In today's digital age, there are a plethora of options available for selling physical products online. As a seller, you want to find the best online platforms that can offer you the most exposure and profitability for your products. In this article, we will discuss the 7 best online platforms for selling physical products.
1. Amazon
When it comes to online marketplaces, Amazon is the king of the hill. It is one of the largest and most popular online marketplaces in the world. With over 300 million active users, Amazon provides sellers with the largest potential audience for their products. Additionally, Amazon's fulfillment service, FBA, can handle shipping and handling for your products, making it easier for sellers to manage their inventory.
How to get access to Amazon?
To make sales on Amazon, you need to create a seller account on Amazon's platform. Once your account is approved, you can list your products for sale on Amazon's website, and customers can then buy your products through the Amazon website.
Likewise, to access Amazon as a user, you need to create an account on Amazon's website or mobile app. Once you have an account, you can browse through millions of products listed on Amazon's website, and you can add products to your cart for purchase.
Here are some of the payment options on Amazon: Credit cards, Debit cards, and Amazon Pay.
How does Amazon charge?
Amazon charges sellers fees for using its platform, which includes referral fees, fulfillment fees, and subscription fees. Referral fees are charged as a percentage of the sale price, and they range from 6% to 45% depending on the product category. Fulfillment fees are charged for products that are stored and shipped through Amazon's fulfillment service, FBA. Subscription fees are charged for professional sellers who sell more than 40 items per month.
Some examples of special offers and customer care services that Amazon offers:
- Prime membership: Amazon Prime members get free and fast shipping, access to streaming of movies, TV shows, and music, and exclusive discounts on select products.
- Amazon Gift Cards: Customers can purchase and send gift cards to friends and family as a gift.
- Customer support: Amazon offers various customer support options, including phone, email, and live chat support.
Pros:
1. Massive audience:
Amazon has a huge customer base, which means sellers have the potential to reach millions of buyers.
2. Easy to use:
Amazon's interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
3. Fulfilled by Amazon:
Amazon offers a service called FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) where sellers can send their inventory to Amazon's warehouses and Amazon will handle storage, packaging, and shipping to customers.
Cons:
1. Competition:
With so many sellers on the platform, it can be difficult to stand out and get your products noticed.
2. Fees:
Amazon charges various fees, including referral fees and FBA fees, which can eat into profits.
3. Limited branding opportunities:
Amazon has strict guidelines for sellers when it comes to branding and customization, which can limit the ability to build a brand identity.
2. eBay
eBay is one of the largest and oldest online marketplaces in the world, and it offers an opportunity for sellers to reach millions of customers. To make sales on eBay, you need to create a seller account on eBay's platform. Once your account is approved, you can list your products for sale on eBay's website, and customers can then buy your products through the eBay website.
Here is a list of payment options on eBay
eBay offers a range of payment options, including PayPal, Credit cards, and Debit cards.
How does eBay charge?
eBay charges sellers fees for using its platform, which includes insertion fees, final value fees, and optional upgrade fees. Insertion fees are charged for listing items for sale, and they range from free to $0.35 per listing.
Final value fees are charged as a percentage of the sale price, and they range from 2.35% to 12.35% depending on the product category. Optional upgrade fees are charged for additional features, such as listing in multiple categories or adding a buy-it-now option.
Some examples of special offers and customer care services that eBay offers:
- eBay Bucks: eBay rewards program where customers earn rewards points for eligible purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
- Daily Deals: eBay offers daily deals on select products with discounts of up to 70% off.
- Customer support: eBay offers various customer support options, including phone, email, and live chat support.
Pros:
1. Bidding system:
eBay allows buyers to bid on products, which can lead to higher prices and more profits for sellers.
2. Global reach:
eBay has a worldwide audience, which means sellers can potentially reach buyers from around the world.
3. Established platform:
eBay has been around since the 90s and has built a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy online marketplace.
Cons:
1. Fees:
eBay charges various fees, including insertion fees and final value fees, which can eat into profits.
2. Fraudulent buyers:
eBay has had issues with fraudulent buyers in the past, which can lead to lost revenue for sellers. Despite that eBay provides buyers with a level of trust and security that is unmatched by other online market platforms.
3. Limited branding opportunities:
eBay has strict guidelines for sellers when it comes to branding and customization, which can limit the ability to build a brand identity.
3. Etsy
Etsy is a popular online marketplace for handmade and vintage items. With over 81 million active buyers, Etsy provides a platform for sellers to reach a niche market that values unique and personalized items.
To make sales on Etsy, you need to create a seller account on Etsy's platform. Once your account is approved, you can list your products for sale on Etsy's website, and customers can then buy your products through the Etsy website.
Here is a list of payment options on Etsy
Etsy offers a range of payment options, some of which are: Credit cards, Debit cards, and PayPal.
How does Etsy charge?
Etsy charges sellers fees for using its platform, which include listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. Listing fees are charged for each item you list for sale on Etsy, and they cost $0.20 per item.
Transaction fees are charged as a percentage of the sale price, and they are currently set at 5% of the total sale price. Payment processing fees are charged for processing payments made by buyers, and they vary depending on the payment method used.
Some examples of special offers and customer care services that Etsy offers:
- Coupons: Sellers on Etsy can offer coupons to customers for discounts on their products.
- Free shipping: Some sellers offer free shipping on select products.
- Customer support: Etsy offers various customer support options, including phone, email, and live chat support.
Pros:
1. Niche audience:
Etsy specializes in handmade and unique products, which attracts a specific type of buyer.
2. Seller community:
Etsy has a strong seller community where sellers can share tips, and advice, and support each other.
3. Easy to use:
Etsy's interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Cons:
1. Limited audience:
Etsy's niche audience means that sellers may not reach as many buyers as they would on a larger platform.
2. Fees:
Etsy charges various fees, including listing fees and transaction fees, which can eat into profits.
3. Limited branding opportunities:
Etsy has strict guidelines for sellers when it comes to branding and customization, which can limit the ability to build a brand identity.
4. Shopify
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows sellers to set up their own online stores. With over 1 million active users, Shopify offers a range of tools and features to help sellers manage their online businesses. Additionally, Shopify offers integrations with popular shipping and payment providers, making it easier for sellers to manage their inventory and payments.
Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that enables businesses to create their online stores and sell physical products online. To make sales on Shopify, you need to create a store on Shopify's platform. Once your store is set up, you can list your products for sale on your website, and customers can then buy your products through your website.
To access Shopify as a user, you need to visit the website of the store that uses Shopify as its platform. Once you have accessed the store, you can browse through the products listed on the website and add products to your cart for purchase.
Here is a list of payment options on Shopify
Shopify stores can also offer a range of payment options, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and PayPal.
How does Shopify charge?
Shopify charges sellers fees for using its platform, which include monthly subscription fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. Monthly subscription fees vary depending on the plan you choose, and they start at $29 per month.
Transaction fees are charged as a percentage of the sale price, and they range from 2.4% to 2.9% depending on the plan you choose.
Payment processing fees are charged for processing payments made by buyers, and they vary depending on the payment method used.
Some examples of special offers and customer care services that Shopify offers:
- Discounts and promotions: Sellers on Shopify can offer discounts and promotions to customers through coupon codes or automatic discounts.
- Abandoned cart recovery: Shopify sends automated emails to customers who abandoned their cart to remind them to complete their purchase.
- Customer support: Shopify offers various customer support options, including phone, email, and live chat support.
Pros:
1. Customizable:
Shopify allows sellers to fully customize their online store to fit their branding and design preferences.
2. Integrations:
Shopify integrates with a variety of third-party apps and services, such as email marketing and social media, which can enhance the selling experience.
3. Easy to use:
Shopify's interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Cons:
1. Fees:
Shopify charges various fees, including transaction fees and monthly subscription fees, which can eat into profits.
2. Limited audience:
Shopify's audience is limited to the seller's own marketing efforts, which means it may take longer to build a customer base.
3. Requires more work:
Unlike other marketplaces where the platform handles storage, packaging, and shipping, Shopify requires sellers to handle these aspects themselves or find a third-party service.
5. Walmart Marketplace
Walmart Marketplace is an online marketplace that allows sellers to reach Walmart's vast customer base. With over 100 million unique visitors per month, Walmart Marketplace provides sellers with the potential for significant exposure and sales. Additionally, Walmart offers a competitive referral fee structure, making it an attractive option for sellers.
If you want to make sales on Walmart Marketplace, you need to create a seller account on the Walmart Marketplace website. Once your account is set up, you can list your products for sale on Walmart's website, and customers can then buy your products through Walmart's website.
Here is a list of payment options on Walmart Marketplace:
How does Walmart Marketplace charge?
Walmart charges sellers fees for using its Marketplace platform, which includes referral fees and subscription fees. Referral fees are charged as a percentage of the sale price, and they range from 6% to 15% depending on the product category.
Subscription fees are optional and range from $39 to $299 per month depending on the plan you choose. Walmart also offers payment processing services, which have fees similar to those of other payment processors.
Some examples of special offers and customer care services that Walmart Marketplace offers:
- Free 2-day shipping: Walmart offers free 2-day shipping on select products for customers who meet the minimum purchase threshold.
- Pickup discount: Customers can save on select products when they choose to pick up their order at a Walmart store.
- Customer support: Walmart offers various customer support options, including phone, email, and live chat support.
Pros:
1. Large audience:
Walmart has a huge customer base, which means sellers have the potential to reach millions of buyers.
2. Low fees:
Walmart charges lower fees compared to some other marketplaces, which can increase profits.
3. Easy to use:
Walmart's interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Cons:
1. Approval process:
Walmart has a strict approval process for sellers, which can make it difficult to get started on the platform.
2. Limited branding opportunities:
has strict guidelines for sellers when it comes to branding and customization, which can limit the ability to build a brand identity
6. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a free platform that allows sellers to sell physical products to local buyers. With over 2 billion active users, Facebook provides a large potential audience for sellers. Additionally, Facebook's integration with Facebook Groups and Pages can help sellers reach a targeted audience for their products.
The platform is available on the Facebook website and mobile app, and it's free to use for both buyers and sellers.
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To make sales on Facebook Marketplace, you need to have a Facebook account and create a seller profile. Once you have a seller profile, you can list your products for sale on the Marketplace and set your own prices.
Buyers can browse through the listings and contact sellers directly to make a purchase.
To access Facebook Marketplace as a user, you need to have a Facebook account and be at least 18 years old. You can access the Marketplace by clicking on the Marketplace icon in the Facebook app or by visiting the Marketplace section of the Facebook website.
Once you're in the Marketplace, you can search for products and services in your local area, filter search results by category, location, and price, and message sellers directly to ask questions or make a purchase.
How does Facebook Marketplace charge?
Facebook Marketplace doesn't charge sellers for listing their products, but it does charge a fee for certain features and services, such as using paid ads to promote your listings or offering shipping and payment services through Facebook.
Facebook also requires sellers to follow certain guidelines to ensure that the products being sold on the Marketplace are safe and comply with local laws and regulations.
Some examples of special offers and customer care services that Facebook Marketplace offers:
- Local deals: Customers can find and purchase products from local sellers for in-person pickup or delivery.
- Messenger integration: Customers can communicate with sellers through Messenger to ask questions or negotiate prices.
- Customer support: Facebook offers various customer support options, including phone and email support.
Pros:
1. Free to use
2. Wide audience reach since it is integrated with Facebook's massive user base
3. Easy to set up and use for both buyers and sellers
4. Great for selling items locally
5. Ability to communicate with buyers/sellers through Facebook Messenger
Cons:
1. Limited to selling physical items only, services cannot be sold
2. Lack of buyer/seller protection measures in place
3. Some items may violate Facebook's community standards and cannot be sold
4. Sellers must rely on Facebook's algorithms to display their listings, which can sometimes lead to low visibility
7. Newegg
Newegg is an online marketplace that specializes in electronics and computer hardware. The platform offers a wide range of products from various brands and sellers, making it a popular destination for consumers looking for tech-related products.
To make sales on Newegg, you need to register as a seller and create a seller account. Once you have an account, you can list your products for sale on the Newegg marketplace and set your own prices. Buyers can browse through the listings and purchase products directly from the sellers.
Here is a list of payment options on Newegg
Newegg offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and financing options.
How does Newegg charge?
Newegg charges sellers a commission fee for each sale made on the platform. The commission fee varies depending on the product category and the seller's sales volume.
Newegg also offers various services to help sellers increase their visibility on the platform, such as sponsored product listings and email marketing campaigns.
Some examples of special offers and customer care services that Newegg offers:
Newegg:
- Shell Shocker deals: Newegg offers daily deals on select products with discounts of up to 50% off.
- Customer reviews: Newegg has a robust customer review system that allows buyers to rate and review products and sellers, providing valuable feedback for both buyers and sellers.
- Customer support: Newegg offers various customer support options, including phone, email, and live chat support.
Pros:
1. Large audience of tech-savvy buyers
2. Highly specialized marketplace for electronics and tech products
3. Easy-to-use seller platform with many customization options
4. Option for fulfillment by Newegg, streamlining shipping and customer service
5. Ability to participate in promotions and deals with Newegg
Cons:
1. High competition from other sellers
2. Strict requirements for products and seller history, which can make it difficult for new sellers to get started
3. Fees can be high, with commission rates varying based on the product category and sales volume
4. Limited to selling electronics and tech-related products, which may not be suitable for all sellers
Overall, each of these online marketplaces offers unique benefits and drawbacks for sellers looking to sell physical products online. It is important to consider the specific needs and goals of your business when choosing a marketplace and to continually evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
In conclusion, these are the 7 best online platforms for selling physical products. Each platform offers unique features and benefits that can help sellers reach their target audience and maximize their profits. When choosing an online platform, it is essential to consider factors such as audience size, seller fees, and available tools and features. With the right platform and strategy, sellers can build successful online businesses and reach new levels of success.