Thinking about launching a side hustle or starting an online shop?
eBay, Etsy, and Amazon are three of the biggest marketplaces in the world — and each has its own rules, buyers, and style.
Here’s how to get started on each platform — and what to watch out for.
1. Selling on eBay: Best for Second-Hand Goods and Collectibles
Why choose eBay?
- Great for used, rare, or unique items
- Bidding and Buy It Now options
- Flexible for part-time sellers
Steps to start:
- Create an account and link to PayPal or a bank
- Take clear photos (front, back, labels, close-ups)
- Write detailed descriptions — size, flaws, brand, etc.
- Choose auction or fixed price
- Price competitively — check similar items
- Ship quickly and add tracking
Tips:
- Offer returns — it builds trust
- Answer buyer questions fast
- Keep fees in mind: 12–15% total on most sales
Good to sell:
Electronics, clothes, trainers, collectibles, tools.
2. Selling on Etsy: Best for Handmade, Vintage, and Creative Goods
Why choose Etsy?
- Buyers are looking for personal, crafted, or artistic products
- Ideal for creators, designers, and hobbyists
Steps to start:
- Open an Etsy Shop (low setup cost)
- Create strong branding: logo, banner, shop policies
- List items with professional photos and SEO-friendly titles
- Set clear pricing (consider time, materials, packaging)
- Offer multiple shipping options
Tips:
- Focus on quality, consistency, and customer service
- Use social media to drive traffic to your shop
- Stay on top of trends (e.g., wedding, home décor, seasonal)
Good to sell:
Jewelry, printables, personalised gifts, vintage clothing.
3. Selling on Amazon: Best for High-Volume or Branded Products
Why choose Amazon?
- Huge audience and trust factor
- Perfect for scaling with volume
- FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) handles storage and shipping
Steps to start:
- Register as an individual or professional seller
- Choose between FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) or FBA
- List your products — use exact keywords and clean photos
- Optimise your listing: bullet points, reviews, pricing
- Stay competitive on price and delivery
Tips:
- Understand Amazon’s strict rules — or risk being suspended
- Use tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout for research
- Check your margins — fees can eat into profit
Good to sell:
Branded items, home goods, books, electronics, supplements.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Platform | Best for | Fees | Audience |
| eBay | Used goods, collectibles | ~12-15% | Bargain hunters, collectors |
| Etsy | Handmade, vintage, creative | ~6.5% + listing | Creative buyers, gift shoppers |
| Amazon | Branded/new products | ~15% + FBA/storage | Mass market, fast delivery seekers |
Final Advice
- Start with one platform. Focus on mastering it before expanding.
- Track everything. Sales, returns, margins, feedback.
- Customer service matters. Fast replies and good packaging go a long way.
- Test and improve. Update listings, try new pricing, refine photos.