If you sell products online from Brooklyn, you have probably wondered whether to list on eBay, Walmart, Amazon or Etsy, or all of them. There is no single right answer, because each marketplace suits different products and different sellers. Here is a practical way to think about it, based on over 14 years of ecommerce and online visibility experience.
Start with what you sell
Etsy is built around handmade items, vintage goods and craft supplies, so it suits makers. eBay is strong for used, collectible, surplus and hard-to-find items as well as new products. Amazon and Walmart are large general marketplaces where buyers often compare identical products, so price, delivery speed and accurate product data matter most.
Consider how you ship
Every marketplace expects orders to be packed and delivered reliably. If you ship from a home, studio or small warehouse in Brooklyn, check the shipping time and carrier tracking each marketplace requires before you commit. Late shipments and cancelled orders can hurt a seller account on any platform.
Know the costs before you list
Each marketplace charges its own fees, which can include listing fees, a percentage of each sale, payment processing and shipping label costs. Work out your margin after all of those before you decide a product is worth listing. Our team can help you review this before setup.
Write listings for search
Marketplace shoppers use the search box first. A clear title that names the product, key details such as size, color or material, and an honest description helps your listing appear for the right searches. Good photos on a plain background help buyers trust what they see. The same care that goes into local SEO applies here: say clearly what you offer and who it is for.
Do not forget your own store
Marketplaces can change fees and rules, and the customers are theirs. A store of your own, built with WooCommerce or Shopify, lets you keep your brand, prices and customer list. Many sellers use marketplaces to be discovered and their own site to bring buyers back.
Where to begin
Pick one marketplace, list a small number of your best products carefully, and watch the results for a few weeks before expanding. If you would like help choosing and setting up, see our eBay, Walmart, Amazon and Etsy seller setup service, check our pricing or ask for a free marketplace review. Brooklyn sellers in any of our neighborhoods are welcome.
We help Brooklyn and NYC sellers set up and grow on these marketplaces. Learn more about our ecommerce services in NYC.