Top 10 Best Platforms for Selling Online

In the past, if you wanted to sell something, you had to rely on bazaars and garage sales. Luckily, nowadays, there are many more options. A wide range of apps and online platforms make selling anything simple and carefree. However, whether you only want to get rid of some extra items you don't need or to start your own online business, the beginning can be challenging. There are many other factors you need to consider. What's best for you will depend on your plans, resources, and preferences. So, where to start? Here we'll provide an informative beginners guide and suggest some of the best platforms for selling online!

First, what is an online selling platform?

An online or e-commerce platform is an online website that allows individuals and companies to use their online space and sell various items. You can create your store and publish your articles for sale. It's an excellent solution for both beginners and expert sellers. Even if you have your traditional on-site store, you can still find your place online and benefit from expanding your business's online presence.

What are the benefits of selling online?

There are many advantages of selling items online. For example:

• It's easy and affordable to start - instead of buying a property, equipment, etc., you'll only need to create an account to get started
• There's a large customer base - all platforms already have an established audience, so more people will be able to find you
• It's simple to scale your business up or down depending on your needs
• You can run your business from anywhere
• Better cash flow and payment options.

 Caption: More and more people opt for online shopping, so you'll have a large, built-in audience

Alt.tag: a person shopping on their laptop

How to choose one of the best platforms for online sales for your business?

There are dozens of millions of online selling platforms around the globe, with over nine million in the US. More and more are created every day. So how to know which one is the best for you?

Some work globally, such as Amazon or eBay, while others are more local, such as Facebook Marketplace. Additionally, some platforms specialize in particular merchandise - clothes, books, tech, collectors' items, etc. Lastly, while they're mostly similar, different platforms will have different rules and guidelines.

So, it's best to research and learn about different platforms. Also, you need to set your business goals and make plans. Find your niche and consider all aspects of the job, including financial projections, supply, and means of communication and operation. Once you know the answers to all of these questions, you'll be better able to choose the option that will work best for your business.

Pay attention to every detail. For example, you'll likely need to do a lot of packing whatever you sell. Streamlining the packing process is always important, whether you're moving house or preparing items for shipping. Either way, be sure to declutter your space and start fresh. That way, you'll be able to focus on what's important and be efficient with your space and time.

So, what are some of the best platforms for online selling you should consider?

#1 Amazon

Amazon is one of the most widely-known and used platforms out there. There are multi-millions of visitors who trust and shop on this platform. Additionally, it's easy to set up your shop with minimal costs. You can sell anything you have in mind and easily find your target audience. However, with such a large market, Amazon is very competitive with its prices. So, ensure you choose the pricing that will not stand out too much and yet will allow you a reasonable profit margin.

 Caption: Amazon offers many options for both beginner and expert sellers

Alt.tag: an Amazon truck in front of a home

#2 Shopify

There are many reasons to start selling on Shopify. For example, if you want to create your own store, Shopify may be the simplest and most trustworthy option online. It's very user-friendly, scalable, and offers a lot of free learning resources for beginners.

#3 Magento

On the other hand, Magento will better suit expert sellers and established businesses. It offers many benefits - it's easy to scale up and customize your business. Also, it's a flexible and open-source e-platform used by many famous brands such as Nike and Samsung. But, if you're still testing the waters and learning the ropes, it might be better to save this professional platform for later.

#4 Facebook Marketplace

If you plan to run your business locally or only sell a few items you don't need anymore, Facebook Marketplace is the best platform for you. It's a section within Facebook where you can explore, sell, or trade various items with people from your area.

#5 Etsy

Next on our list of the best platforms for selling online is Etsy. If you're creative and artistic and want to sell your DIY products online, look no further. It's a perfect platform for independent sellers who want to list antiques, art, crafts, and collectibles. You won't compete against any established brands. Plus, it's easy to use and offers built-in analytics and sales tools.

Caption: If you want to sell your handmade jewelry and art, Etsy is one of the best platforms for online selling

Alt.tag: a table with jewelry and DIY products

#6 Craigslist

Although it started as a local San Francisco Bay area platform, Craigslist now boasts sellers and buyers from over 50 countries. However, it still keeps its local flavor. So, if you prefer to find buyers online (especially for furniture and bulky stuff) but meet personally for the transaction, Craigslist is a platform for you.

#7 eBay

This platform is one of the largest and most diverse online selling spaces in the world. You can sell anything from books to jewelry to furniture on eBay. In addition, you can auction your items or sell them at a fixed price.

#8 Nextdoor

This platform has a similar appeal to Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. It's a community forum where people can exchange news, stories, and events. However, when you register and make an account, you can also sell your items. There are no fees required but you must meet your buyers in person for the transaction.

#9 Ruby Lane

This niche platform is ideal for sellers of antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and artistic works. While it's similar to Etsy, it usually offers upscale products and attracts collectors and more knowledgeable buyers. It boasts excellent customer support and over one million unique visitors per month.

#10 Newegg

If your niche revolves around tech, electronics, entertainment, and gaming products, Newegg is the platform for you. This California-based platform operates in over 50 countries and offers detailed product pages, a large target audience, and excellent seller programs.

The bottom line

Starting your own selling business is a huge leap. However, if you opt for selling online, there are plenty of reliable and well-established platforms you can use. So, keep your goals in mind and opt for one of the best platforms for selling online that will suit your business.