Online marketplace
What is an online marketplace?
An online marketplace is a digital platform where multiple sellers list products or services for customers to buy.
The marketplace owner doesn’t sell their own products-instead, they connect buyers and third-party sellers in one place.
Think of platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay. These are classic examples of online marketplaces.
How Does an Online Marketplace Work?
Here’s how it works:
- Sellers list their items or services
- Buyers browse and purchase from any seller
- The platform handles payments, orders, and sometimes even shipping
- The owner earns a fee or commission from each sale
The marketplace platform acts like a digital mall-many stores under one roof.
How to Create an Online Marketplace
Want to build your own marketplace? Here’s a simple path:
- Choose a platform - Shopify, WooCommerce, or a custom build
- Build a minimum viable product (MVP) - Start with just the core features
- Design user flows - Make it easy for buyers and sellers to use
- Add payment tools - Enable secure checkout
- Launch and iterate - Improve based on user feedback
Want a store without managing inventory? Read how to start an online store without inventory.
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