Amazon.com has become, if not the world, one of the most important and popular e-commerce sites in North America. This was achieved by combining good functionality with customer service, the ability to buy or sell to users, and a wide range of products (including some products exclusive to Amazon itself).
However, Amazon goods may have costly prices, especially if you do not have to deal with shipping charges. Although package tracking is featured, it could be a bit of a devaluation when your order arrives from Amazon (especially if you order from another sites instead of Amazon).
When life goes on with COVID-19 and many of us stay safe at home, finding the important thing proves a challenge. Fortunately, there are online markets outside Amazon to meet consumer requirements.
We love small business shopping, support local craftsmen and producers through these alternative sites, and show our commitment to responsible, sustainable business practices without leaving home the comfort of our homes.
So look at those online marketplaces for your Amazon replacement, whether you’re looking for cleaning supplies, pantry stacks, or a few non-toxic skincare items to get you through this season.
Don’t you put all your eggs in a basket? You know the saying, huh? The same can be said of Amazon ‘s sales.
While the market giant may be a great way for millions of buyers to cross the roads, it may not be right for everyone. That today we provide you the top best alternative to Amazon.
Amazon has revolutionized how people shop online. However, in recent years, sites and apps similar to Amazon have burst onto the scene to capitalize on the retail industry.
Want a break from buying/selling on Amazon? Here are 20 of the best sites that are similar to Amazon, if you’re in the mood to buy and sell online:
1. Overstock
“Overstock is one of the best alternatives to Amazon. “This site sells things that other stores have too much of, which means affordable prices for buyers. Whether you’re in the market for electronics, clothing, materials, or anything else, Overstock cuts out the middleman, and brings you the items directly from the factory.”
2. Bonanza
For entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses, look no further than Bonanza! With robust selling tools, sellers can integrate other sales channels like Shopify and WooCommerce. This site is great for small businesses and entrepreneurs, because it offers the features to get their businesses going and into the public square (the shoppers).
3. eBay
Despite its slow growth over the years, eBay doesn’t fail to impress some buyers and sellers. eBay offers shoppers cheaper alternatives, while allowing sellers to sell things for a profit. Individual sellers can sell items at low prices, thus offering affordable shopping for buyers.
4. Newegg
Newegg was founded for the initial intent of selling computer parts, motor parts, and electronics. However, in the past two decades, the site has offered much more. As a result, Newegg has a diverse selection of items like party supplies, pet supplies, sporting goods, etc. However, Newegg also has a great return policy, if buyers aren’t satisfied with their orders.
5. thredUp
Want to get rid of your old clothing? Then thredUp has you covered!
thredUp is all about bringing your old clothes to new life, as you sell them those outdated designer clothes, or anything that you don’t wear anymore. Have a box of shoes that you haven’t touched in years? Then send it to thredUp? Want to clear your closet of out-of-season clothes? Then thredUp!
To get started, you must first order a Clean Out Bag (with shipment prepaid). Once your items are shipped and approved, you’ll receive 40% of the resale value in either thredUP credit or via PayPal.
6. Walmart
Walmart isn’t just an in-house retailer; it also has third-party seller items on its site (like Amazon). If you don’t want to pay retail price on a certain item, then a third-party seller on Walmart’s site can give you a better offer. Just keep in mind that all third-party sellers will each have their own return policies, which can differ from Walmart’s.
7. AliExpress
AliExpress sells products that you’ll find much cheaper than Amazon, because they’re factory-direct. From high-end merch to discounted items, AliExpress offers great bargains. No matter what you’re shopping for, the site makes sure to hook you up with great deals, since there’s always a promotion going on. From “Top Picks” items, to “Super Deals” that offer “Ultra-low prices,” AliExpress is set on treating the customer’s wallet really well.
8. BigCommerce
BigCommerce lets you build your own eCommerce website by giving you a wide selection of templates to use, while offering you tools to easily:
- Manage orders
- Accept payments, AND
- Integrate with other eCommerce platforms
This site is especially ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses.
9. Shopify
Similar to BigCommerce, Shopify lets you create your own eCommerce site. The site offers a multitude of themes and customizations to use towards building your online store. In addition, the platform is easy to use for sellers; and, it offers a secure checkout for shoppers. Their free trial lasts for 14 days, and then you’ll need a $29/month subscription to continue using the site.
10. WooCommerce
If you have a WordPress site, and you want to sell online, then WooCommerce is your go-to eCommerce platform! Free to use, and fully customizable, WooCommerce lets you create your online store with ease. Open-source and having customizable templates, the platform hooks you up with resources on selling and catering in a vast marketplace.
11. Zibbet
Have more than one channel to sell stuff on? No problem! Zibbet lets you sell on multiple channels, when you list an item once.
In addition, Zibbet is a great place for creatives to sell their creations. It’s a platform where artists, artisans, creatives, and makers can make a living, once they list their products online.
Zibbet also comes with a state-of-the-art inventory tracker, which allows sellers to see how business is doing, and which stocks need to be refilled or depleted.
12. Poshmark.
Poshmark is similar to thredUp, because people can sell their old clothing, while being treated to low prices on used clothing. Want to get rid of designer duds? Poshmark is there to help! Just take photos of the items that you don’t want, and they’ll be buyer-worthy. No matter if you’re a buyer or seller, Poshmark has something for both sides.
13. Target.
Like Walmart, Target also has third-party sellers online. Plus, like Walmart, all third-party sellers on Target’s site will each have their own return policies. And, as always, if you’re wary about paying retail price for an item, then you can always look to Target’s third-party sellers for a better deal.
14. Craigslist
Like eBay, Craigslist has been around for a good while. Buyer and seller experience may vary, since the only way to communicate with buyers is via email or phone.
Despite its limitations, Craigslist has been a marketplace for buyers to look for things for cheap. As for sellers, they’re able to sell a variety of things to buyers.
15. BooksRun
Want to sell your old books? BooksRun has you covered!
BooksRun wants all kinds of books – fiction, textbooks, etc. Just type in your book’s ISBN, and then ship it for free using a label provided by BooksRun.
An eBook lover? No problem! You can also buy or rent eBooks on the site! With more than 430,000 eBooks available, you won’t have to carry a big backpack full of books; and, you’ll be doing more to save money and the environment.
16. Etsy
Etsy is a great way to sell your art, if you want to make a living as an artist. Whether you make artwork, handmade jewelry, trinkets, etc., Etsy lets you sell it. It’s a great way for creatives to get their names out there – They’re starving artists NO MORE!
17. Swappa
Their slogan doesn’t lie: “Buy and sell new-ish tech.” Swappa lets you sell new or used phones, laptops, and other electronics with ZERO seller fees. Just type in a barcode (or use the scanning feature on the free app), and Swappa hooks you up with an offer.
Buyers will also be treated to the best offers on Swappa. From phones to iPhones, to video games, to watches, and so on, Swappa wants the best for all shoppers by bringing them great deals left and right.
18. Decluttr
Have a wall full of DVDs and CDs? Decluttr lets you get rid of unwanted CDs, DVDs, games, and used phones. Just scan the barcode, and find the item on the site.
You can also sell your tech here. From tablets to consoles, Decluttr is the place to buy and sell tech. You can even buy and sell books, and even Legos!
19. Facebook Marketplace
“Like Craigslist, you can buy and sell on Facebook’s Marketplace,” says Thomas Edwards, a business writer at Draft Beyond. “However, Facebook differs from Craigslist, because it provides the buyer’s or seller’s photo and profile unlike the latter. So, if you’re looking for more transparency from the people that you buy and sell from, then look no further than Facebook Marketplace.”
20. BookScouter
Finally, BookScouter lets you sell used textbooks. The site accepts books ranging from elementary school to college. BookScouter also hooks you up with various book vendors to consider selling to, including:
- BooksRun (as mentioned above)
- Books2Cash
- Bookbyte
- Bookstores.com, and many more.
Conclusion
So, there you have it!
Whether you’re a buyer looking for the best deals, or a seller wanting to sell things, just remember that you have other options to consider than just Amazon. With many alternatives (like the 20 discussed in this article), online shopping and selling are limitless!
Written by Ashley Halsey is a writer and editor at Luckassignments and Gum Essays. As a professional writer, she has been involved in many writing projects nationwide. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling with her two children.
