Does it make sense to build a Marketplace today?
There are thousands of free niches in most countries you can fit/fill. You can build a local community and make a local business. It doesn't require you to compete with Amazon or Etsy, etc. Start with the local market, you know it more, and you know people in your local area more.
Do we have the best option?
The simple answer is no. If you want to build a marketplace today, there are several options available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. A marketplace builder can help you launch your business quickly and affordably, and offer a smooth user experience. You can also use generic websites or eCommerce builders for some of these benefits.
Here are the 15 most popular alternatives I have found and checked
- WordPress (with multi-vendor themes and plugins, like WooCommerce)
- Shopify (with a multi-vendor app or marketplace template)
- Magento (with a multi-vendor extension)
- Marketsy by Fleexy team
- Mirakl
- CS-Cart
- Shuup
- Marketplacer
- Near Me
- Izberg
- Arcadier
- Yelo
- Sharetribe
- My Marketplace Builder
- Kreezalid
So many, why do we need them all?
WordPress, Shopify, and Magento platforms are more affordable than dedicated marketplace builders but require technical skills for customization and have some limitations in scalability and customizability.
Marketplace builders like Mirakl, CS-Cart, and Shuup offer highly customizable solutions for established businesses, but launching a platform takes longer, and the pricing level might not suit startups or small businesses.
Kreezalid is a SaaS platform that helps businesses create their own marketplace, without the hassle of coding
Marketplacer and Near Me provide full-stack marketplace solutions with advanced features but lack a free trial, and their pricing level is higher than other alternatives.
Izberg is a modular marketplace solution, and it is suitable for established online stores. Yelo's offering is very similar to Sharetribe Go, with slight differences in customer experience and customer service.
Arcadier and Sharetribe are similar to each other: no-code marketplace builder and an API with the enterprise plan. You can try the tools for free, and reading through reviews from sites like Capterra can help you make an informed decision.
Marketsy is a new player in the market. The approach is simple: it combines the flexibility of a quick start with infinite customisation as Sharetribe does. Marketsy has a single unique thing: infinite customisation and long-term support. Fleexy team is focused on building a huge foundation of blocks, which could be used to extend the solution in any way later. It’s not just a marketplace, you can easily different modules later you develop yourself available from the Fleexy team foundation.
A quick guide on how to pick the right option
If you are a first-time founder, a no-code alternative like Sharetribe Go or Arcadier might be the best fit. However, if you need more advanced features or customization options, a dedicated solution like Sharetribe Flex, Mirakl, or CS-Cart might be a better choice. Marketsy on other end could be a good option for both: fresh start and scale, it's just a matter of subscription cost.
Shopify and Magento are excellent options if you already have an eCommerce store and want to add a marketplace to it. WordPress is also a popular option, but it requires technical skills to customize.
It also depends on the type of marketplace you pick, if you go for a service marketplace number of options is much more smaller, you still can go for Sharetribe Flex and Marketsy
Overall, take the time to research and compare the different alternatives to find the right fit for your marketplace idea, budget, and available time.
What else should I consider?
It's worth mentioning that each alternative offers different pricing models, features, and customization options. For example, some of them charge a one-time fee, while others require a monthly or yearly subscription. Some offer multi-vendor features focused on products, while others offer features for services and events.
Another important consideration is the level of support and resources available. Some alternatives have a wide developer community, while others offer 24/7 customer support and detailed knowledge bases. Choose an alternative that offers support and resources that match your skills and requirements.
Finally, before choosing an alternative, consider the long-term picture. As your marketplace grows, you might need more advanced features, scalability, and customization options. Therefore, it's crucial to choose an alternative that can grow with your business and meet your future needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a marketplace today is easier than ever with the range of alternatives available. Take the time to research each option and choose the best one that fits your marketplace idea, budget, and technical skills.
