The convenience Amazon offers comes at a growing cost—environmental damage, poor labor practices, and overwhelming decision fatigue. Many shoppers today crave better experiences, with more personal values built into their spending decisions.
If you're looking for practical, reliable alternatives to Amazon, you’re not alone. Entrepreneurs and consumers alike are shifting toward platforms that provide faster shipping, enhanced customer service, and genuine community impact. Below, we will talk about the best alternatives to Amazon.
Why Consider Alternatives to Amazon in 2025
As an e-commerce business owner, Amazon's massive customer base might seem irresistible. However, the financial reality often tells a different story. Amazon seller fees, product fees, fulfillment costs, and shipping fees can significantly eat into your profits as your business grows. According to industry experts, "as you start scaling your e-commerce business, you'll find that the cost of selling on Amazon will eventually weigh you down". This economic pressure makes exploring alternatives not just beneficial but necessary for many businesses.
Competition on Amazon has also reached unprecedented levels. With millions of sellers fighting for visibility, standing out becomes increasingly difficult and expensive. Many sellers report being "squeezed out” by Amazon's rising costs, while also having to contend with unfair competition from "dirty sellers" who don't adhere to the rules.
Furthermore, selling exclusively on Amazon means putting all your eggs in one basket.
Any policy change, account suspension, or algorithm update can instantly jeopardize your entire business. Innovative e-commerce entrepreneurs recognize the importance of diversifying across multiple platforms to create more stable and resilient companies.
Top Alternatives to Amazon in 2025
Let's explore some of the most promising platforms where you can sell your products beyond Amazon:
1. Your Online Store
Setting up your e-commerce website gives you complete control over your brand, customer experience, and profit margins. Without Amazon's hefty fees, you can keep more of what you earn while building direct relationships with your customers.
Your store also allows you to build an email list, implement custom marketing strategies, and create a unique shopping experience that reflects your brand values – advantages that marketplace selling simply can't match.
2. eBay
As one of the oldest online marketplaces, eBay remains a reliable alternative to Amazon. With its auction-style listings alongside fixed-price options, eBay offers flexibility that Amazon doesn't. The platform allows more direct communication with buyers and gives sellers greater control over their listings. The fee structure on eBay can be more favorable for certain product categories compared to Amazon. While Amazon "tacks on extra fees for certain product categories", eBay's fee structure is often simpler to navigate, especially for occasional sellers or those with unique products.
eBay also excels for vintage, collectible, or one-of-a-kind items where Amazon's standardized approach doesn't work well. Many sellers maintain successful businesses by combining Amazon for new, mass-produced items with eBay for more unique offerings.
3. Walmart Marketplace
Walmart has made significant strides in the e-commerce space, making it a worthwhile alternative to Amazon. With its established brand reputation and growing online presence, Walmart Marketplace offers sellers access to millions of potential customers.
A key advantage is Walmart's fee structure, as "the only fee Walmart will ever charge you is the referral fee", unlike Amazon's complex fee system. This straightforward approach makes calculating profitability much easier for sellers.
Additionally, Walmart's extensive brick-and-mortar presence creates unique advantages that purely online marketplaces can't offer. The integration between online and offline shopping experiences continues to be a strength for sellers who partner with Walmart.
4. Bonanza
Bonanza has consistently received high ratings from independent sellers. According to industry surveys, "If you average the results from 2013 through 2018, Bonanza is the most highly recommended by sellers"3. With over 300,000 organic monthly visitors, Bonanza focuses on helping sellers build relationships with loyal customers rather than just facilitating transactions.
What sets Bonanza apart is its customer marketing tools and seller statistics dashboard, which offer detailed insights into product performance. The platform is built around the idea that marketplaces should help sellers build relationships with loyal customers, rather than rendering sellers virtually anonymous while simply helping customers find the lowest prices possible.
Bonanza operates on a pay-per-sale system, so "you're only charged when a customer places an order for your product". The amount depends on the final offer value (FOV), with rates starting at just 3.5% for items under $500.
5. REI Co-op
For businesses in the outdoor gear and apparel niche, REI provides a platform that aligns with sustainability and ethical values. REI "has a long-standing commitment to promoting conservation and Community well-being," making it attractive to conscious consumers.
REI has recently committed to advancing the renewable energy transition through the use of locally generated solar and wind projects to power its nearly 200 U.S.-based store locations. This environmental leadership helps attract shoppers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.
When selling through REI, your products reach an audience that values quality, durability, and ethical production, often allowing for healthier profit margins than the race-to-the-bottom pricing standard on Amazon.
6. Etsy
Etsy remains a powerhouse for artisans and vintage sellers, with over 7.5 million active sellers globally. The platform’s fee structure includes a 6.5% transaction fee and a 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee per sale. While these costs might seem steep, Etsy’s niche audience of 95 million active buyers actively seeks unique, non-mass-produced items-making it ideal for sellers targeting eco-conscious or bespoke markets.
To maximize profitability on Etsy, focus on limited-edition products or customizable items that justify higher price points. Pair this with AliDrop’s US/EU suppliers to source sustainable materials or packaging that aligns with Etsy’s ethos of creativity and responsibility.
7. Newegg
Newegg’s marketplace specializes in electronics and tech products, offering no monthly subscription fees and commission rates as low as 8% for video game consoles. Its Elite Membership tiers (Professional: $29.95/month, Enterprise: $99.95/month) provide scalable solutions for high-volume sellers, including API access and discounted fulfillment services.
What sets Newegg apart is its verified business customer base of 350,000+ accounts. This makes it particularly valuable for B2B sellers in industries like industrial supplies or computer hardware. For example, a seller offering bulk USB-C cables could use AliDrop’s one-click import to source from AliExpress suppliers and list them on Newegg with customized bulk pricing.
8. Wish
Wish’s 2025 listing fee overhaul incentivizes quality over quantity. Sellers in the “Platinum” tier get 2,000 free listings, with fees of $0.15 per additional item. While the platform’s reputation for ultra-low-cost items persists, recent algorithm changes prioritize stores with:
- Products under $25 with fast shipping
- Listings using video content
- Stores maintaining a 4.5+ star rating
9. BigCommerce
Unlike Amazon’s one-size-fits-all approach, BigCommerce offers four tailored plans:
- Standard: $29/month (up to $50k annual sales)
- Plus: $79/month ($180k annual sales)
- Pro: $299/month ($400k annual sales)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
The platform’s zero transaction fees and built-in B2B wholesale tools make it ideal for brands producing private-label goods. For instance, a skincare company could use BigCommerce’s native subscriptions feature and source biodegradable containers from other dropshipping suppliers.
10. Shopify
Shopify’s 2025 pricing in India reflects its global scalability:
- Basic: ₹1,499/month after 3-month promo
- Advanced: ₹22,680/month for high-volume sellers.
The real power lies in Shopify’s app ecosystem. Integrate AliDrop’s Shopify plugin to auto-sync inventory from AliExpress and Temu suppliers while using apps like Loox for photo reviews or Recharge for subscriptions. This creates a branded experience Amazon can’t replicate.
Multichannel Selling Strategies for 2025
Here are some multichannel selling strategies for sellers looking for Amazon alternatives:
Inventory Synchronization
Use tools like Sellbrite ($29-$179/month) to manage listings across 5+ marketplaces. Pair this with AliDrop’s centralized dashboard to:
- Monitor bestsellers across platforms
- Auto-replenish stock from US/EU suppliers
- Pause listings when supplier stock runs low
Dynamic Pricing
Implement AI repricers that adjust prices based on:
- Competitor pricing on Amazon
- Real-time demand signals from Google Trends
- Profit margins after AliDrop supplier costs
Localized Fulfillment
Reduce delivery times by splitting inventory:
- Source fast-moving items from AliDrop’s US suppliers
- Keep slow-moving stock with Chinese suppliers
- Use Newegg’s Shipped by Newegg (SBN) for tech products
Email List Building
Offer a 10% discount in exchange for emails at checkout. Nurture leads with:
- Abandoned cart sequences
- Post-purchase upsell flows
- Seasonal promotions for repeat buyers
Social Proof Integration
Embed Instagram shoppable posts on your Shopify store and link them to Newegg/Wish listings. Use AliDrop’s order automation to ensure timely delivery, reducing negative reviews.
Dropshipping on Alidrop
When expanding to these alternative platforms, dropshipping can be an efficient fulfillment method that minimizes upfront investment. Alidrop removes inventory management headaches and allows you to test products before committing to bulk purchases. For those interested, Temu dropshipping is gaining popularity for its competitive pricing.
The AliDrop marketplace streamlines product sourcing by offering trending items from top-rated suppliers that can be added to your store with just one click. This makes maintaining inventory across multiple sales channels beyond Amazon much simpler and more efficient. AliDrop has the best US and EU suppliers and it supports AliExpress dropshipping too. It offers a 7-day free trial for new sellers and serves as a great alternative to Amazon.
Conclusion
The e-commerce landscape in 2025 rewards agility and diversification. By combining niche platforms like Etsy with enterprise solutions like BigCommerce, and leveraging tools like AliDrop for seamless AliExpress dropshipping, sellers can:
- Reduce fees by 18-37% compared to Amazon
- Access higher-margin customer segments
- Mitigate risks of single-platform dependency
Start diversifying with AliDrop today.
Alternatives to Amazon FAQs
How much does it cost to start selling on these platforms?
Most alternatives have low entry costs: Etsy charges $0.20/listing, Newegg has no monthly fees, and Wish offers free thresholds based on performance tiers. Budget $500-$2,000 for initial inventory and tools like Sellbrite.
Can I use the same products across multiple marketplaces?
Yes, but tailor listings to each platform’s audience. Use AliDrop’s bulk edit tools to adjust prices/descriptions for Amazon (value-focused) vs. Etsy (story-driven).
How do I handle returns from multiple channels?
Designate a 3PL provider for US/EU returns and use AliDrop’s supplier network for Asian returns. Most platforms like Newegg handle returns for a fee.
What’s the biggest mistake when leaving Amazon?
Neglecting SEO. Unlike Amazon’s built-in traffic, other platforms require optimizing for Google Shopping and platform-specific search algorithms. Use tools like SEMrush alongside AliDrop’s trending product data.
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