You have given a lot of time, effort, and passion creating the perfect handcrafted candle, distinctive vintage item, or striking art poster. You’ve also moved forward by listing it on Etsy because that’s what everyone is supposed to do? But have you tried finding the best hidden marketplaces to sell online?
Because here’s the root problem: you’re among the millions of sellers who is selling on Etsy. It’s like trying to tell your message in a packed stadiumin a loud voice but its nearly impossible to get noticed.
Sure, there are a lot of perks associated with Etsy. We can call it one of the best online marketplaces for handmade and vintage goods as over 89 million active buyers are visiting it. But with rising fees, limited customization, and zero access to customer data, many sellers are quietly whispering what others are too scared to say out loud:
“Maybe it’s time to find a better place to sell.”
Let’s pull back the curtain on the hidden marketplaces to sell online that go beyond Etsy. These list of online marketplaces aren’t just second choices—they might just be your best shot at building a business that thrives on your terms.
Hidden Marketplaces to Sell Online
1. Shopify
Let’s kick off with the big player in DIY ecommerce: Shopify. Not technically a marketplace, but rather a marketplace to sell items your way. You’re the boss here.
Unlike Etsy, Shopify gives you:
- Full branding control
- Ownership of your customer data
- No listing fees
- Tools to sync with Etsy, Amazon, and even social platforms
Many Etsy sellers start here once they’ve outgrown the marketplace phase. Shopify offers beautiful templates, built-in marketing tools, and yes, ways to calculate PTO accrual and automate backend HR-like functions if you’re scaling with a team.
If you’re serious about growing your brand and selling on marketplaces, this isn’t just a store, it’s your empire.
Also Read about making your income from side hustle: From Hustle to Empire: Best Platforms for Your Side Hustle Ecommerce Journey
2. eBay
You may know eBay as the go-to place for used electronics or Beanie Babies, but here’s the twist: it’s quietly one of the best online marketplaces for used items and handmade goods alike.
Why it works:
- Global reach (think millions of buyers worldwide)
- Option for auctions and fixed-price listings
- Lower international sales fees than Etsy
If you’re selling vintage, collectibles, or limited-edition pieces, eBay is one of those buying selling sites that still pulls in serious traffic, without demanding brand loyalty.
3. Big Cartel
If you’re just getting started, Big Cartel deserves your attention. It’s made for creators, and it shows.
On Big Cartel, you get:
- A free plan for up to 5 products
- A clean interface that doesn’t scream “corporate”
- Custom domains, branding tools, and no Etsy-style interference
It may not have all the bells and whistles, but if you’re looking to launch a brand that’s truly your own—without breaking the bank—this could be the underrated platform that delivers.
4. Squarespace
Known for its slick drag-and-drop website builder, Squarespace is ideal for artists, photographers, and sellers whose visual identity is just as important as the product.
It offers:
- Full website customization
- Integration with Etsy for easy migration
- Access to your customer data and email list
- Solid ecommerce features for small-to-midsize stores
It’s less marketplace, more digital gallery with a checkout button. If your branding is your business card, Squarespace might be your stage.
5. Bonanza
Never heard of Bonanza? You’re not alone. And that’s exactly why it deserves a mention.
Bonanza is a hybrid—it’s one of the lesser-known marketplaces to sell online, but also gives you the option to create your own standalone store. That’s right, you can list on Bonanza and have your own mini-shop, all in one place.
Bonus points:
- No listing fees
- Easy import from Etsy
- Syndication to Google Shopping, eBay, and Nextag
- Buyer-seller negotiation tools (so get ready to haggle)
Bonanza doesn’t have Etsy’s visibility, but it gives you something more valuable: freedom and flexibility.
6. Amazon Handmade
Wait, Amazon…for handmade?
Yep. Amazon Handmade is Amazon’s curated corner for artisans and makers, and it’s surprisingly robust. You get:
- Massive exposure to Amazon’s loyal customer base
- Tools like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
- No expiration on listings
- Analytics and marketing via Amazon Ads
But don’t get too cozy—it comes at a price. With a 15% commission per transaction and a monthly fee, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Still, for sellers looking to go big, this is one of the best online marketplaces to get seen by millions.
7. TrueGether
A powerful but little-known internet marketplace, TrueGether bills itself as a “social shopping” platform. It is also called the best eBay alternative since it enables sellers to offer goods for free with no up-front fees, which appeals particularly to independent producers and small enterprises. It is also the best online marketplace for used items.
TrueGether is a clever, cost-effective option for people wishing to reach a wider audience without paying exorbitant fees because it integrates with networks like Google Shopping.
Not Just Where You Sell—But How
Finding the correct list of internet marketplaces is not the only thing that will be a powerful move in 2025. Diversification is the answer. When you can cross-list, create your own website, and connect with customers wherever they purchase, why place your bet on just one platform?
This is particularly valid for items that are unique, vintage, or in season. There are solutions available, regardless of your preference for the top online marketplace for used goods or your desire to establish a brand independent of algorithms. Fantastic ones.
The Bottom Line
The best marketplace for product sales cannot be determined in a one-size-fits-all manner. Etsy is by no means the only choice, even though it is the default.
Whether you want to use Shopify to go large, eBay to find foreign collectors, Big Cartel to explore creative freedom, or Handmade to use Amazon’s purchasing power, it is important to choose platforms that support your goals rather than just following the crowd.
Don’t just chase traffic. Build loyalty. Own your brand. Know your buyer. That’s how you stop selling and start thriving, and now you can achieve this because you know about the hidden marketplaces to sell online.