How to sell stuff online in Canada - Everything you Need to Know (Ultimate Guide 2021) | Everything Shop

Ecommerce has come a long way in recent years; the websites that used to cater to large wholesalers are now accessible to everyone. Online marketplaces in Canada offer a unique way to reach more online buyers without needing a website of your own. 

The income potential in online shopping is too high to be ignored; 75% of Canadians shop on online marketplaces and 42% sell through them. Additionally, 58% of Canadians discover new brands and products through websites like Amazon or Google. 

“We expect all our businesses to have a positive impact on our top and bottom lines. Profitability is very important to us or we wouldn’t be in this business.”  

– Jeff Bezos

The downside, however, is that since anyone can now sell stuff online in Canada, the competition is higher than ever. To make yourself stand out in a sea of online sellers, you need to know how to sell online in Canada effectively. This will allow you to take advantage of the high-income potential of online shopping in Canada, to begin with, and enjoy an easy route into global sales with time. 

“Many businesses operate using the Internet. Doing business like this is also called e-commerce.”[1] 

Online Marketplaces for Canadian Sellers

The best way to sell stuff online in Canada is to figure out which online marketplace is best for you and the products you want to sell. Some of the most popular ones are as follows: 

eBay 

Whenever someone wants to sell stuff online in Canada, eBay is the marketplace that comes readily to mind. You can sell whatever you like on eBay, but one of the issues it has is a complicated fee structure. If you aren’t careful, the fees can add up quickly, but other than that, eBay is a great way to sell stuff while remaining anonymous if you so wish. 

Etsy 

Etsy is an international online marketplace known for craft supplies and handmade goods. The platform is popular among small business owners. The fees are quite reasonable, and signing up is free. 

Everything e-Shop 

Everything e-Shop is an online marketplace that, for a small fee, gives its sellers access to perks such as selling tools, analytics, tracking, inventory and more. This platform aims to increase each seller’s reach by marketing their products and promoting them on social media. Signing up is free, but the platform requires sellers to offer free shipping, so you may want to include shipping costs in the final cost of your product. 

Amazon 

The e-commerce giant Amazon needs no introduction. While most people associate Amazon with wholesalers and businesses, individuals can also sell stuff online in Canada through this platform. Individual users who sell more than 20 items each month can register with the FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) ON use the platform for a monthly fee. However, bear in mind that Amazon is a highly competitive marketplace, so selling stuff there may require a lot more effort. 

CraigsList 

Craigslist is the most ambiguous online marketplace out there; they aren’t very specific about the type of ads they allow, which means you can sell virtually anything on here. If you do have reservations, you can send your ad to their staff first and ask them if it is acceptable.

How to Sell Your Clutter for Cash 

If you want to sell stuff online in Canada but aren’t sure where to begin, a great way to earn some extra cash is by selling some of your clutter online. 

“In today’s interconnected global business climate, COVID-19 is affecting the way Canadian companies operate. Many are turning to e-commerce as a way to translate today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.” [2]

Once you set aside the clutter you want to sell, you can follow the steps below to make sure you earn the most cash possible! 

Research 

Begin by looking at items similar to the ones you are selling – this should give you an idea of the market potential, the kind of ads that work best, and the prices people are willing to pay. 

Price Your Item Well 

How you price your items depends on your goal; price them low if you want to get rid of them quickly, but price them a bit higher if you aren’t in a hurry and want to make a profit. 

Take Good Photos 

Posting high-quality pictures of your items will increase their sales potential. Make sure to take your pictures in good lighting (natural light is best) and in front of a nice background. Clean the items beforehand, and take several shots from different angles. 

Choose the Right Category for Your Item 

On your chosen platform, choose the category that suits your items best. This will make it easy for people to find them, and thus increase your chances of selling them. 

Write a Clear Headline 

Make sure your headline includes the relevant information (such as the name of the item and its price) while also being eye-catching. The headline is the first thing buyers will see, so make sure it is perfect! 

Write a Good Description

Your product description should be short while including the necessary information. Start by explaining what your item is and the condition it is in. Be sure to mention any damage, and include technical details such as dimensions. Mention the price again, and write whether you’re willing to negotiate on it. Conclude with information about your preferred method of contact (email, phone number, etc.) 

Frequently Asked Questions about Canadian e-commerce

1. Where can I sell things online in Canada?

You can sell stuff online in Canada at Everything e-Shop if you want perks such as seller tools, analytics, and free marketing. You can also use any of the other marketplaces detailed above, such as eBay, Craigslist, or Etsy. 

1. What is the best site to sell your stuff on?

The best site to sell your stuff online will depend on the products that you are trying to sell. Everything e-Shop is the best site to sell your stuff as it offers low fees, additional seller tools, and free promotion for every seller’s products. 

1. Is there a Canadian version of Etsy?

Yes, the Canadian version of Etsy is etsy.ca. 

References

1. E-commerce. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/e-commerce/e-commerce.html

2. E-commerce, Grow your online presence. Government of Canada. https://www.nrel.gov/research/re-photovoltaics.html