Selling online has never been more accessible, but the number of options can be overwhelming. The right platform depends on your catalogue, your margins and how much control you want over the customer experience.
Marketplaces
Selling on large marketplaces gives instant access to buyers, but you pay commissions on every order, compete on price next to rivals and do not own the customer relationship.
Hosted store builders
Hosted platforms get you online quickly with monthly subscriptions. They are a good start, but costs rise with apps and transaction fees, and deep customisation can be limited.
Custom e-commerce stores
A custom store costs more upfront but gives you complete control over design, checkout, integrations and data — with no per-order platform fees. It shines when you have specific workflows such as B2B pricing, custom product builders or complex shipping rules.
Questions to ask before choosing
- How many products and variants will you sell?
- Which payment methods do your customers prefer?
- Do you need integrations with inventory, accounting or logistics tools?
- How important is owning your customer data and brand experience?
Many businesses start on a marketplace, validate demand and then invest in their own store to improve margins and customer loyalty. Whatever you choose, prioritise fast pages, a simple checkout and trustworthy payment options.
