Selling Online For Free: Top 17 Platforms To Get Started Instantly

Many new merchants ask the same question: Can I start selling online for free? The answer is yes, but with important caveats. You can start without upfront costs using different platforms, but you should be aware of the limitations and hidden fees that could impact your long-term growth.

So, what is the best way to sell online? By comparing 17 platforms that allow for selling items for free, you can find the best fit for your industry, demands, and market (US, UK, AUD, or Europe). This guide breaks down their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision and recommends excellent alternatives to these options to minimize further hidden expenses. 

Right now, let’s get into it!     

Is there a free way to sell things online?

Yes, absolutely. The internet is a vast marketplace, and countless opportunities exist to start a business with minimal or no initial financial outlay. Selling online for free is a game-changer for anyone looking to test an idea or simply explore eCommerce without a significant investment.

Below are the four most widely used methods that you should consider for your business plan: 

• General marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Instagram, etc.) 

• Classified sites (Gumtree, Craigslist, Shpock, OfferUp, etc.)

• Niche & International platforms (Ruby Lane, Olio, eBluejay, etc.)

• Peer-to-peer platforms (Depop, Preloved, Poshmark, etc.) 

Reseller websites, like Decluttr, used to be powerful platforms that allowed you to send them your own items. Then, they handled the sale and offered quick payouts with strict guidelines. However, they are no longer a go-to choice as the rise of individual reseller services is known as the more convenient, accessible approach. That’s also why Decluttr is permanently closed now. 

Although the names listed above are technically free to join, there are hidden aspects to look at: 

• Transaction or commission fees on each sale.

• Costs for custom domains or branding.

• Feature limitations and product caps.

• Paid upgrades to unlock advanced tools.

• Shipping and payment processing charges.

• Platform dependency, where your business is tied to their rules. 

Learn more: Building an eCommerce Website from Scratch - a Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Which Is The Best Alternative to Selling Online for Free?

Starting an eCommerce business with no money might be appealing; however, it apparently involves significant trade-offs in terms of costs, control, branding, support, and scalability. This is where dedicated, affordable eCommerce platforms like Shopify stand out as strong alternatives. 

If so, what makes these solutions different, and how do they benefit you compared to selling online for free? The next section breaks everything down with a side-by-side comparison table.  

A comparison table between free vs. paid platforms

Best eCommerce platforms for starting to sell online

If you’re serious about building a long-term business, selling online for free often falls short. However, eCommerce platforms also come up with a range of options and might confuse you. Understand that we list out the three main types of platforms that can align well with beginners:  

eCommerce platforms with free trial plans

These solutions let you test the waters with a free trial before committing. They are truly ideal if you want to explore features, build your store, and see how the platform fits your specific needs.

• Shopify offers a 3-day free trial plus $1 per month for the first 3 months. It is also known as the most popular because it is easy to use, has robust integrations, and is scalable. 

• BigCommerce allows for a 15-day free trial, which is an excellent option for businesses aiming to grow quickly with multi-channel selling or control larger operational workflows. 

• Squarespace provides a 14-day free trial to discover its potential. It is a favorite for creatives, artists, and small businesses that prioritize a beautiful and simple storefront.

• Wix is free to start building, with premium trials available. It is a beginner-friendly drag-and-drop builder for designing a new storefront, but it is not truly suitable for selling. 

Examples of eCommerce platforms with free trial plans for online sellers

eCommerce platforms with free-forever plans (but limited features)

These platforms support selling online for free forever, but with some limitations on features, products, or transactions. They're ideal for a very small-scale brand or for testing a product idea.

• Square Online is suited for businesses already using Square's POS system. It offers a free plan with a simple online store, but with Square branding and transaction fees.

• Ecwid is designed to add a store to an existing website or social media page. Its free plan lets you list up to 10 items, making it a simple way to sell items online for free.

• Big Cartel is a platform created specifically for artists and makers. It lets you sell up to 5 products with limited customization, but it has a dedicated community and aesthetic.

Examples of eCommerce platforms for free-forever plans

eCommerce platforms with free downloads 

Another option is open-source platforms, which are free to download but require a lot of effort, time, and even cost for hosting, setup, and maintenance. These are flexible but more technical.

• WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that turns your website into an online store. However, you'll need to pay for web hosting, a domain name, and plugins and themes.

• nopCommerce is a powerful, open-source platform for Windows-based servers. It’s ideal for developers who need complete control over their code and server environment.

• OpenCart is a free, open-source shopping cart system. It's lightweight and easy to install, but you will need to pay for hosting and extensions to get a fully functional store.

Examples of eCommerce platforms with free downloads (open-source platforms)

Learn more: 

• Magento vs. Shopify vs. Woocommerce vs. Bigcommerce

• Shopify vs BigCommerce: Which Is The Better Platform?

• Shopify vs WooCommerce: Which One Is Better For Your Business? 

Why is Shopify a trusted option for many eCommerce sellers?

Shopify remains the most trusted eCommerce platform, powering more than 6 million active websites globally. It’s not only for small brands, but established ones like Gymshark, Best Buy, and Mercedes also rely on Shopify to manage their online presence and scale internationally.

Here is a shortlist of reasons to explain why many sellers choose Shopify as their go-to solution:     

• Ease of use: Anyone can build a high-converting Shopify store without coding.

• Scalability: From one product to thousands, Shopify grows with your business.

• Transaction costs: Low rates and even free when using Shopify Payments. 

• App ecosystem: 8,000+ apps for page building, marketing, fulfillment, analytics, etc.

• Professional templates: High-converting designs optimized for mobile and SEO.

• Multi-channel selling: Integrates with Meta, Amazon, and other platforms.

• Global support: 24/7 assistance and a large community of experts. 

• New updates: Summer Edition for Horizon themes, Shopify Sidekick, and more. 

• Affordable pricing plans: A low-cost entry ($1 for the first 3 months and a 3-day trial). 

Learn more: Shopify Marketplace - How to Create a Marketplace on Shopify

Top 17 Platforms/Websites to Sell Items Online for Free

1. Facebook Marketplace

Best for: Local sales of varied goods, from furniture and electronics to clothing and collectibles.

The first name on our list today for selling online for free is Facebook Marketplace. It has become a dominant force in local commerce, offering a simple way to connect with customers in your area. As part of the Facebook ecosystem, it benefits a lot from a ready-to-reach user base.

Sellers easily connect with local buyers on Facebook Marketplace

Pros

• No listing fees and integration with your Facebook Account. 

• Huge local audience and instant reach to potential buyers.

• Simple and fast listing process.

• Allows direct communication with buyers via Messenger.

Cons

• Lack of seller protection for fraudulent buyers or scams.

• No secure payment processing and built-in shipping facility

• Many buyers frequently do not show up or change their minds.

• A 5% fee for items over $8/ or $0.40 for items under $8, with the Marketplace Checkout. 

• Users always prefer in-person transactions to save fees. 

Learn more: How to Start Facebook Dropshipping + Requirements

2. Depop

Best for: Vintage and second-hand fashion, unique clothing, and accessories, targeting Gen Z.

Depop has exploded in popularity among younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who value sustainable fashion and resale culture. Additionally, often described as a mix between Instagram and eBay, this marketplace emphasizes visuals and community interaction.

Depop is an excellent option for selling online for free with vintage clothes for Gen Z

Sellers can create branded profiles, upload styled photos, curate a digital storefront, and build followings that feel more like a social media feed. This makes it one of the most vibrant spaces for selling items online for free, particularly if you are in fashion, streetwear, or vintage niches.  

Pros

• Strong community and a very specific, engaged audience.

• User-friendly interface and integrated payment system.

• You can build a personal brand and interact directly with followers.

Cons

• High competition in popular categories.

• The platform charges a 10% fee on sales.

• Buyers can have high expectations, and scams or refund disputes are a concern.

3. Craigslit

Best for: Hyper-local sales of goods, from cars and apartments to furniture and services.

Craigslist is a classic classifieds site with a no-frills, text-based interface. It has a reputation for being a great place to sell online for bulky or high-ticket items that are too expensive to ship. The platform's anonymity and lack of fees make it attractive to many, but it also comes with a higher risk of scams and safety problems. It runs entirely on trust between the buyer and seller.

People sell bulky items and local services for free on Craigslist

Pros

• No fees or commissions, making it completely free to use.

• Ideal for local transactions of large items.

• Allows for anonymity and direct communication.

Cons

• Outdated interface and lack of modern eCommerce features.

• No verification process, resulting in potential scams. 

• Always relies on direct communications between sellers and buyers. 

• No built-in payment or shipping tools.

4. eCRATER

Best for: Hobby sellers looking for a non-teach platform to sell online for free with a storefront.

eCRATER is a marketplace that allows sellers to set up their own online store and list products without paying commissions or listing fees. It's ideal for those who want a bit more control than a classifieds site but don't want to invest in a full-fledged eCommerce platform. While the user base is smaller than that of giants like eBay, it can be a good starting point for a small business.

Hobby sellers easily create a free storefront on their own on eCRATER.

Pros

• No listing fees or final value fees. 

• Allows for the creation of a mini-storefront.

• Simple to set up and get started.

• Provides a dual option: selling online for free within the marketplace or via a single store. 

Cons

• Lower traffic and brand recognition compared to larger marketplaces.

• The design can look a bit dated and basic.

• Lack of advanced marketing and analytics tools.

5. Preloved

Best for: Selling items for free in 4 key categories (furniture, vehicles, homeware, and animals). 

While Preloved is a popular classifieds site in the UK, it is accessible from outside the UK. Notably, this platform offers an optional membership that allows buyers to get early access to newly posted adverts, giving you a chance to be the first to contact sellers. This feature also benefits sellers, as it increases the visibility of their ads to a broader audience for boosted sales.

 

Users can find free classifieds for home and garden items in the UK on Preloved

Pros

• No limit on the number of items you can list.

• Offers free classified ads to capture buyers’ attention. 

• Strong, loyal user base in the UK, with a community-driven focus.

Cons

• Requires membership registrations (£6/year - £45/month) for advanced setups. 

• No built-in payment processing or seller protection. 

• Slow loading page speed. 

6. Chairish

Best for: Selling high-end vintage furniture, art, and home decor to designers and enthusiasts.

Chairish is a curated platform catering to upscale buyers looking for art, furniture, and home decor. Sellers can list for free, but Chairish reviews and approves all items before publishing, ensuring quality. This makes it attractive for niche sellers targeting design-conscious customers.

Designers and enthusiasts find curated home decor on Chairish

Pros

• Curated marketplace for a targeted, affluent audience.

• Handles shipping and payment logistics.

• Professional service and customer support.

Cons

• High commission fees (0%-40% depending on the value and seller plan).

• The listing approval process is selective.

• Not suitable for low-value items.

7. OfferUp (US)

Best for: Local, in-person sales in the US with a secure, mobile-first experience. 

OfferUp is one of the leading US marketplaces for selling online for free through local meet-ups. The app makes listing quick, connects you with nearby shoppers, and offers safety features, such as verified profiles, ratings, and clear communication (Community MeetUp Spots). The platform allows for listing many items, from electronics to furniture, making it a versatile option. 

Local buyers and sellers make secure transactions on OfferUp

Pros

• Provides verified user profiles and ratings to build trust and increase safety.

• Offers an intuitive mobile app for managing listings and communicating with buyers.

• Sellers can keep 100% of their profits when a sale is completed via a local meet-up.

Cons

• Shipping is only available for some items and comes with a transaction fee.

• Haggling is common, which may reduce your final selling price.

• Only accessible from the US regions and states. 

• 12.9% fee (min. $1.99) for shipped items.

8. Poshmark

Best for: Fashion enthusiasts and resellers with a focus on a community-driven experience. 

Poshmark is a social-driven marketplace where sellers showcase products in virtual “closets” and connect with a style-conscious community. The platform emphasizes mutual interaction, allowing sellers to grow visibility via engagement while handling shipping with pre-paid labels.

Fashion enthusiasts sell their closets in a social marketplace on Poshmark.

Pros

• Free to list items, risk-free to start.

• Social features boost listing visibility.

• Simplified shipping with pre-paid labels.

• Works for fast fashion, luxury, and vintage.

Cons

• 20% commission on sales of $15+, cutting into profits.

• Success often depends on active engagement and promotion.

9. SHPOCK

Best for: Selling online for free for a range of local items, especially in the UK and Germany

SHPOCK (short for "SHop in your POCKet") is a mobile-first classifieds app that focuses on local buying and selling. It's known for its user-friendly interface and a large community. It also offers paid "boosts" to increase visibility, which is effective for these free platforms to monetize. It's reachable, and you can install it from the Shopify App Store, Apple Store, and Google Play.

Europeans (the UK and Germany) list items for sale quickly with the Shpock app

Pros

• Free to list items. 

• Very easy and fast to list an item from your phone.

• Suitable for local, in-person transactions.

• Enables a broader audience for fashion and electronics. 

Cons

• Smaller reach outside Europe.

• Paid upgrades required for top visibility.

• Not designed for scalable eCommerce.

10. Gumtree

Best for: Second-hand goods, cars, property, and even services (e.g., property) in the UK. 

Gumtree began as a community site for expats from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa living in the UK. Today, it has evolved into the country’s #1 classifieds platform, attracting millions of users each month. Sellers can sell items online for free, from furniture and electronics to vehicles and local services, as well as use targeted ads to reach nearby shoppers effectively. 

Gumtree has a massive, active community, making it easier to sell online for free

Pros

• Huge audience with 600K+ daily active users.

• Free and simple to post ads in multiple categories.

• Strong presence in cars, jobs, and property listings.

Cons

• High competition means your ads may get buried quickly.

• Premium features (ad boosts, visibility upgrades) cost extra.

• Local scams and spam can be an issue without careful screening.

11. ThredUp

Best for: Second-hand women's and children's clothing with a completely hands-off approach. 

ThredUp is an online consignment and thrift store. To sell on the platform, you request a "Clean Out Kit," fill it with your unwanted clothes, and send it to them. They then sort, price, and sell your items for you. This is ideal to sell online without the hassle of listing and shipping yourself. However, they are very selective and take a large commission, with a smaller payout for sellers.

Many users sell second-hand clothes with a hands-off approach on ThredUp

Pros

• Completely hands-off process for the seller.

• No listing fees.

• You don't need to take photos, write descriptions, or ship items individually.

Cons

• Payouts are very low compared to other platforms.

• ThredUp only accepts certain brands and items.

• No guarantee that listed items will sell; need to pass the 12-point inspection. 

• You lose all control over pricing and how your items are presented.

12. Mercari

Best for: A wide variety of goods with a simple listing process and a broad audience. 

Mercari is a user-friendly marketplace with a low commission fee on successful sales, making it a top-of-mind option for selling online for free. It features a straightforward listing process. Merchants can offer free shipping to attract buyers, and then Mercari provides shipping labels. 

Mercari stands out with a user-friendly, smooth interface to list products for free

Pros

• Free to list, making it easy and low-risk to start selling online.

• Built-in shipping support with discounted labels simplifies order fulfillment.

• Large, active user base helps sellers reach more buyers quickly.
  Buyer and seller protection features create safer transactions.

Cons

• Charges a 10% fee on each completed sale. 

• Mostly focused on the U.S. market, limiting global reach.

• Shipping is required for most sales, which may not suit local, in-person sellers.

14. Nextdoor

Best for: Connecting with your direct neighbors to sell items online for free. 

Nextdoor is a community-focused social network that has a built-in "For Sale & Free" section. It's designed for transactions within your immediate neighborhood, making it perfect for items that are too large or awkward to ship. The community-centric approach, localized ads, and business-specific pages make it feel a bit safer and more effective than other classified sites. 

Neighbors effortlessly sell and give away items on Nextdoor

Pros

• Selling online for free with a trusted community of neighbors.

• Works well for bulky, hard-to-ship items. 

• Help build stronger local engagement with business-specific pages and regional ads. 

Cons

• Not ideal for global reach.

• Not suitable for selling in high volume. 

15. Reverb

Best for: Musicians, including new, used, and vintage musical instruments and gear. 

Reverb is a niche marketplace for all things music. It's a go-to for musicians to buy and sell guitars, drums, pedals, and other gear. While it's not entirely free (with a 5% selling fee), its audience is highly targeted and knowledgeable, which leads to higher prices for specific items. The platform provides a level of trust and authentication that is crucial for musical equipment.

Reverb is ideal for listing musician items for free and selling at high prices

Pros

• A highly engaged and targeted audience.

• The platform provides tools for authenticating gear.

• Seller protection is provided.

Cons

• It's a niche market, so it's not suitable for other products.

• The platform charges a 5% selling fee.

• Competition can be high for popular items.

16. Varage Sale

Best for: Local sellers who value safety and community-driven transactions

VarageSale is a reliable platform for selling online for free, built around trust and security. Before joining, every user must be verified by local community admins, which helps minimize scams. The app combines the feel of a neighborhood garage sale with the convenience of digital listings, making it especially appealing for families, parents, and community-focused sellers.

The VarageSale app connects local sellers with verified buyers

Pros

• Strong focus on safety with verified profiles and community moderators.

• Free to use with no listing or selling fees.

• Simple, user-friendly app for quick posting and browsing.

• Encourages community connections that can lead to repeat buyers.

Cons

• Limited reach, as it’s only effective within local communities.

• Smaller user base compared to larger marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace.

• Lacks advanced marketing or promotional tools for sellers.

17. Swappa

Best for: Tech-savvy individuals looking to sell gently used, fully functional electronics. 

Swappa is a trusted marketplace dedicated to second-hand electronics, like phones, laptops, gaming consoles, and smartwatches. It requires strict product verification before approving listings, ensuring buyers get working, high-quality devices. The significant advantage is cost: there are no listing fees, and the modest transaction fee is paid by the buyer, not the merchants. This makes it a more profitable option compared to marketplace platforms like eBay or Amazon.

Tech-savvy individuals sell used electronics on Swappa

Pros

• No listing fees, with buyers covering the platform’s transaction costs.

• Strict product checks improve buyer trust and minimize scams.

• Quick payouts through PayPal for fast access to earnings.

• Simple, user-friendly interface for creating listings. 

Cons

• Limited to the U.S., restricting international reach.

• Only accepts fully functional devices, excluding items with minor defects.

• Buyer-paid fees may make listings appear more expensive.

How To Maximize Sales and Conversions When Selling Online

Whether you're starting to sell online for free or have already made the leap to a professional platform, there are key strategies you can use to convert well. These practices go beyond listing a product (name and photos); they are about creating a robust and trustworthy online presence.

1. Choose a proper platform

First and foremost, you need to choose the right platform for your selling needs and products. This choice will determine your target audience, your tools, your finances, and your growth. Summarily, we will come up with the three standard options that you can consider to work with:  

1. Completely free marketplaces, especially for in-person sales. 

2. Websites don’t require listing fees but charge transaction/ comission fees

3. Paid eCommerce platform with proper plans, with extensive functions 

Learn more: 10 Trending Shopify Product Ideas for 2025: Find Your Next Best-Seller

2. Build a well-structured, engaging online store

Your online store is your digital storefront. It needs to be trustworthy and easy to navigate. While most eCommerce options like Shopify have a built-in editor, getting support from top-rated third-party apps like GemPages for Shopify, for example, can help make a significant difference.

GemPages is known as the #1 Shopify landing page builder, where you can drag-and-drop, customize product pages, and create a high-converting presence with 200+ CRO templates. Additionally, this builder enables the AI-powered Image-to-Layout feature, which lets everyone easily create a page layout from a single image or a reference URL, saving you time and effort.

Gempages Tutorial (How To Use GemPages For Beginners 2025)

To maximize performance, you can integrate GemX, an A/B testing solution built for Shopify, and experiment with different versions of your pages. This helps you refine layouts, messaging, and CTAs based on real user behavior, ensuring your store looks great and converts effectively.

Learn more: Top 14 Shopify A/B Testing Apps To Boost Your Sales Performance

3. Clarify the platform rules 

Every platform has its own set of rules and guidelines. Before you start selling online for free, make sure you understand what you can and cannot sell. First and foremost, let’s familiarize ourselves with the platform’s policies on returns, refunds, and prohibited items. This will prevent your listings from being removed and help you build a positive reputation as a reliable merchant.

4. Have full updates on your products

An accurate and detailed product listing is essential for conversions. This includes high-quality photos, a clear, concise description, and accurate information on condition, size, and features. Don’t hesitate to use multiple images and even videos to showcase your product from all angles. The more information you provide, the more confident a buyer will be in their purchase.

Conclusion

The journey of selling online for free is an excellent starting point for any aspiring entrepreneur. It allows you to test ideas, validate products, and learn the basics of eCommerce without the pressure of a significant financial investment. However, to build a truly scalable and sustainable business, transitioning products to a professional platform like Shopify is the natural next step. 

If you want to grow your business for a long time, moving from a free platform to a paid solution isn't a cost; it's an investment in your buyer’s shopping experience, your brand, and your future. Visit GemPages blogs today to learn more about how to succeed with eCommerce businesses!

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