- eBay alternatives side by side
- Nine eBay alternatives for selling online, A to Z
- Questions to ask before leaving eBay for another selling site
- Matching eBay sellers with the right kind of platform
- Listing habits that help items sell outside eBay
- Slip-ups when you start selling beyond eBay
- Your eBay alternatives shortlist
- Frequently asked questions
The right eBay alternative depends on what you sell, where your buyers live and whether you prefer local sales or posted parcels. This page lists nine selling sites and apps in no particular order, then explains how to choose one and how to write listings that sell.
For years, eBay was the obvious answer for anyone with something to sell online. It's still a huge name, and many people use it happily. But it isn't the only option, and a different selling site can suit you better if you sell clothes, handmade goods, local furniture or the odd item from a clear-out. Plenty of people look beyond eBay simply because another platform fits their kind of stock.
This page lists nine eBay alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. I've mixed smaller, specialist names with a few that are widely known. Everything below comes from each platform's own website or help centre, so check the current details for your country before you list anything. Some of these are strongest in the UK, and some are mainly used in the US. If you also run your own shop, my guide to Shopify alternatives for how you sell covers the next step up.
eBay alternatives side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the platform's own site or help centre describes free listing or free posting. No means I couldn't find a permanent free option stated there. Rules for sellers differ by country and change over time, so read the seller pages before you start.
| Tool | Type of site | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonanza | Online booths | New, used and unusual items in your own booth | Yes |
| Depop | Fashion resale app | Vintage, streetwear and second-hand clothes | Yes |
| Etsy | Handmade and vintage shops | Handmade goods, craft supplies and vintage items | No |
| Gumtree | Classified ads site | Local sales of furniture, bikes and household items | Yes |
| Mercari | Selling app | Everyday second-hand items sent in the post | Yes |
| OfferUp | Local buying and selling app | Items buyers can collect nearby | Yes |
| Poshmark | Social fashion resale | Clothes, shoes and accessories | Yes |
| Preloved | UK classified ads | Local ads for pre-owned goods, pets and baby items | Yes |
| Vinted | Second-hand fashion app | Clearing out wardrobes and children's clothes | Yes |
Nine eBay alternatives for selling online, A to Z
Bonanza
Best for: Sellers who want their own storefront-style booth for new, used and one-off items, with listing offered free on its own site.
Depop
Best for: Younger sellers who want a social, photo-led app for clothes and accessories, with free listing stated on its sell page.
Etsy
Best for: Makers and vintage sellers who want a shop where buyers go looking for handmade pieces and items at least twenty years old.
Gumtree
Best for: UK sellers who want to advertise bulky or local items to nearby buyers, with basic ads described as free in its help centre.
Mercari
Best for: Sellers who want a simple phone-first app for clothes, toys and household items, with listing described as free in its help centre.
OfferUp
Best for: Sellers who want quick local sales and meet-ups, with its own pages inviting you to post items for free.
Poshmark
Best for: Fashion sellers who like a closet-style shop with a social following, where listing an item is described as free.
Preloved
Best for: UK sellers who want simple local classified ads, with its own pages stating private ads are free.
Vinted
Best for: Anyone clearing out clothes who wants an easy app, with its help centre stating that selling there is free.
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Questions to ask before leaving eBay for another selling site
The right selling site depends far more on your stock than on the site's size. Ask yourself these questions before you open another account.
- What are you selling? Clothes, handmade pieces, furniture and collectables each have a platform where the right buyers already gather.
- Local or posted? Bulky items suit local collection. Small items suit sites with shipping labels built in.
- Which country are your buyers in? Some platforms are strong in the UK and thin elsewhere, and the reverse.
- Who handles payment and safety? Read how each site holds payment, handles disputes and protects both sides of a sale.
- How much time will you spend? A closet-style shop rewards regular posting. A classified ad can be put up and left.
- What are the rules on your items? Every platform bans some goods and has its own rules about new and used items.
Matching eBay sellers with the right kind of platform
- Fashion resale apps suit wardrobe clear-outs and anyone building a small clothing shop.
- Handmade and vintage shops suit makers, crafters and vintage hunters with a story to tell.
- Classified ad sites suit furniture, bikes, tools and anything too big to post.
- Local selling apps suit quick sales where buyers collect in person.
- General selling sites suit mixed bundles of household items, toys and electronics.
Listing habits that help items sell outside eBay
Whichever site you try, the same habits help your items get noticed. Buyers on every platform want clear photos, honest descriptions and quick replies.
- Take photos in daylight against a plain background and show any marks or flaws.
- Write a title with the brand, item type, size and colour, because buyers search that way.
- Describe the condition honestly, including anything that's worn or missing.
- Check similar sold items before choosing your asking amount.
- Reply to messages quickly and keep the conversation inside the platform.
- Post items promptly and keep the packaging simple and secure.
Slip-ups when you start selling beyond eBay
- Listing the same item on several sites at once and then selling it twice.
- Copying a description word for word without checking each platform's rules.
- Moving a buyer's conversation off the platform, which can leave you without protection.
- Ignoring safety advice on local meet-ups, such as meeting in a public place.
- Assuming the rules are identical in every country.
If you sell as a business, think about where you'll talk to customers next. My comparison of alternatives to Facebook Ads for small businesses and my guide to email marketing platform alternatives can help you build repeat buyers beyond any one site. For a similar approach to tools in general, see these Mailchimp alternatives.
Do you make online selling platforms or apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
Your eBay alternatives shortlist
Pick one or two sites that match what you sell and list a handful of items on each. Notice which one brings you sensible questions and real buyers, and which one just takes your time. Keep the platform that fits your stock and your routine, and don't be afraid to drop the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Why do people look for eBay alternatives?
Many sellers find another site is a better match for what they sell, such as clothes, handmade pieces or local furniture. Others want a simpler app or a different mix of buyers.
Which type of selling site suits second-hand clothes?
Fashion resale apps are usually the natural home for clothes, shoes and accessories because their buyers are already searching for them. Check each app's own pages for its seller rules.
Is it safe to sell on classified ad sites?
It can be, if you follow each site's safety advice. Agree payment before handover, be wary of overpayment requests and meet buyers in a public place.
Can I sell the same item on more than one site?
You can, but it's easy to sell the same item twice. Many sellers list on one site first and only add another once the first has run its course.
Do I need to be a business to sell online?
Not always, but rules vary by country and by platform, and some sites have separate rules for regular sellers. Check the seller pages and ask an accountant about your own situation.


