However, Amazon and eBay are two sites that have been around longer than the rest. You might wish to consider selling on one or the other, as they are the oldest online marketplaces (and the #1 and #3 top-performing e-commerce sites, respectively). But how do you know which one will be more beneficial to you? There are compelling justifications for both, so we’re going over the distinctions between the two marketplaces to see which one is the best fit for your company. You should be aware of Selling on eBay or Amazon, which is better.
Do customers have faith in Amazon or eBay?
Both Amazon and eBay are well-known, having been active since the mid-1990s. Amazon began operations in July 1994 under the name Cadabra (it changed its trade name to Amazon in 1995), and eBay followed suit in September 1995. However, when it comes to consumer trust, Amazon tends to outperform its competitors. Amazon places such a premium on establishing and keeping consumer trust that it’s written into the company’s vision, mission, and values. And it appears that the focus is paying off. According to a recent Jungle Scout poll, 73 percent of Americans believe Amazon is a good company for purchasers.
Another reason Amazon is so popular among online customers is the simplicity they may return items. Their A-Z Guarantee promises that customers will get a complete refund if they are unhappy with the quality of their product or the time it takes to arrive. EBay’s procedure is even more convoluted when it comes to returning things and securing full refunds. Furthermore, sellers can check the ‘No Returns’ option on eBay, leaving purchasers with no recourse if they are dissatisfied with the product. You could think that’s a smart idea as a seller.
By putting ‘No Returns’ on your listing, you’re telling potential purchasers they shouldn’t trust what you’re offering. And, as a customer, what kinds of businesses do you patronize? Those who stick with you once you buy something, or those who take your money and run? As a result, by offering post-purchase support, Amazon builds brand loyalty and gives purchasers the confidence they need to take a chance on a product they might not otherwise buy. As a seller on their marketplace, you benefit from that trust.
Amazon’s fulfillment procedures vs. eBay’s
When it comes to fulfillment on eBay, you have one option: pack and ship orders yourself (or hire a third-party fulfillment center to help you). On the other hand, Amazon gives you the choice of fulfilling orders yourself (Fulfillment by Merchant; FBM) or having Amazon do it for you (Fulfillment by Amazon; FBA). And it’s the second choice, Amazon FBA, which truly distinguishes Amazon.
Amazon offers to take a substantial chunk of the labor off your hands, but eBay expects merchants to operate every area of their business themselves.
Amazon gives you time to focus on other aspects of your business by storing, choosing, packing, and shipping your things for you (and don’t forget, they also manage returns and refunds!). Amazon FBA can also save you money in addition to saving you time. Yes, the fees are more significant when you use Amazon’s FBA program to fulfill your purchases. However, when you factor in storing, packaging, and shipping your products, the cost difference becomes substantially smaller.
