Are you in search of the best online flea market? As a result of the pandemic and a few other factors, online flea markets are becoming more and more popular and may just become the norm.
Whether you’re looking for a vintage watch, a china set, or even rare coins, an online flea market may be your best option to find a great deal.
Most online flea markets also have an app, which makes finding what you’re looking for and purchasing it super convenient, saving you tons of time.
But which online flea market is the best? Which ones are the most safe and secure? Which one has the best deals? Are they all legit?
If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll cover the 20 best online flea markets that are worth checking out.
We’ll discuss important details of each market, what makes them stand out, the best items to buy from each one, and much more.
Is There Such Thing as an Online Flea Market?
Yes, there are online flea markets like vFlea and Fleabay, just to name a few. Believe it or not, even industry giants like Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist can be classified as online flea markets, as they operate like most online flea markets do.
Similar to physical flea markets, online flea markets allow vendors to connect with buyers to sell previously-owned merchandise for just a fraction of the original price. They also make it super quick and easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Best Online Flea Markets
Now that you have a better understanding of online flea markets, here is a list of the 20 best. They’re all great options for both buyers and sellers.
With that said, some are better for buying and selling items like jewelry, while others are better for things like furniture, which we will discuss.
1. eBay
When discussing online flea markets, there’s no way to avoid mentioning eBay and it deserves a top spot on our list. Founded more than 20 years ago, it’s still one of the most well-known and popular online flea markets.
According to Oberlo, eBay has more than 187 million users and in 2019 there were more than 1.7 billion items listed for sale.
Although it describes itself as an online auction platform, it functions like most other online flea markets. Across its massive range of items listed, it offers both ‘buy it now’ (no bid required) and auctions.
As a buyer, you can find great deals on antiques, jewelry, art, clothing, toys, and much more. It also provides buyer protection, giving you the comfort to purchasing an item knowing you will receive a refund if it doesn’t fit its listing.
It’s also a great option for sellers. According to ZipRecruiter, the average eBay seller makes more than $34,000 per year. However, it does charge some fees, so make sure to watch out for those.
2. Amazon
Starting out in 1994 with humble beginnings as an online book store, Amazon has grown into a massive multinational company and the largest online flea market you will find.
On Amazon, you can practically buy and sell almost any commercial product you can think of from small and big vendors all across the globe. From clothes, electronics, books, toys, furniture, home goods, music, audiobooks, and everything in between.
What sets Amazon apart from the rest is simply its sheer size. With such massive competition, there are always great deals, discounted shipping offers, and much more.
However, because of this competition, it can be quite difficult to become a successful seller on Amazon.
3. vFlea
Do you miss the experience of digging through junk to find that hidden gem at a physical flea market? vFlea may just be the online flea market that’s closest to the real thing.
Established in 2015, vFlea is a virtual flea market where people can buy, sell, and even trade.
The marketplace has a massive selection of items, making it a great option to find antique, vintage, and even the most rare of items.
Payments are sent over PayPal, helping sellers and buyers keep their money safe and secure.
4. Mercari
Established in Japan in 2013, Mercari is a marketplace app to buy and sell items easier than ever that quickly spread to the United States and then the UK.
Providing a user-friendly experience, it’s super easy to sell stuff. All you have to do is take a few pictures of your item with your phone, write a short description, and then set a price.
Once your item is sold, Mercari will charge you a flat fee of only 10%, meaning there are no listing fees. Mercari will also provide you with a shipping label to print. Once the buyer receives your item, you will get paid within 3 days.
On the other hand, as a buyer on Mercari, not only is searching the app super simple, it’s also a lot of fun. While browsing the categories of items for sale, you can simply click the “buy” button if you would like to purchase something.
If you’re interested in negotiating, you can contact the seller directly and make a lower offer.
5. Facebook
Although Facebook may not come to mind when you think of online marketplaces, it’s far more than just a site to keep up with your friends. Facebook Marketplace is a very under-utilized source of awesome bargains.
On this marketplace, buyers and sellers have the opportunity to reach a massive audience and find a wide range of items. Because it focuses on local selling, you also won’t have to worry about shipping fees.
You can also find Facebook flea market pages by doing a simple search on their homepage and joining any you’re interested in.
6. Fleabay(.net)
Although Fleabay.net (not flea-bay.com) isn’t as well-known or popular as other online flea markets, it’s practically the online version of a physical flea market and is rapidly becoming the most popular among the most serious bargain hunters.
In other words, you can buy and sell items on Fleabay.net just as you would at a physical flea market.
With that said, this site has countless items for sale like clothes, furniture, toys, antiques, and so much more. Believe it or not, it even has apartments and rental properties listed.
As a buyer, you can contact a seller to arrange pay and shipping or pick up if you find something you want that they’re selling.
7. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace that primarily specializes in all things handmade and vintage items. The platform is super organized so it’s easy to dive into a category and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Buyers create their own stores on the platform to sell their handmade art, jewelry, clothing, crafts, and much more. Some sellers use it as a side hustle, while others make a full-time income.
Because of this, there’s no better marketplace to buy unique, handcrafted items. There’s also an entire category dedicated to nothing but vintage pieces.
8. Poshmark
Poshmark is an online retail marketplace that specializes in used clothing. On the platform, you can browse used clothing from industry giants, such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, and much more, that is selling for a fraction of the original price.
On the other hand, if you’re a seller, all you have to do is create an account, take a picture of your item with your phone, and then add it to your closet. Buyers can then browse your closet to buy any items they may be interested in.
Poshmark provides authentication on high-price items, payment protection and offers expedited shipping.
9. The Internet Antique Shop (TIAS)
Establish in 1995, The Internet Antique Shop (TIAS) is one of the first online flea markets for buying and selling antiques and jewelry and is quite the antique itself.
While the site may look a bit dated, it’s still a great option to easily browse over half a million antiques and collectibles and purchase them from dealers all around the world.
On the other hand, if you would like to sell on TIAS, all you have to do is sign up, create your own store, take quality photos of the items you have for sale, and then list them on the website.
10. Bonanza
Founded in 2008 in Seattle, Washington, Bonanza is an online marketplace which provides a platform for businesses to sell their products directly to consumers.
It was created by and for entrepreneurs with the goal of being the best alternative to eBay. While it operators and works just like eBay, there are no listing fees. as a seller, you only pay a fee when an item is sold.
It also offers sellers helpful tools like their automatic Shopify, eBay, and Amazon inventory syncing.
On the other hand, buyers can find pretty much anything listed for sale like collectibles, art, home and garden, healthy and beauty, fashion, and so much more. They even have a section dedication to nothing but free items.
11. ThredUp
ThredUp is an online consignment and second-hand marketplace that specializes in fashion.
This platform was created with the mission to build a more sustainable fashion industry and reduce its impact on the environment by connecting frugal shoppers with used clothing.
Because of this, it’s a wonderful option to get inexpensive clothes. Their site currently has well over 30,000 brands, including industry giants like Gucci and Gap.
Some of the most popular categories are shoes, handbags, accessories, plus, maternity, and kids.
12. Ruby Lane
As their slogan “Vintage begins here” suggests, Ruby Lane is one of the most popular platforms to buy and sell antiques, collectibles, jewelry, art, furniture, and much more.
The site has over 2,500 shop owners and sees more 120,000 new listings on a daily basis.
One thing that sets Ruby Lane apart from the rest is that it’s a curated site, meaning each item listed goes through their specific screening process that involves their own in-house specialists. Because of this, you can be sure you’re purchasing authentic and quality pieces.
13. The Saleroom
As its name implies, The Saleroom operates as an online auction website where people can buy and sell antiques and collectibles from anywhere.
On this website, there are both timed and live auctions, so you have the opportunity to land an item you want in multiple ways.
As a buyer, The Saleroom has simplified the process for you. Once you create an account, just tell them what the maximum price is you’re willing to pay for an item you’re going to bid on.
Once you have told them, they will handle the process of bidding for you and let you know if you won the item. Keep in mind that buyers have to pay a buyer’s premium, a 3% commission, and tax, all of which is calculated once you have won an item.
14. Flea-bay(.com)
Although it didn’t come first on our list, Flea-bay.com is the clear winner of the Fleabays (Flea-bay.com vs. Fleabay.net).
While it may have a pared-down and dated user interface, it’s not difficult to browse their selection and it’s still worth checking out.
On the site, you will find countless categories to look through. However, the most popular categories are electronics, fashion, sports and outdoors, and antiques.
Like a few of the other online flea markets on our list, Flea-bay connects buyers with sellers, meaning transactions do not take place on their platform.
15. Shpock
Claiming itself as being among the most downloaded flea market and classifieds apps, Shpock is a great platform to buy or sell second-hand, used, vintage, and even new items.
Their app is also free to use and they have a wide range of categories, totaling over 11 million items listed for sale. With their app, you can buy or sell both locally and nationally.
According to the Shpock website, they boast more than 10 million users and more than 50 million app downloads.
16. 5miles
Starting out as a virtual second-hand marketplace with the goal to simplify the process, 5miles has turned into much more.
This marketplace has an app that makes it quick and easy to search for second-hand items like clothes, furniture, tools, and almost anything else from the comfort of your couch.
Because it focuses on local sales, it’s a great option if you want to buy locally but aren’t interested in using a marketplace like Craigslist. This is because the app uses a feedback system to help you know you’re purchasing from a legit and reliable seller.
5miles also offers relatively low listing fees, at just $0.99 for many items.
17. Nextdoor
Although Nextdoor is considered a social media platform for local communities, it’s far more than just that.
This platform has a feature called “Finds,” which is their buy-and-sell section where members can search through listings to find deals on items in countless categories.
One aspect of this platform that sets it apart from others is that you can rest assured you’re dealing with someone in your local community that’s trustworthy.
This is because people have to verify their address to join your community group. They also have to undergo a background check.
18. Selency
Operating in Europe, Selency is a UK based online flea market with a focus on second-hand home decor.
Because of this, Selency is a great option to find professional dealers who are selling quality furniture and high-end home decor without even stepping out your front door.
Buyers usually have a selection of over 100,000 items to choose from at any given time of day. The selection offers a wide variety of styles, from Scandinavian hygge to vintage designs.
While some dealers may be willing to ship to the United States, the buyer is responsible for paying shipping fees. With that said, they do have a 14-day money-back guarantee.
19. Craigslist
Founded in 1995, Craigslist is a long-standing classified advertisem*nts website. Not only can you find pretty much anything listed for sale, they even have categories devoted to jobs, gigs, services, and more. It even has a barter option.
However, it is all anonymous. Considering this, always be super careful and safe when you buy or sell anything on this site. Always meet in a safe, public place with lots of people around.
20. Goodwill
Founded more than 100 years ago, Goodwill is well-known as the first second-hand store in the U.S.
While they have more than 4,200 brick-and-mortar locations across the United States, they also have an online store as well.
Although you can’t sell items directly through the Goodwill website, they will sell them for you if you donate your items.
On the other hand, if you’re a buyer, you can bid on individual items in their timed online auctions.
Other Online Flea Markets
Here are a few other online flea markets that didn’t make our list but are still worth checking out:
- Maxsold: Online auction house platform that specializes in estate sales. Bid on a wide range of items like original art, vintage furniture, fine china, and more.
- Zibbet: Easy to use online store for buying and selling quality hand-made goods from artists.
- Zulily: Flea market-esque marketplace for getting bargains on fashion, toys, electronics, accessories, and much more.
What About ArtFire and Srchie?
If you have checked out other articles about the best online flea markets, you have probably seen ArtFire and Srchie included in almost every single one. Unfortunately, both of these companies have ceased operations.
Final Words on Online Flea Markets
An online flea market is a wonderful way to find the best of bargains on antique items, vintage items, and so much more. Compared to physical flea markets, they are also a great way to save your time and energy.
Thanks to these platforms, you no longer have to spend hours outside digging through junk to find that hidden gem. Now you can just sit back on your couch and find them within minutes with the help of your phone or laptop.
