Based on your request for top general-purpose eBay alternatives, Amazon and Facebook Marketplace are the most frequently recommended. A third noteworthy option, Walmart Marketplace, is also a strong contender. Here is a quick comparison of their key characteristics.
PlatformBest For / Key AdvantageMain Fee Structure
Amazon Marketplace
Largest global audience and professional fulfillment services (FBA). Ideal for new and high-volume sellers.
Category referral fees (8%-15%), plus optional monthly plan fees.
Facebook Marketplace
Quick, local, person-to-person sales. Excellent for casual sellers and clearing out items locally.
Free for local, in-person sales. A 10% fee (or $0.80 minimum) applies to orders using Facebook is shipping service.
Walmart Marketplace
A major U.S. retail brand with a large customer base and growing e-commerce presence. Typically less seller competition than Amazon.
Category referral fees only (8%-20%). No monthly subscription fee.
Platform Details and Niche Alternatives
To help you choose the right platform, here is more detail on each alternative and other specialized marketplaces you might consider.
- Amazon: As the world is largest online marketplace, Amazon offers unmatched customer traffic and a powerful logistics network through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), which handles storage, packing, and shipping for sellers. Its vast audience is a major draw, but you ll face significant competition and higher competition for the "Buy Box".
- Facebook Marketplace: This platform integrates with a massive social network, making it exceptionally easy to list items for free and connect with local buyers for pickup. It is best for casual selling, though professional sellers can also set up a Facebook Shop in the U.S. Be aware that you have to handle your own negotiations, shipping, and payment collection (outside the U.S.), and buyer protections are more limited.
- Walmart Marketplace: Positioned as a major Amazon competitor, Walmart is marketplace provides access to its huge brand-loyal customer base. Its approval process for sellers can mean less competition, and it has no monthly subscription feesyou only pay when you make a sale. However, its emphasis on low prices means profit margins can be tight.
Beyond these general platforms, you may find a better fit on a site that specializes in your product type:
- For handmade, vintage, and craft supplies: Etsy is the leading specialized marketplace.
- For secondhand clothing and accessories: Poshmark (social selling) and Vinted (buyer-pays-fee model) are top choices.
- For electronics, computers, and gaming gear: Newegg is the go-to niche platform.
- For musical instruments and gear: Reverb is the dedicated marketplace for musicians.
How to Choose the Right Platform
The best alternative for you depends on what you re selling, your sales volume, and your business goals.
- If you want the widest possible reach and professional logistics, start with Amazon.
- If you prioritize simple, local sales with minimal fees, Facebook Marketplace is likely your best bet.
- If you re selling brand-new goods and want access to a massive U.S. retailer is customer base with a straightforward fee model, consider Walmart Marketplace.
- For unique, handmade, or highly specialized items, a niche marketplace like Etsy or Reverb will connect you with a more targeted audience.
To give you a more precise recommendation, could you tell me a bit more about what type of items you re looking to sell (e.g., new products, used goods, handmade crafts) and whether you re planning to sell locally, nationally, or internationally?