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How to Start Selling on an Online Marketplace: The Basics

Tap through each step to see the basic path from opening a seller account to your first payout.

  1. Create a seller account

    Go to the marketplace's seller sign-up page and register using an email or an existing account.

  2. Choose your seller type and enter details

    Indicate whether you're selling as an individual or a registered business, and provide the information the platform asks for, such as a tax ID if applicable.

  3. List your first product

    In the product listing section, enter the item name, price, category, and detail images to publish your first listing.

  4. Customize your storefront

    Set your shop name, logo, and a banner image in the storefront settings to give your shop its first impression.

  5. Understand how payouts work

    Once a buyer confirms receipt of an order, the platform pays out your sale proceeds, minus fees, on a set schedule.

  6. Why it's useful

    Rather than building and hosting your own online store from scratch, a marketplace lets you list products quickly and reach its built-in search and browsing traffic right away.

You can usually start as an individual

Most marketplaces let you begin selling as an individual seller without a formal business registration. As sales grow, though, many platforms eventually require converting to a registered business account, so it's worth roughly planning ahead for that transition even if you don't need it on day one.

This is an overview β€” for more detail, see the individual guides

This walkthrough covers the basics of getting a shop open and your first item listed. For more detail on any one part β€” writing a full product listing, understanding your settlement cycle, managing reviews, running search ads, or choosing between a branded storefront and a large marketplace β€” see our separate deep-dive guides on each topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any eligibility requirements to sign up?

Requirements vary by platform, but most set a minimum age for individual sellers, and ask registered businesses to submit documents like a business registration number.

How often do payouts happen?

Payout timing follows the platform's regular settlement cycle after a buyer confirms their order, and some marketplaces offer an expedited or faster-payout option for an additional fee or eligibility requirement.