants looking for profits. Ebid is also a Google Shopping Marketplace partner, which means sellers enjoy Google-based features for their selling operations.
#10 Newegg
Newegg initially started out as a retailer for computers, computer hardware, and IT products. Soon, it enticed third party sellers to post their wares on the site and expanded its categories to cater to a wider market. Today, Newegg now sells products in these categories: Apparel & Accessories, Arts and Crafts, Auto & Hardware, Baby, Beauty, Consumer Electronics, Home and Living, Toys, and Jewelry. Newegg has a more affordable seller structure, which makes it an attractive platform for merchants.