An online e-commerce marketplace is a digital platform where multiple third-party sellers can list and sell their products or services to customers. Essentially, it acts as a virtual “mall” where buyers can browse and purchase items from various sellers in one location.
Some well-known examples of e-commerce marketplaces include:
- Amazon: Sellers can list everything from books to electronics, and buyers can easily compare prices and offerings.
- eBay: Focuses on auctions, but also allows sellers to list products at fixed prices.
- Etsy: Specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique goods.
These marketplaces typically handle the infrastructure of the platform, like payment processing, customer service, and sometimes even logistics, which makes it easier for individual sellers to reach a large audience without needing to set up their own full-scale e-commerce site.