In today’s digital age, the world of e-commerce has become increasingly competitive, with countless platforms fighting for the attention of both merchants and consumers.
The total online retail sales for 2023 exceeded $1.1 trillion, reflecting a remarkable 10% increase from the previous year. For merchants looking to expand their reach, maximize sales, and save shipping costs, choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial. In this article, we’ll delve into the five most recommended e-commerce platforms for merchants to sell their products.
ShipSaving has compiled data from its database and other platforms to identify a list of the 5 most recommended U.S. platforms for e-commerce sellers (in no particular order).
Amazon
In 2023, Amazon revealed an impressive milestone: net sales reaching $574.8 billion, marking a 12% rise from the previous year.
It is worth noting the North America segment’s performance, with a 12% year-over-year increase to $352.8 billion. These figures highlight Amazon’s critical role as an essential platform for merchants looking to showcase and sell their products.
But Amazon’s significance extends beyond just sales figures. It dominates the global ranking of online retail websites in terms of traffic, with 44% of consumers indicating they check prices on Amazon before finalizing a purchase elsewhere. For merchants, tapping into Amazon’s giant website traffic and expansive buyer base isn’t just advantageous—it’s essential for staying competitive in today’s digital marketplace.
Walmart
Founded in 1962, Walmart is a global retail giant known for its numerous physical stores and high brand awareness. As one of the largest retailers in the world, its e-commerce platform attracts a considerable amount of traffic, with around 416.1 million monthly visits.
Walmart’s integration of online and offline shopping experiences offers convenience and flexibility to customers. Walmart currently has a 6.4% share of the U.S. e-commerce retail market, second only to Amazon, which has 37.6% of the market.
eBay
Founded in 1995, eBay started with an auction-style format and later expanded to offer fixed-price listings. Its diverse range of products appeals to a broad audience of consumers. Despite facing fierce competition, eBay continues to attract a large amount of traffic, with approximately 716.7 million monthly visits. Renowned for its extensive selection of unique and hard-to-find items, eBay offers a broader range of products, including new and used items, collectibles, rare items, and vintage goods.
Listing products on eBay is less complicated than on Amazon for a merchant to start. Moreover, eBay employs a global account system, enabling sellers to register an eBay account and sell their products to every country and region worldwide.
Etsy
Building a bridge between artisans, independent sellers, and customers, Etsy has carved out a niche for itself in the e-commerce landscape. It attracts approximately 480 million monthly visits, with a dedicated customer base seeking unique, handmade products.
Etsy’s revenue continues to grow steadily, reaching $2.75 billion in 2023. Its focus on personalized shopping experiences and support for small businesses has resonated well with both merchants and consumers.
TikTok
While primarily known as a social media platform, TikTok expanded to e-commerce in September 2023, introducing features like TikTok Shop. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok has the potential to drive significant traffic to its e-commerce offerings.
While specific revenue figures for TikTok’s e-commerce endeavors are not readily available, a TikTok spokesperson disclosed that during November 2023, including major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, over 5 million new customers engaged in purchases. Also, TikTok Shop offers TikTok shipping discounts for merchants to promote their products, and merchants can leverage these benefits effectively to thrive on TikTok Shop.
Final Words
The information above is compiled on ShipSaving’s website and other reliable sources. With the growing number of e-commerce platforms, merchants must evaluate their needs carefully. Operating an e-commerce platform requires not just appealing products, but also reliable shipping services. Fortunately, ShipSaving seamlessly integrates with the five platforms mentioned in the article, providing the benefits of order synchronization and a user-friendly interface suitable for users of all levels of experience. What’s even better, you can save up to 89% off on shipping costs. By utilizing ShipSaving, managing your online store becomes more convenient and cost-effective.