Between a faltering economy and global supply chain issues, the way we buy is changing. People are looking for the best deals, and online apps and other digital tools are becoming increasingly popular.
There are thousands of shopping apps in the App Store and Google Play Store that sell everything from clothes to furniture. Competing with these digital storefronts has become so tough that many brick-and-mortar stores are using price-matching and other techniques to retain customers.
Whether you are looking to buy a pair of best bluetooth speakers At a bargain price or if you want to sell your old tech to the highest bidder, we’ve created a curated list of the best apps on the market to get you started.
Although we used an Android phone and the Google Play Store for this article, all of the apps we selected are available on your iPhone or iPad through the App Store.
1. eBay
eBay has been synonymous with online shopping with its simple system for nearly three decades, allowing users to purchase items directly or bid against other users. Evolving over time, the service works the same way in its mobile version. Buying or bidding on items is easy in the palm of your hands rather than using a desktop computer. There are also Android-specific features like Google Pay and dark mode integration.
Even listing and selling goods seems a little easier on mobile. Users can take a photo of an item they are looking to sell, post it directly from their phone, and monitor the listing.
2. Craigslist
Since the mid-1990s, Craigslist has served as digital classifieds for everything from finding roommates to job opportunities. However, buying and selling things has always been the bread and butter of the service.
Craigslist on mobile is even more streamlined than its browser-based sibling. Using mobile device location, finding specific products couldn’t be easier on the app. Creating a list is also easy and users can use their email to create lists or login. Users can add posts to favourites, save searches and set alerts if searching for properties takes time.
3. Swapa
Swappa is a user-to-user marketplace service that primarily revolves around gadgets such as mobile phones and various home electronics. Shoppers looking to get something like a cheap used PlayStation 5 or tablet at a reasonable price should keep this app hidden regularly.
Thanks to Swappa’s “No Junk, No Jerks” policy, shoppers can feel secure in their purchases. The same simplicity also applies to sellers due to free listings, low Swappa fees, and transactions that are deposited to PayPal. It is even difficult for users to buy or sell stolen phones and tablets because Swappa has an IMEI checker.
4. Next door
Nextdoor was once a community-building app for neighbors to connect and find local events. While it’s become a neighborhood gossip app, there’s also a marketplace component, perfect for anyone looking to host a contactless garage sale. All users have to do is take a photo, make a price, and post. Purchasing is just as easy. Nextdoor is good for those who don’t want to pay anything, as users usually give things away for free.
Amazon Shopping is the most versatile marketplace in the digital world. There’s nothing that can’t be bought apart these fourteen things. Depending on where you live, you can get your groceries done within the hour. If orders go wrong or a buyer changes their mind, making returns through the app is simple. It makes sense that about 176 Americans have an Amazon Prime membership for faster shipping. Having an Amazon Prime subscription comes with other benefits, including the lower tier of the Amazon Music music service and the Prime Video streaming service.
6. Wish
Frugal people who aren’t necessarily concerned with consistent quality can contact Wish. Think of it as the Dollar Store of the grocery-free digital retail marketplace space. It’s even easy to find cheap old Windows 10 laptops.
Wish comes with caveats, especially in how US clothing sizes translate to other countries. However, if you’re looking to buy electronics, it’s best to err on the side of caution, as availability and quality are questionable. Wish is really great for things like cheap screen protectors and phone cases.
7. Facebook Marketplace
Rather a cross between Nextdoor and Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace is included with the general Facebook app. Users already mature in the Meta ecosystem looking for a cheap vehicle or a used big screen TV can try it out as their first option before moving on to anything else on this list. Like Nextdoor, users can find free stuff from people for simply passing up some stuff. Selling is as easy as posting on Facebook, taking a photo of the item, or creating a listing.
8. Walmart
Although Walmart didn’t see Amazon’s rise coming, its digital presence has improved significantly over the years. This app is ideal for those who frequently shop at Walmart and need to pick up orders on the go or at home. As a solid alternative to Amazon’s marketplace, some items can be delivered from the store the same day. There is also curbside service for those who need to pick up their orders between work and home.
Things to consider with marketplace applications
The usefulness of these market applications depends on several things. Along with what you’re looking to buy, there are things to consider, like cost, quality, and shipping. Potential buyers who want more quality products with solid customer service might want to stick with the Amazon or Walmart apps.
If you’re worried about getting scammed online, check out our guide to safe shopping on amazon.
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