Unlock the Potential: Your Ultimate Guide to Selling Items Online

In today’s digital-driven marketplace, selling your stuff online is no longer a hassle—it’s a powerful way to make extra income, declutter your space, and even launch a side business. But with countless platforms available, where should you list your items? From major marketplaces to niche hubs, we’ll help you navigate the options so you can sell smarter and maximize your earnings.

People selling items online using digital marketplaces

Top Online Marketplaces: Reach Millions, Sell Anything

For maximum reach and varied buyers, major digital marketplaces are your best bet. These platforms offer global exposure but come with fees and shipping considerations.

eBay: The Veteran Marketplace for All Things

eBay has been a go-to platform for individuals and small businesses looking to sell everything from collectibles to vehicles. Here’s what to expect with their fee structure:

  • Insertion fees: List up to 250 items monthly without a charge; beyond that, it’s $0.35 per listing.
  • Final value fees: Applied after a sale, calculated as a percentage of the total sale price (including shipping and sales tax), typically around 13.6% depending on the category.
  • Per order fee: For orders $10 or less, there’s a $0.30 fee; over $10, it’s $0.40 per order, defined by a single buyer’s checkout.

For example, selling a book for $20 would cost a 15.3% final value fee (about $3.06), plus a $0.40 order fee, meaning you walk away with approximately $16.54 after fees—assuming you haven’t exceeded your free listings.

Mercari: Simplified, Mobile-Friendly Selling

Mercari is rising as a simplified alternative to eBay with a mobile-first approach. It’s ideal for quick sales of lightweight consumer goods like toys, beauty products, and fashion. Sellers pay a flat 10% fee on the sale price plus any shipping costs covered by the buyer—making the process straightforward and fast.

Amazon: Perfect for Growing Small Businesses

While Amazon mostly suits sellers with inventory ready to move, it's an option for many product types. Some categories require approval or a professional plan, and fees depend on your selling plan:

  • Individual plan: Pay $0.99 per item plus referral fees (8% to 20%) and closing fees for media items ($1.80 per item). Great for low-volume sellers.
  • Professional plan: $39.99 monthly subscription with no per-item fee, ideal for those selling over 40 items monthly.

Curious about how to make this work for you? Read more about how to make money on Amazon.

Local Platforms: Sell Near You, Skip the Shipping

For a hands-on selling approach, local platforms enable you to connect directly with buyers in your area. These often come with zero fees but require a bit more coordination.

Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor

Modern versions of classifieds are excellent for listing household items quickly and locally. These sites allow direct communication, and there are no selling fees when transactions happen in person or locally.

Safety tip: Consider meeting buyers in public locations, such as police stations that offer “safe zones” for exchanges, or have a friend accompany you during meetups.

Keep in mind, these platforms do not offer protection guarantees, so selling locally requires a bit of buyer vetting.

Learn more about making profitable sales on Facebook Marketplace.

Niche Marketplaces: Tailored for Specialty Items

When selling unique goods such as vintage apparel, antiques, or handmade crafts, niche platforms can help you reach buyers who appreciate the value of specialized items.

Poshmark: A Social Marketplace for Fashion

Poshmark integrates social networking with sales, making it easy to sell clothes, handbags, and accessories. The fee structure is simple:

  • Flat $2.95 fee for sales under $15.
  • 20% commission on sales $15 and above.
  • Buyers pay $6.49 shipping, with prepaid labels provided.

For more insights on selling fashion online, visit our agency’s SEO services page to boost your online presence.

ThredUp: The Online Consignment Experience

ThredUp brings traditional thrift shopping to the web, pricing your items algorithmically for optimal return. Earnings range from 3% to 15% on products under $20, while higher-priced items can earn you up to 80%. The focus is on women’s and children’s fashion categories.

Etsy: Handmade, Vintage, and Unique Crafts

Renowned for artisanal and vintage goods, Etsy’s fees include a $0.20 listing cost per item and a 6.5% transaction fee on the total sale price (including shipping). An additional 3% plus $0.25 applies if using Etsy Payments.

Ruby Lane: Premium Vintage & Antiques

Ruby Lane caters to antique and vintage sellers on a higher-end scale. It requires a $45 monthly maintenance fee plus a 9.9% service fee on sales (up to $2,500). Carefully evaluate whether your sales volume can justify these expenses.

Electronics Sellers: Specialized Platforms for Tech

Swappa and Gazelle: Cash in on Your Gadgets

Looking to unload your used smartphone or laptop hassle-free? Swappa lets you set your own price and ship directly to the buyer. Gazelle offers instant quotes and buys your devices upfront.

Compare these options to find the best fit for quick cash from your electronics.

Ready to capitalize on online sales? Discover how our expert SEO services can position your products in front of valuable buyers and maximize your earnings.

Why Choose the Right Platform Matters

Choosing the ideal platform depends on the type of items you’re selling and your comfort level with shipping, communication, and fees. Whether you’re decluttering your home, running a side hustle, or operating a small business, the right marketplace will streamline your process and increase profitability.

At Mojo Digital Agency, we specialize in creating tailored digital strategies that help businesses make the most out of their online sales channels. From optimizing your product listings to enhancing search visibility, we’re here to support your growth every step of the way.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help your online sales thrive.