Are you launching a new eCommerce company and are looking for ways to reach the largest possible audience? Or are you an existing brick-and-mortar store that’s ready to start selling and shipping online?

Having your own online store is one thing. But no matter how effective your marketing strategies are, you’re website traffic potential is limited. That’s why it’s crucial to sell your products on large, reputable online marketplaces.

Not only can you expose your products and brands to millions of new customers, but you can outsource many services such as shipping and customer service.

In turn, you can focus on scaling your business. So what are the top online marketplaces to sell your products on? Keep reading to find out now.

1. Amazon

Amazon has become the largest and best online marketplace in the United States in a relatively short time period. They’ve amassed hundreds of millions of customers.

And not only does Amazon reach the entire country, but they also branch out into many other nations. This includes Canada, Italy, Germany, the UK, and others. 

While each marketplace offers independently, as an Amazon seller, you can ship your products to warehouses in the appropriate countries to broaden your audience. 

When it comes to selling on an effective, reliable marketplace, Amazon is hard to beat. One of the biggest benefits of selling on Amazon is the Fulfilled by Amazon program (FBA). With FBA, you can send your products in bulk to Amazon warehouses across the country. 

When a customer purchases your product, Amazon packs it up and ships it for you. They also process customer service and returns. This helps many sellers who want to operate lean businesses, not own and operate their own warehouses. 

You may also get to benefit from insane traffic and sales during peak times, such as Prime Day, as well as Black Friday and the holiday season, where Amazon, and all marketplaces, kick into overdrive. 

2. Walmart

While Amazon may be the most popular online marketplace platform, Walmart is still the largest retailer in the world. This is due, in large part, to them operating over 10,000 physical stores across the world.

But Walmart has invested heavily in eCommerce, growing all the time to compete with Amazon. Today, they have over a hundred million shoppers visiting their site each month.

But without a program similar to FBA, sellers need to pack and ship their own products sold through the platform. And you need to do so quickly and efficiently to maintain status as a Walmart seller.

However, Walmart is drop shipper friendly. So if you operate a hands-off eCommerce business, Walmart can be a great addition to your marketplace list. 

3. eBay

eBay was originally launched as an online garage sale. It was used primarily for individuals to sell off used items online.

Today, this part of eBay remains intact, but there is now far more opportunity. Today, many companies sell on eBay, as you can sell new or used products to their extensive customer base from around the world.

New sellers will find shipping products a breeze, as label purchasing and printing is handled automatically through the platform. You can also run your own promotions on eBay, just like you would do on your own website. 

When signing up to become a seller, you won’t have to apply. However, you’ll need to select a selling plan, which ranges in cost and features, though all are very affordable.

4. Etsy

Etsy offers a different twist on eCommerce but still appeals to many sellers and customers alike. The original goal of Etsy was to offer a marketplace where individuals could sell handmade goods. This way, customers knew they were purchasing unique products often not found on other marketplaces.

While the handmade aspect of Etsy is very much still active, it’s not nearly as limited as before. Today, many people sell digital or printable products, collectibles and vintage items, and customizable products.

As such, Etsy is designed for smaller or medium-sized sellers, as opposed to larger brands. You can create your own storefront on the platform, so intrigued users can browse all of your products, read your reviews, or contact you.

The Etsy seller app will also help you manage your business if you occasionally sell products in-person, such as at an event or pop-up shop. 

5. Rakuten

Rakuten is one of the largest online marketplaces in the world. Based in Japan, the platform offers you the chance to sell to a global audience. 

Similar to Etsy, you’ll get to create your own custom storefront on the platform to allow you to control your brand and image on the site. They also offer plenty of features that can help you earn sales and encourage repeat purchases.

With the Rakuten Super Points loyalty program, customers are encouraged to make more purchases to earn points redeemed on future orders. Rakuten also participates in the Ebates program that rewards customers on online purchases from participating retailers.  

Sellers will also enjoy a simplified fee structure with Rakuten. Instead of paying the platform a percentage of each sale, you only pay a flat $0.99 for each item you sell. There’s also a modest $39 monthly fee to be a seller. 

Leveraging Online Marketplaces

Yes, you should operate your own website and online store for your dedicated customers. But the best way to reach and sell to new customers is to sell on the online marketplaces they already shop on.

It’s an easier sell, as users already trust the platform. You get to leverage the authority of each platform, not to mention their list of customers.

And with so many great platforms to choose from, it can be tempting to try selling them all. But each has its own nuances and strategies for success. Focus on one at a time if you want to be successful.

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