Online Marketplaces

Where Should You Sell? A Real Talk Guide to Online Marketplaces

Selling online sounds easy until you start googling platforms and end up 4 tabs deep in Etsy vs Shopify vs some new Kiwi site you’ve never heard of. It’s a lot. So let’s break it down some of the key players.

This isn’t a deep tech comparison. It’s a real-world look at your options so you can figure out where your product fits (and avoid wasting time or money).

1. Etsy

Perfect if your product has international appeal and you're prepared for a bit of competition. Etsy is huge, but so is the noise. It’s great for handmade, vintage, and niche products with global potential.

Visit Etsy

Pros: Massive reach, built-in search traffic, trusted platform.
Cons: Fees add up fast. You’re one of thousands. Standing out takes work.

2. Felt (NZ)

New Zealand’s own handmade marketplace. Smaller audience than Etsy, but very aligned with Kiwi buyers looking for thoughtful, local goods.

Visit Felt

Pros: NZ-owned, supports handmade, low-key community feel.
Cons: Smaller reach, less customisation, more passive platform.

3. Shopify

The go-to if you want full control. Great for growing your brand long-term. You'll need to set everything up yourself, but you’ll look legit.

Visit Shopify

Pros: Customisable, scaleable, solid e-commerce backend.
Cons: Monthly cost, steeper learning curve, you’ll need to drive your own traffic.

4. Chooice (NZ)

Started as a Facebook group and now has its own selling site. Good for testing a product with a local audience or hopping into a trending moment.

Visit Chooice

Pros: Kiwi platform, community roots, great if you’re new.
Cons: Lower visibility if you don’t hustle. Platform can feel a bit clunky.

5. Instagram + DM Sales

Yes, this does still work. Especially if you have a small, loyal following. But keep in mind that managing orders through DMs can get messy fast.

Pros: No fees, direct connection with customers, casual and personal.
Cons: No tracking, no structure, a bit chaotic if things grow.

So where should you sell?

Honestly, it depends on your product, your goals, your budget and how much time you want to spend on the backend. Some brands do best with one strong platform. Others use a mix. Test and tweak as you go.

And don’t forget; where you sell is only part of it. How you show up, tell your story, and connect with people? That’s the real magic.