20 Online Marketplaces in Australia You Should Know About

In the last few years, the way Australians buy and sell things has changed a lot. Everyone, from small local businesses to big established retailers, is looking for ways to reach more customers without having to spend a lot of money on physical stores. That's where online marketplaces come in.

Marketplaces like eBay and Amazon have been around for a long time; however, in Australia, there are now numerous niche platforms catering to specific groups of people. These platforms sell everything from handmade crafts to eco-friendly fashion to used furniture. This growth gives sellers more chances, but it also makes it harder to choose the right platform for you.

We're going beyond the usual lists in this article. We'll do more than just list 20 platforms; we'll look at their unique features, audiences, and seller benefits to help you make an informed choice. This guide will help you find your way around Australia's many online stores, whether you want to sell your products, start a side business, or just get great deals.

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Marketplace Fees & Features Comparison

Here’s a quick look at how some of the top platforms compare in terms of fees and features:

Note: Fees may change over time, so always check the marketplace’s official site before listing.

What Makes a Great Online Marketplace

Before we get into the list, it's important to know what makes a marketplace good and what makes it great. It's not just about how many people visit your site or how well-known your brand is. The right marketplace can help you grow faster, save you money, and keep your customers safe.

These are the main things we looked at when judging each platform:

1. Trust & Security
   A safe marketplace is very important right now, when online scams are more common than ever. This includes:

   • Buyer protection policies to prevent fraud.

   • Clear dispute resolution processes.

   • Verified seller programs to build credibility.

For instance, eBay has a well-known system for protecting buyers, while smaller niche sites may depend on community reviews to build trust.

2. Fees & Costs
   Every platform has its own way of charging fees, and these can have a big effect on how much money you make. Some common fees are:

   • Listing fees: A flat fee to post an item.

   • Transaction fees: A percentage of the sale price.

   • Payment processing fees: Charged by integrated payment services like PayPal or Stripe.

Even a 2% difference in commission can add up quickly, especially for high-volume sellers.

3. Audience & Reach
   The size and focus of a marketplace's audience decide how easy it is to sell your goods.

   • General marketplaces, like Amazon and eBay, get a lot of visitors, but there is a lot of competition.

   • Niche platforms, like Etsy, have smaller audiences, but the people who buy from them are more likely to be interested in what they sell and are often willing to pay more.

Think about whether you want to compete with hundreds of other sellers or serve a smaller group of very interested customers.

4. Ease of Use
   A marketplace should make selling simple:

   • Mobile-friendly apps for on-the-go management.

   • Easy product uploads with clear descriptions and images.

   • Responsive customer support for when problems arise.

Poor user experience can frustrate both you and your customers, leading to lost sales.

5. Unique Features
   Lastly, some marketplaces have special things about them that make them stand out:

• Augmented Reality previews for furniture or fashion.

• Built-in shipping integrations to simplify logistics.

• Social commerce tools for promoting products directly on Instagram or TikTok.

These extras can be the difference between a standard listing and a standout brand experience.

Types of Online Marketplaces in Australia

Keeping these things in mind, let's divide the 20 marketplaces into five main groups. This will help you focus on the platforms that are most important to your business or shopping goals.

You can easily see which platforms meet your needs by putting them in this order.

Read More: 20 Best Websites to Sell Stuff in Australia (The Ultimate Guide)

Australia’s Top 20 Online Marketplaces

Let's start with some of the biggest and most famous players on the list. We'll talk about who each platform is best for, what makes it special, and a quick tip to help you do well on it.

1. eBay Australia

eBay is still one of the most flexible and popular places to buy and sell things in Australia. It's a great place for both new and experienced sellers because it has millions of users and categories for everything from electronics to collectibles.

• Best For: Resellers, small businesses, bargain hunters.

• Unique Value: Global reach with strong local shipping support.

• Pro Tip: Use eBay Plus to increase visibility and access discounted shipping rates.

2. Amazon Australia

In the last five years, Amazon has become a lot more popular in Australia. Because it has a large catalogue and ships quickly, it's a good choice for brands that want to grow quickly.

• Best For: Established businesses ready for high-volume sales.

• Unique Value: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) makes logistics seamless.

• Pro Tip: Invest time in optimizing product descriptions for Amazon SEO to stand out from competitors.

3. Catch

Catch is an Australian-born website that is a lot like a discount warehouse, but online. It focuses on deals and discounts. It is especially popular for clothes, home goods, and everyday items.

• Best For: Sellers with competitively priced, high-demand products.

• Unique Value: Integrated marketing through Catch’s daily deals promotions.

• Pro Tip: Keep inventory updated — popular products sell out fast on Catch.

4. Etsy Australia

Etsy is a great place to sell things that are handmade, vintage, or related to crafts. People here value creativity and uniqueness more than things that are made in large quantities.

• Best For: Artists, crafters, small boutique brands.

• Unique Value: Niche community of buyers specifically looking for handmade or vintage items.

• Pro Tip: Tell the story behind your product — buyers on Etsy love a personal touch.

5. Gumtree

In Australia, Gumtree is the best place to buy and sell used things. It's great for quick, local deals where you don't have to worry about shipping.

• Best For: Individuals selling used goods, local businesses.

• Unique Value: Location-based listings that encourage in-person transactions.

• Pro Tip: Clear photos and honest descriptions build trust and reduce time-wasting inquiries.

6. MyDeal

MyDeal has found a niche in the home and lifestyle market. It's great for companies that sell furniture, home goods, and home improvement items.

• Best For: Furniture and home improvement sellers.

• Unique Value: Strong focus on home categories with national delivery options.

• Pro Tip: Offer bundle deals to increase average order value.

7. Booktopia

Booktopia is Australia's best online bookstore and a favourite among book lovers all over the country. It has thousands of books in every genre, making it great for authors and bookstores.

• Best For: Bookstores, authors, and educational publishers.

• Unique Value: Strong brand recognition in Australia with a loyal readership.

• Pro Tip: Optimize listings with detailed descriptions and ISBN numbers for better search visibility.

8. Carsales

Carsales is the best place in Australia to buy and sell cars. For car lovers, it's the best place to find everything from cars to motorcycles to boats.

• Best For: Car dealerships, private sellers, and collectors.

• Unique Value: Advanced search filters for make, model, and location.

• Pro Tip: High-quality photos and accurate specifications can make or break a sale.

9. Airtasker

Airtasker links people who need help with tasks to people who are skilled and ready to work. It's not so much about things you can touch as it is about services, like cleaning or putting together furniture.

• Best For: Freelancers, tradespeople, casual workers.

• Unique Value: Localised service listings with built-in payment protection.

• Pro Tip: Keep your profile polished and reviews positive to attract consistent work.

10. Upwork

One of the biggest freelance marketplaces in the world is Upwork, which connects Australian workers with clients all over the world. It's perfect for professional services like web design, development, and consulting.

• Best For: Freelancers in creative and technical industries.

• Unique Value: Global reach with secure payment handling.

• Pro Tip: Niche down your skills to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
  

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11. Fiverr

Fiverr is a website where you can find quick, small freelance jobs. It works like Upwork, but it only has jobs that are based on projects and have set prices.

• Best For: Creative professionals offering bite-sized services like logos or voiceovers.

• Unique Value: Transparent pricing structure and easy-to-navigate marketplace.

• Pro Tip: Create engaging gig descriptions with video introductions to build trust.

12. TradeSquare

TradeSquare is a B2B marketplace in Australia for people who buy and sell in bulk. It's great for stores that want to get their goods from nearby.

• Best For: Retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers.

• Unique Value: Bulk purchasing options with a local supplier focus.

• Pro Tip: Offer competitive wholesale discounts to attract repeat business clients.

13. Alibaba

Alibaba is a worldwide business, but it's very important for Australian businesses that want to buy a lot of things. It really helps to bring things in from Asia.

• Best For: Businesses looking for international suppliers.

• Unique Value: Vast selection of manufacturers with customizable product options.

• Pro Tip: Always request samples before placing large orders to ensure quality.

14. Kogan

Kogan is known for electronics, appliances, and home goods. With its established brand, it attracts deal-seeking Australians nationwide.

• Best For: Sellers in electronics and household products.

• Unique Value: National recognition and a strong logistics network.

• Pro Tip: Competitive pricing is key — Kogan shoppers expect discounts.

15. Temple & Webster

Temple & Webster is the best place in Australia to buy home furnishings and decor.  A lot of people who love interior design like it a lot.

• Best For: Furniture retailers, home décor brands.

• Unique Value: Focused niche audience with premium product appeal.

• Pro Tip: Use lifestyle photography to showcase products in real-world settings.

16. Depop

On Depop, Gen Z and millennials enjoy buying and selling secondhand clothing. It functions similarly to a social network and a store.

• Best For: Fashion resellers, upcycled clothing brands.

• Unique Value: Social features like following and liking listings.

• Pro Tip: Treat your Depop store like an Instagram profile to attract followers.

17. Redbubble

On Redbubble, designers and artists can sell their own creations, such as wall art, stickers, and t-shirts. Without having to manage their inventory, it's a fantastic way for artists to profit from their creations.

• Best For: Graphic designers, artists, and illustrators.

• Unique Value: Print-on-demand service with worldwide shipping.

• Pro Tip: Focus on trending themes and designs to ride seasonal demand.

18. OzBargain

OzBargain isn't a regular marketplace; it's a place where people can find deals and discounts. Sellers can post special deals to get the attention of bargain hunters.

• Best For: Businesses with flash sales or limited-time offers.

• Unique Value: Highly engaged community focused on savings.

• Pro Tip: Engage with users in comments to build trust and credibility.

19. Fishpond
    

    

Fishpond is a well-known online store that sells books, toys, and home goods. It has a loyal fan base and offers competitive shipping options around the world.

• Best For: Small to mid-sized retailers.

• Unique Value: Strong cross-border selling potential.

• Pro Tip: Use Fishpond’s inventory syncing tools to manage stock efficiently.

20. Hardtofind

Hardtofind is a store that sells one-of-a-kind, boutique items, like personalised gifts and handmade things. It's great for small businesses that want to be noticed.

• Best For: Artisans, boutique retailers, gift shops.

• Unique Value: Curated selection that appeals to premium shoppers.

• Pro Tip: Focus on storytelling in your product descriptions to connect with buyers emotionally.

How to Choose the Right Marketplace

How do you choose where to put your energy when there are so many options? Here's a simple plan:

• For casual sellers: Start with Gumtree or Depop — no upfront costs and easy to use.

• For serious businesses: Amazon AU or eBay for maximum reach and professional tools.

• For niche products: Etsy, Hardtofind, or Temple & Webster for targeted buyers.

• For services: Airtasker for local work, Upwork/Fiverr for online gigs.

• For wholesale sourcing: TradeSquare or Alibaba.

Trends to Watch in Australian Marketplaces

The world of online shopping is changing quickly. Watch out for these new trends:

• Social commerce: Platforms like Instagram Shops and TikTok Shop are integrating directly with e-commerce.

• Sustainability focus: Growth of eco-friendly marketplaces and second-hand platforms like Depop.

• Augmented Reality (AR): Virtual try-ons for furniture and fashion are becoming common.

• AI-driven experiences: Smarter search, personalisation, and fraud detection.

Choosing an Online Marketplace Is a Positioning Decision

Platforms Don’t Sell — Systems Do

Most sellers focus on where to list. High‑performing sellers focus on how the sale flows. Each marketplace is a system that shapes pricing pressure, buyer behaviour, and time‑to‑conversion.

Match the Platform to Buyer Readiness

Some marketplaces attract browsers, others attract buyers who are ready to act. High‑intent platforms reduce negotiation, refunds, and abandoned messages. Traffic volume matters less than buyer readiness.

Time‑to‑Sell Is a Hidden Cost

A “free” platform can still be expensive if listings sit idle. Longer selling cycles increase effort, relisting fatigue, and opportunity cost. Platforms optimised for faster decisions often outperform cheaper alternatives.

Control vs Convenience

Marketplaces trade control for reach. Owning your store gives branding power but demands traffic generation. Marketplaces simplify trust, payments, and logistics—but limit flexibility. The right choice depends on whether speed or ownership matters more right now.

The smartest question isn’t: “Which marketplace is best?”

It’s: “Which system moves this product with the least resistance?”

Conclusion

There are more online marketplaces in Australia than ever before, which is good news for both buyers and sellers. There's a platform that fits your needs, whether you're starting a small side business or growing a national brand. First, figure out what you want to do, then compare the fees and features of different platforms. Don't be afraid to try out a few different ones to see which one works best for you.

FAQs

1. What is the most popular online marketplace in Australia?

eBay and Amazon AU are the top two in terms of traffic and overall reach.

2. Which marketplace has the lowest fees for sellers?

Gumtree is free to list and sell locally, making it ideal for casual sellers.

3. How do I stay away from scams when I buy or sell things online?

Read reviews, use safe payment methods, and stay away from deals that seem too good to be true.

4. Are there places where you can buy only handmade things?

Yes, Etsy and Hardtofind are both sites that sell handmade and boutique items.

5. Is it possible for me to sell things from an Australian marketplace to people in other countries?

Yes, eBay, Etsy, and Redbubble are all places where you can sell things to people all over the world.