Let’s face it—eBay has been the go-to platform for online sellers for years, but things have changed. With rising fees, new policies, and tough competition, many sellers are starting to feel the pinch. If you're one of them, you're probably wondering, "Is there a better option out there?"

The good news is, there are plenty of eBay alternatives that can help you grow your business without the constant headaches. From platforms with lower fees to niche markets that cater to your unique products, there’s something for every seller. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top eBay alternatives for 2025, covering everything from setup to fees, so you can make an informed decision about where to sell next.

Whether you’re looking to diversify or completely switch gears, stick with us—we’ve got all the info you need to make the best choice for your business.

Understanding the Limitations of eBay: Why Sellers are Moving On

Before we dive into the alternatives, let’s take a closer look at why sellers are moving away from eBay in the first place. Yes, eBay has been around for a long time, but as the platform evolves, it’s starting to feel more like a challenge than an opportunity for many. Let’s break down the most common reasons.

The Rising Fees and Costs of Selling on eBay

For many sellers, eBay's fees are becoming harder to ignore. From listing fees to final value fees, eBay takes a chunk out of each sale. And that doesn’t even include PayPal fees. For smaller businesses or individual sellers, these costs can quickly add up and eat into your profits. What was once an affordable platform to sell on is now a place where fees can be a major deterrent.

Policy Changes and Their Impact on Sellers

Another factor that’s driving sellers away from eBay is the constant change in policies. Whether it's changes to their return policies or stricter rules on what you can and can’t sell, these shifts can feel unpredictable. For smaller sellers, this can be frustrating and even detrimental to their business, especially if they’ve built their strategy around eBay’s specific policies. What worked last year may not work this year.

Overcrowded Marketplaces: High Competition on eBay

eBay’s massive audience is a double-edged sword. While it offers huge potential for exposure, it also means there’s more competition than ever. Sellers find themselves buried under an avalanche of similar listings, making it harder to stand out. For many, this oversaturation of the marketplace means less visibility and fewer sales, especially in crowded categories like electronics and fashion.

Top eBay Alternatives for 2025: The Best Platforms for Sellers

Now that we've covered why some sellers are moving away from eBay, let’s explore the best eBay alternatives for 2025. Whether you're looking for a niche market or a more affordable platform, there’s an alternative that can meet your needs. Let’s dive into the top options for online selling in 2025.

1. Amazon: The Giant Marketplace for High-Volume Sellers

If you're aiming for a large-scale business, Amazon is hard to beat. With millions of customers and a global reach, it’s the place for high-volume sellers to thrive. Whether you’re selling books, electronics, or household items, Amazon’s marketplace offers the tools and visibility to grow your business. However, it comes with its own challenges. The platform has high fees, especially for those using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), and the competition is fierce. But if you’re ready to play in the big leagues, Amazon is still one of the best eBay alternatives out there.

How to Get Started on Amazon

• Sign Up: To get started, create a professional seller account on Amazon. You'll need to provide details about your business, including tax information.
• List Your Products: Once you're set up, list your products with optimized titles, descriptions, and images. Use Amazon’s keyword tools to improve your product visibility.
• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Consider using FBA to streamline your shipping process and take advantage of Amazon’s logistics network.
• Optimize for SEO: To rank well on Amazon, use relevant keywords in your listings, titles, and descriptions. Amazon's A9 algorithm is heavily driven by keyword relevance, so this step is crucial.

2. Etsy: The Niche Marketplace for Handmade, Vintage, and Unique Products

Etsy is a go-to platform for sellers who specialize in handmade, vintage, or unique items. Unlike eBay, which covers a broad range of products, Etsy focuses specifically on the arts and crafts space, giving sellers the chance to cater to a specific, passionate audience. Etsy’s low fees and community-driven nature make it a great option for creative entrepreneurs, but it’s also a platform with limitations. You'll need to ensure your products align with the platform’s focus on handmade, vintage, or custom items to succeed.

How to Get Started on Etsy

• Sign Up: Create a seller account on Etsy and complete your shop setup. Choose a unique shop name, add your profile, and craft an appealing shop bio.
• Set Up Your Shop: Customize your shop’s appearance by uploading your logo, banner, and writing your shop policies (shipping, returns, etc.).
• List Your Products: Upload high-quality photos of your items, write clear product descriptions, and include relevant keywords for SEO.
• Join the Etsy Community: Engage with the Etsy community by liking and commenting on other sellers' listings. Etsy’s social features can help increase your visibility.

3. Facebook Marketplace: The Free and Local Selling Solution

For local sellers, Facebook Marketplace provides an easy and fee-free way to sell items to nearby buyers. Unlike eBay, where you ship items globally, Facebook Marketplace focuses on local sales, making it ideal for sellers dealing with large or bulky items like furniture and appliances. It’s fast, direct, and doesn’t require listing fees, but it does come with a lack of seller protection and a more informal buying experience. If you're looking to offload products quickly without the overhead, Facebook Marketplace is a great alternative to eBay.

How to Get Started on Facebook Marketplace

• Log In: You’ll need a Facebook account to list items on Marketplace. Log into Facebook and navigate to the Marketplace section.
• List Your Items: Click the "Create New Listing" button, add high-quality photos of your item, and provide a detailed description along with the price.
• Set Up Local Pickup: Since this platform is based on local transactions, clearly state if you're offering delivery or local pickup options.
• Communicate Quickly: Respond to messages as soon as possible to close deals quickly and keep the buyer experience positive.

4. Poshmark: The Social Marketplace for Fashion and Accessories

Poshmark is the go-to platform for fashion and accessories, catering to both individuals and small boutiques. If you're looking to sell clothing, shoes, or jewelry, Poshmark offers a social selling environment where you can easily engage with buyers and other sellers. It's known for its “Posh Parties,” themed virtual events where users can share and discover products. However, Poshmark charges a higher commission fee (20%) compared to other platforms, which may not be ideal for low-cost sellers.

How to Get Started on Poshmark

• Sign Up: Download the Poshmark app and sign up to create your seller profile. You can also sign up on the website.
• List Your Items: Take clear, well-lit photos of your clothing or accessories and upload them to the app. Include a catchy description and relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
• Engage with the Community: Share other users' listings, comment on their posts, and participate in Posh Parties to increase your shop's visibility.
• Shipping: Poshmark provides pre-paid shipping labels, making it easier for you to ship your items to buyers.

5. Mercari: The Easy-to-Use Alternative for Casual Sellers

Mercari is a user-friendly platform designed for casual sellers who want to list products quickly without hassle. It allows sellers to list a wide variety of items, from electronics to home goods, and offers low fees. While Mercari’s audience is smaller compared to eBay, it’s growing steadily and provides an easy entry point for those looking to start selling online without a steep learning curve.

How to Get Started on Mercari

• Sign Up: Download the Mercari app or create an account through their website.
• List Your Items: Take clear, high-quality photos of your items and add detailed descriptions, including brand, condition, and any flaws.
• Set Your Price: Mercari lets you adjust prices as you go, but make sure to consider the fees when pricing your items.
• Shipping: Use Mercari’s shipping options or offer your own, and be sure to pack your items securely before sending them off.

6. OfferUp: The Local Marketplace for Quick Sales

If you’re focused on local sales and quick transactions, OfferUp could be the perfect eBay alternative for you. It’s a mobile-first marketplace that lets you list everything from electronics to furniture and more. There are no fees for local sales, which makes it an attractive option for those who want to avoid the fees that platforms like eBay charge. While it has some limitations, such as a smaller audience, it’s a great platform for local businesses or individuals selling bulky items.

How to Get Started on OfferUp

• Sign Up: Download the OfferUp app and create an account using your email or Facebook.
• Create Listings: Add detailed descriptions, set your price, and upload high-quality photos. You can also include tags to improve visibility.
• Local Pickup or Shipping: OfferUp specializes in local transactions, but you can choose to ship items as well, which could expand your reach.
• Respond Promptly: Engage with buyers quickly to finalize sales and maintain good ratings.

7. Depop: The Trendy Marketplace for Fashionistas and Collectors

If your target audience is young and fashion-conscious, Depop is a platform worth considering. Known for its social selling features, Depop allows users to list secondhand clothes, vintage items, and unique pieces. The app focuses heavily on social interaction, making it popular among Gen Z buyers and sellers. Although it charges a 10% commission fee, the platform’s ease of use and engagement opportunities make it a top choice for those in the fashion resale business.

How to Get Started on Depop

• Sign Up: Download the Depop app and sign up using your email or social media accounts.
• Create Your Profile: Set up your shop with a profile picture, bio, and any relevant links (e.g., website or Instagram).
• List Your Items: Upload high-quality images of your products, write engaging descriptions, and set fair prices.
• Engage with the Community: Follow other sellers, like and comment on their items, and share your listings to increase visibility and attract followers.

How to Choose the Right eBay Alternative for Your Business

Now that we’ve covered the top eBay alternatives, the next step is to help you decide which platform is the best fit for your business. Each platform has its strengths, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your goals, products, and selling style. Let’s break down the key factors you should consider when selecting the right platform for your business.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Marketplace

1. Product Type: Match Your Product Category with the Platform’s Audience

The type of products you sell should play a significant role in your decision. For example, Etsy is perfect for handmade or vintage items, while Amazon is best for high-volume sellers offering a wide variety of products. Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp are better suited for local sales, particularly large or bulky items like furniture and appliances. Make sure the platform you choose aligns with the nature of your products for maximum exposure.

2. Fees and Costs: Compare the Fees Between eBay and Its Competitors

The fee structure of each platform can vary significantly. Some platforms, like Poshmark and Mercari, charge lower fees than eBay, which may benefit smaller sellers. Amazon’s fees are higher but are offset by its massive customer base and fulfillment services. It’s essential to factor in listing fees, final value fees, and payment processing fees to determine which platform will leave you with the highest profits.

3. Audience Reach: Consider Platforms with the Largest or Most Targeted Buyer Audience

If you’re looking to reach a global audience, Amazon and eBay may be your best bet due to their massive reach. However, if you’re targeting a specific niche, platforms like Etsy or Depop could offer more targeted traffic. Facebook Marketplace is great for local sales but doesn’t offer the same global audience as eBay or Amazon. Always consider where your potential buyers are most likely to be.

4. Seller Support: Ensure the Platform Provides Robust Support and Resources

Sellers should look for platforms that offer good customer support and resources. Platforms like Amazon and Etsy have comprehensive seller support and tutorials, while Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp may not provide the same level of assistance. Before you settle on a platform, consider what support is available in case you encounter issues with listings, payments, or customer disputes.

5. Ease of Use: Choose a Platform That Aligns with Your Technical Skills

If you’re new to online selling, platforms like Poshmark and Mercari may be easier to use due to their simple interfaces and quick listing processes. More complex platforms like Amazon may require a bit more technical knowledge, especially if you plan to use FBA or set up an advanced storefront. Choose a platform that fits your level of technical skill and allows you to run your business efficiently.

Comparing Fees: Which eBay Alternative Offers the Best Deal?

When it comes to online selling, fees can add up quickly. Let’s break down the typical fees for each of the platforms mentioned above so you can compare and make an informed decision about where to sell.

As you can see, platforms like Amazon and Etsy tend to have higher fees but offer larger audiences and more robust features. If you’re looking to minimize costs, platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Mercari offer lower fees, though they come with different audience sizes and selling dynamics. Poshmark and OfferUp also charge lower fees, making them great options for fashion or local sales.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best eBay Alternative for Your Business

As you explore eBay alternatives, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you're selling high-volume products on Amazon, unique handmade items on Etsy, or focusing on local sales with Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, the platform you choose should align with your business model and goals. Each alternative comes with its own set of fees, audiences, and selling dynamics, so it’s important to consider what works best for your product type, target market, and long-term growth.

By branching out and exploring these alternatives, you can not only reduce dependency on eBay but also tap into new opportunities for growth. Remember, success on these platforms comes down to more than just fees—it’s about finding the right fit for your brand and consistently providing value to your customers. Take the time to research, optimize your listings, and engage with your audience to ensure your business thrives in the evolving online marketplace.