If you’re looking to start an online business in the UK, choosing the right marketplace can make a significant difference. Etsy, eBay, and Amazon UK are three of the most popular platforms for selling products, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which one is best for your business.
1. Etsy: Best for Handmade and Unique Products
Etsy is ideal for sellers who specialize in handmade, vintage, and craft-related items. It caters to a niche audience looking for unique and personalized products.
- Pros:
- Great for handmade, custom, and artistic products
- Lower competition compared to eBay and Amazon
- Supportive seller community and marketing tools
- Cons:
- Limited to specific product categories
- Transaction fees (6.5% of sale price + payment processing fees)
- Less traffic compared to Amazon and eBay
2. eBay: Best for Auctions and Second-Hand Goods
eBay is a diverse marketplace allowing sellers to list new, used, and refurbished items, with options for both auction-style and fixed-price listings.
- Pros:
- Ideal for used, refurbished, and rare items
- Flexible pricing models (auction and fixed-price sales)
- Large customer base with international reach
- Cons:
- High competition, especially for mass-market products
- Seller fees (10-12.8% commission + listing fees)
- Requires more effort to maintain positive ratings and feedback
3. Amazon UK: Best for High-Volume Sales and Brand Recognition
Amazon is the largest e-commerce platform in the UK, offering exposure to millions of shoppers. It’s best suited for sellers looking to scale their business quickly.
- Pros:
- Massive audience and high trust factor
- Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) simplifies storage and shipping
- Opportunities for brand growth with Amazon’s marketing tools
- Cons:
- Higher fees (15% referral fee + additional storage/shipping fees for FBA)
- Strict selling policies and performance requirements
- High competition from other sellers and Amazon itself
Which One is Best for You?
- Choose Etsy if you sell handmade, vintage, or craft-related items and want to reach a niche audience.
- Choose eBay if you plan to sell second-hand, refurbished, or hard-to-find products with flexible pricing.
- Choose Amazon UK if you want high-volume sales, faster growth, and are willing to navigate stricter selling policies.
Final Verdict
The best platform depends on your business model and goals. If you sell handmade crafts, Etsy is your best bet. If you’re looking to sell second-hand or auction-style goods, eBay is a solid choice. For those who want to scale quickly and sell new products in large quantities, Amazon UK is the most powerful platform.
Consider experimenting with multiple platforms to maximize your reach and revenue!
