Sell Stuff Online: 7 Best Online Marketplaces To Make Money
Your closet is overflowing. That vintage console is gathering dust. And let's be honest, you'd rather have the cash. The problem is that selling online can feel like navigating a minefield of fees, confusing policies and platforms that seem designed to confuse you rather than help you make money.
The truth is, not all online marketplaces are created equal. Some hit you with surprise commissions and listing fees that make you question your life choices. Others are clunky to use or attract low-ballers who think your Hermès bag is worth five bucks.
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We rounded up seven of the best platforms to actually move your stuff — the ones that deliver on both returns and user experience.
1. Bonanza
Considered an alternative to sites like eBay and Amazon, resellers flock to Bonanza to sell all sorts of unique items. Think: craft supplies, souvenirs and vintage furniture. The platform charges a 25 cents transaction fee per sale (for those without a membership) and an 11% commission on the final offer value (FOV). If the FOV is over $4,000, a 1.5% flat fee is applied to the portion over $4,000.
The site offers a bulk listing feature, so you don’t have to list items one-by-one. Plus, there are zero listing fees.
2. Mercari
According to Peter Baranik, founder and publisher at ColorWee, Mercari is a great site to sell tech accessories because buyers are always looking for them there. Mercari charges a flat 10% selling fee with zero listing costs.
“The simplicity alone makes [Mercari] better than most of the other reseller options available, especially for those who are just getting started and don’t have a large budget to absorb the unpredictable platform fees,” Baranik said.
3. eBay
Ah, eBay. Who can forget the moldy sandwich that sold for $28,000 in 2004? Great for rare and (very) unique finds, eBay charges a commission of roughly 13.6% for most categories, plus a 30 to 40 cents transaction fee depending on the price of the item.
The site brings in massive traffic, and sellers dictate their own shipping costs, policies and handling times.
4. Amazon
A site that needs no introduction, Amazon typically charges sellers between 8% and 17% commission on the total sale price, plus a new 3.5% fuel surcharge on a seller’s fulfillment fees (per-unit charges for packing and shipping). Sellers have the option of paying a 99 cents fee for every item sold or purchasing a monthly subscription for $39.99.
Amazon has unrivaled reach and exposure, and some sellers like that they don’t have to build their own infrastructure — the platform handles packing and shipping.
5. Craigslist
Let’s not forget good ol’ Craigslist. According to Mendy Perlman, web hosting expert and SEO strategist at Web Hosting Services, Craigslist does not charge any selling or listing fees, meaning you keep the entire amount, something no other platform can offer. The downside, however, is that you’re only selling to your local area. But, for those in large cities like New York and Los Angeles, that may be enough.
Designed for in-person pickups, sellers don’t have to worry about shipping or packaging.
6. Poshmark
Leanna Spektor, co-founder of Brand House Direct, stated Poshmark is great for selling mid-to-high end branded clothing. Charging a 20% commission, the site covers prepaid shipping labels so there are no separate logistics to factor in.
Poshmark puts your listing in front of buyers actively searching for high-end items who are more likely to pay full price. You are less likely to attract lowball offers like on Facebook Marketplace.
7. Depop
For those selling lower-priced, trend-driven fashion items and not wanting to pay the 20% Poshmark commission, Depop is your better option. The site charges a 3.3% plus a 45 cents payment processing fee per transaction. And there is no commission charged for U.S. and UK sellers.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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