How to Start Selling Online: 10 Best Options

Starting an online business is more accessible than ever, but choosing the right platform is critical to your success. Whether you want to build your own brand or tap into an existing marketplace, here are the 10 best options to start selling online.

1. Shopify (Best for Building a Brand)

Shopify is the leading e-commerce platform for a reason. It offers a complete ecosystem to build, manage, and scale your store.

Pros: Easy to use, vast app store, excellent support, scalable.
Cons: Transaction fees (unless using Shopify Payments), app costs can add up.

2. Amazon (Best for Traffic)

Amazon is the world's largest marketplace. Selling here gives you instant access to millions of customers.

Pros: Massive traffic, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) handles logistics.
Cons: High competition, strict rules, seller fees.

3. WooCommerce (Best for WordPress Users)

If you already have a WordPress site, WooCommerce is a powerful, open-source plugin that turns it into a store.

Pros: Free to install, highly customizable, full ownership of data.
Cons: Requires hosting, technical maintenance, security is your responsibility.

4. Etsy (Best for Handmade & Vintage)

The go-to marketplace for artisans, crafters, and vintage sellers.

Pros: Niche audience looking for unique items, easy setup.
Cons: Listing fees, transaction fees, hard to scale beyond handmade.

5. Wix eCommerce (Best for Beginners)

Wix is known for its drag-and-drop website builder. Its e-commerce plans are great for small stores.

Pros: Extremely beginner-friendly, beautiful templates.
Cons: Limited scalability compared to Shopify, harder to migrate away.

6. TikTok Shop (Best for Social Commerce)

The fastest-growing player in social commerce. It allows users to buy products directly within the TikTok app.

Pros: Viral potential, direct access to Gen Z/Alpha, influencer integration.
Cons: Algorithm-dependent, relatively new platform dynamics.

7. eBay (Best for Resellers)

The original auction site is still a powerhouse for resellers, used items, and collectibles.

Pros: Auction format, huge global reach, good for unique items.
Cons: Fees can be complex, "garage sale" perception for some brands.

8. Walmart Marketplace (Best Amazon Alternative)

Walmart's online marketplace is growing fast and offers a less crowded alternative to Amazon.

Pros: Less competition than Amazon, access to Walmart's loyal customer base.
Cons: Strict application process, lower traffic volume than Amazon.

9. BigCommerce (Best for Large Catalogs)

A robust platform designed for scaling businesses with complex needs.

Pros: Built-in features (no need for many apps), handles large inventories well.
Cons: Steeper learning curve, revenue-based pricing tiers.

10. Squarespace (Best for Aesthetics)

Perfect for creatives and service-based businesses that want a stunning portfolio with a store attached.

Pros: Beautiful designs, all-in-one platform.
Cons: Limited payment gateways, less advanced e-commerce features.

Summary

The "best" option depends on your goals. If you want full control and branding, Shopify is the gold standard. If you want instant traffic, Amazon is king. For creatives, Etsy or Squarespace might be your home. Start small, validate your product, and scale on the platform that fits your vision.

How to Start Selling Online: 10 Best Options