Categories How does it work?All Shops Coupons Earn Bonus Blog Community About Us Help & Support

Shop Talk

We’re here to talk shop—online shopping, that is. Whether you’re looking for flights, phones, or footwear, our blogs have you covered, from product comparisons and payment methods to rebates, refunds, and more.

A woman browsing the best global online marketplaces from her laptop and paying effortlessly from her phone

International shopping 6 Best Global Online Marketplaces in 2023 Global online marketplaces open up a world of convenience and variety for modern consumers. Thanks to their easy-to-use interfaces and secure checkout options, online shopping today is easy, enjoyable, and quick. The online shopping industry is expected to grow to $7.5 trillion by 2025, accounting for almost a quarter of global consumer spending. And customers can expect more advancements in the years to come! A Quick Look at Our Top 6 Online Marketplaces Best online marketplace for convenience and product diversity: AmazonBest online marketplace for easy of use in-store and online: Walmart Best online marketplace for wholesale goods and raw materials for businesses: AlibabaBest online marketplace for used items: eBayBest online marketplace for finding artsy products: EtsyBest online marketplace for affordable products: AliExpress Evolution of Online Marketplaces Online shoppers didn’t always have the array of choices you and I have today. But thanks to mass adoption and technological advancements, the global online marketplace has since transformed from simple e-commerce websites to comprehensive ecosystems. The earliest version of today’s global online marketplace was classified marketplaces that followed the format of newspaper classified ads. While Craigslist and eBay were places to find things people auctioned off personally, they gradually evolved to become larger online marketplaces. Online stores then started emerging, allowing brands to sell the stock they held in warehouses and stores via the internet. Mixed marketplaces like Amazon also started gaining traction, allowing both buyers and sellers to leverage the benefits. 1. Best for Convenience and Product Diversity ProsMassive product catalogEasy-to-use platformFast shipping timesConsRefunds may take a whileProduct quality is not assuredFiling complaints is time consuming Anyone would agree that the Amazon Online Marketplace is the largest e-commerce marketplace globally, holding 37.8% of the global market share. The e-commerce giant has also branched beyond retail with entertainment offerings via Amazon Prime Video and IT services via Amazon Web Services. Today, Amazon is among the most efficient selling platforms, allowing merchants to optimize their listings and get their products within the top rankings to reach more customers. Fulfillment services and shipping are top-tier, making Amazon the top choice for buyers looking for convenient online purchases. Amazon usually offers free international shipping once you’ve spent a certain amount. While the amount can vary per location, the threshold is usually $35 to $60 to get the benefit of free shipping. » Earn cashback from Amazon 2. Best for Convenient Shopping In-store and Online ProsEffective pricing strategyVast product selectionIn-store and online shoppingSellers are invite-only and vetted by WalmartConsLimited online selection compared to in-storeOnly ships to the USPoor customer serviceNot all items qualify for free shipping Walmart's marketplace has seen exponential growth between 2019 to 2023. And with approximately $53.4 billion in sales in 2023 and a steep increase in the number of people choosing to shop online, these figures are projected to grow. To compete with Amazon and provide a better online and in-store shopping experience, Walmart has also made significant investments in its supply chain infrastructure, as well as in automation and logistics. However, unlike its competitor, Walmart does not ship internationally. You must have a minimum order of approximately $35 to qualify for free shipping within the US but not all items or orders qualify for free shipping. » Earn cashback from Walmart 3. Best for Wholesale Goods and Raw Materials for Businesses ProsWide range of suppliersBulk purchases at low costsSecure purchasingConsPoor translationsHigh shipping pricesSlow customer service response Alibaba is a B2B website by Alibaba Group, a multinational company with interests in retail, e-commerce, and technology. The company also hosts other online marketplaces: Taobao, a C2C website, and Tmall, a B2C site. Alibaba connects businesses with buyers and suppliers worldwide, since it carries a large number of mass-produced items sold wholesale. You can typically source raw materials from Alibaba in bulk to save on costs. Since Alibaba is based in China, shipping fees may be steep depending on shipment weight and distance. For example, shipments less than or equal to 200 pounds will be shipped via air, costing anywhere between $6 to $15 per pound. » Earn cashback from Alibaba 4. Best for Used Items ProsBuyers and sellers can negotiate pricesWide range of new and used goodsSecure checkout and paymentConsBidding may drive prices higher than their worthHigher risk of scamsOutdated user interface eBay started as an auction-type platform where people could sell second-hand and unused items or rare finds. It has since evolved into a complete online marketplace, much like Amazon, but offers new and used items. eBay has also ventured into advertising, classifieds, and payments and also runs StubHub, Gumtree, and Kijiji. What works in eBay’s favor is the robust money-back guarantee that protects buyers from getting defective items or being victimized by fraud and scams. » Earn cashback from eBay 5. Best for Artsy Products ProsEasy-to-use interfaceWide variety of products from creatorsTrusted platform with secure checkoutConsRecommended algorithm isn't too advancedSome items may not be genuinely handmadeLimited customer support Etsy is a niche platform specializing in handmade, unique, and vintage products. Since its inception, Etsy has flourished as a platform that enables communities to support independent artists and crafters. This online marketplace provides a dedicated platform for people to sell their art and for aficionados and collectors to find personalized items and rare gems to add to their collections. » Earn cashback from Etsy 6. Best for Affordable Products ProsUser-friendly interfaceAffordable products and global shippingWide range of productsEffective buyer protection policyConsPoor multi-language supportSlow shipping timesVarying product quality depending on the suppliers AliExpress falls under the umbrella of the Alibaba Group but caters to individual international shoppers rather than global wholesalers. Consumers shopping from AliExpress can expect to find a large variety of products at the most competitive prices. The platform also offers buyer protection to address concerns regarding shipping delays and product quality since it allows customers to buy from third-party sellers via the platform. » Earn cashback from AliExpress Honorable Mentions—Emerging Global Marketplaces to Watch The global online shopping world continues to grow, and several marketplaces are gaining traction in 2023. Among them is an online platform selling products from Chinese manufacturers at exceptionally affordable prices. Wish, as it’s called, also offers fast shipping worldwide. Customers can buy everything from gadgets to clothing and expect to receive their purchases in as quickly as two days.Google Shopping is also fast gaining popularity among shoppers, especially since it is already a top-of-mind option for shoppers looking to find information about something they wish to buy. Google Shopping offers a wide range of products from pet supplies to baby clothes and more.Facebook Marketplace has also risen steadily since its launch in 2016. And it enjoys a large subscriber base, many of whom gravitate toward Marketplace for local listings that include apparel, toys, and more. Browse the Best Online Marketplaces Today The significant shift to primarily digital ways of commerce is encouraging more sellers to participate in online marketplaces like the ones discussed above. Depending on your needs and whether you’re looking to buy or sell, you can be sure to find a platform that best suits your needs. Additionally, cashback platforms like CashYo offer amazing perks and rewards, allowing you to shop smart and make the most of your online shopping experience. Get as much as 5% cash back at your favorite stores today—simply install the extension, sign up, and start shopping!

Promotional image comparing booking agencies Priceline and Agoda

International shopping Agoda vs. Priceline: Features, Prices, and Best Choice for 2023 One of the best ways to streamline travel planning (and save money) is by using a travel website to find good deals for flights, lodging, and activities. Travel sites like Agoda and Priceline offer competitive prices and a range of features, helping you find the best value for your budget. In this article, we will compare the features and prices of Agoda vs. Priceline for 2023 and recommend which site is the best choice for your travel needs. Agoda Vs. Priceline: A Summary Both Agoda and Priceline are great travel websites for finding flights and hotels. Depending on your destination and budget, you can also book rental cars, cruises, and tourist activities on both platforms. Agoda and Priceline are sister companies, with Priceline acquiring Agoda in 2007. However, their features remain distinct, and they continue to offer specialized deals and promotions for travelers of different budgets. » Unsure about these platforms? Consider Booking.com and Hotels.com instead Agoda: Key Features and Pros & Cons ProsAvailable in 38 languagesOver 2 million available propertiesAvailability in 200+ countriesSuits many budget rangesVIP discounts and deals for membersBuilt-in loyalty programLower fees compared to other similar platformsAccepts PayPal and all major credit cardsConsDifficult to get refundsThe cancelation process can be tediousHigher taxes in certain citiesSome users report bugs on the Android and iOS apps Agoda is well-known in Asia and continues to be a leading online hotel reservation service in the region. The website is trusted by many travelers looking for a wide range of flight options and accommodations to suit every budget, from luxury villas and hotels to budget hotels, apartments, and homes for rent. Its services remain focused on offering the lowest available hotel prices, and its hotel network includes more than 40,000 properties. Pricing and Fees Regarding pricing and fees, Agoda offers many coupons and insider deals to help travelers save money, such as 15% off during special occasions (holidays, summer, Valentine's, etc.). Agoda also has a VIP membership package that interested customers can sign up for, with the following benefits: Up to 25% VIP discountAgoda's Best Price Guarantee on bookingsExclusive perks on select propertiesAccess to insider deals and VIP discountsEarn and redeem AgodaCash, the platform's loyalty rewards program Agoda also accepts payments via PayPal and all major credit cards, including Master Card, AMEX, Visa, JCB, and Carte Bleue. Payment information is also securely saved on the user's account for easier checkouts in the future. However, an additional 10% to 25% for taxes and service charges may be added to the total booking cost, so keep that in mind when budgeting for your trip. Customer Service Agoda offers customer support in multiple languages, with a customer support team available via phone, email, and chat. Agoda's dedicated customer support team is trained to assist guests in finding the best deals and offer help in changing or canceling bookings. » Get up to 4% cashback from Agoda Priceline: Key Features and Pros & Cons ProsGreat deals when using the appGreat deals for free VIP membersOver 600,000 available propertiesGreat customer service availability (24/7)ConsNot as many payment optionsStrict and unsupportive refund/cancelation policiesUnintuitive app that doesn't match the website info Priceline was founded in 1997 and has since provided travelers with access to deals for hotel rooms, airline tickets, cruises, and vacation packages. Priceline has access to over 600,000 properties across various locations and offers customers affordable accommodations via their Best Price Guarantee. Pricing and Fees Priceline's multi-tiered VIP membership program offers members additional ways to save and score good deals. The first tier grants VIP status upon sign-up and offers benefits such as: Priceline's Best Price GuaranteeHotel savings of up to 10%VIP rental car discount of up to 10%Add-on deals of up to 50% off on hotels and 20% on cars for add-ons to existing trips5% extra deals coupons Members advance in tier after completing a certain number of trips, with savings and deals increasing as they go up each level: VIP Blue: 2 completed tripsVIP Gold: 5 completed tripsVIP Platinum: 25 completed trips Priceline accepts payments via Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Customer Service Priceline's VIP Gold and VIP Platinum members enjoy Priority and First Priority status on all customer service concerns. Priceline's customer support team is available via chat, SMS, call, or WhatsApp to assist customers with reservation concerns, cancelations, booking inquiries, and more. » Don't overpay for your stay: our tips for cheaper hotel bookings Final Verdict: Which Is Best? While both websites offer customers a wide variety of deals for international travel needs, Agoda offers a smoother customer experience with its modern and responsive desktop, tablet, and mobile sites, allowing for quick and powerful searches every time. One of the cons that most users identify with Priceline is that its website and app are not user-friendly, with users needing to go through many steps and filter quite a bit of information before getting the deals they need. With that in mind, it's clear that the winner is Agoda due to its extensive list of pros that far outweigh its cons and even the pros of Priceline.

Small boxes inside trolley in front of woman using credit card to shop for electronics online

International shopping Top 7 Chinese Shopping Websites for Electronics Turn just about any electronic product around to look at the label and you will likely see "Made in China". According to Henry Yeung from the National University of Singapore, China is estimated to manufacture more than half of the world's electronics. For this reason, whether you own an e-commerce store, are shopping for pleasure, or are simply looking for new suppliers, it's always cheaper to avoid "middlemen" and go to the source. As they produce the majority of the world's electronics, it's a no-brainer to do your online electronics shopping from a Chinese electronics website. » Worried about scams? Read our guide to finding the best deals on AliExpress A Quick Look at Our Top 7 AliExpress: Best for product diversityMiniIntheBox: Best product choice and site navigationBangGood: Cheapest deliveryGearBest: Best customer serviceFocalPrice: Most unique productsGeekBuying: Fastest shippingLightInTheBox: Best for rewards and discounts 1. AliExpress Best for: Product diversity ProsMassive diversity of productsCountless suppliersFree shipping on many productsDirect contact with suppliersNo minimum order requirementsConsDifficult to tell counterfeit products from originalsDeal with 3rd-parties middlemen instead of wholesalersPainstaking returns processSlow shipping times Shipping and Fees There is no setup fee to use Aliexpress, all you will need to do is register with your email and pay for the products and shipping methods you choose. This makes the site perfect for gifts and AliExpress gift cards. If you are shipping from an international warehouse, customs fees may need to be manually paid, unless your shipping option has this covered for you. If you live in an area that has a warehouse, you will be subject to a free return on problematic products, provided you can deliver the item to the corresponding location. If there are no local warehouses, or your return is later than 15 days, the shipping will need to be covered by the customer. » Get cashback from AliExpress 2. MiniInTheBox Best for: Product choice and site navigation ProsWide variety of electronic productsEasy return policy for damaged itemsSimple to navigate and make purchasesEarn an automatic 1% back on every purchaseConsMixed reviews about customer serviceAn extensive list of unreturnable itemsReturned items will need to be shipped to China at the customer's costProducts are of mixed qualityDifficult to distinguish between legitimate and fake products Shipping and Fees MiniInTheBox ships worldwide and to nearly every country on the globe. Because of this, the shipping fees can significantly differ, depending on your delivery address. Shipping insurance and duty and tax insurance can also be added to your orders at an additional cost (this will differ according to the product and shipping destination). In the case that you are charged tax upon the arrival of your product, and you have purchased tax insurance, MiniInTheBox will provide you with a 100% tax refund. » Get cashback from MiniInTheBox 3. BangGood Best for: Cheap delivery ProsMultiple warehouses around the globe provide faster and cheaper deliveriesMore secure than online stores that sell from 3rd-partiesOver 40 payment options, including cash on deliveryAutomatic loyalty programConsSometimes slow to respond to customer serviceUnpredictable shipping costsSmaller variety of productsItems are returned at the customer's cost Shipping and Fees BangGood offers free shipping to some, but not all countries. They do not specify which countries or regions this is available to, and it comes down to the product you have chosen and the nearest warehouse. A dropshipping program is also offered with no membership fee, where dropshippers will receive a 5% - 20% discount on some items. » Get cashback from BangGood 4. GearBest Best for: Prompt customer service ProsShips to most countriesMultiple shipping optionsCheaper than other online storesPrompt customer serviceConsSlow delivery timeComplicated and unreliable returns policySome complaints about accounts being closed and money/loyalty points lost Shipping and Fees GearBest is another Chinese online store that offers electronics at meager rates. They provide multiple shipping options, which, in some cases, are free. Standard shipping does not include tracking, but the additional cost of express shipping comes with tracking options. GearBest takes zero responsibility for import tax, and this will be up to the customer to deal with. That said, some express shipping countries will calculate your import tax into the pricing. » Get cashback from GearBest 5. FocalPrice Best for: Unique products ProsInteresting and unique productsCheaper than similar competitorsConsInconsistent customer serviceUnreliable delivery timesRefunds and returns can be difficultOnly has warehouses in Hong Kong Shipping and Fees As with most online stores, the shipping costs of FocalPrice differ, depending on where you'll be shipping to. Since the company only has warehouses in Hong Kong, the shipping fees can be expected to be higher than other online stores with local distribution locations. As for returns, FocalPrice requires customers to pay for return shipping, regardless of who was in the wrong. Although they will cover the shipping cost of getting the new or repaired item to you, the return shipping can easily surpass the cost of the original item. » Get cashback from FocalPrice 6. GeekBuying Best for: Fast shipping ProsLocal warehouses provide fast shippingLow shipping fees for local deliveriesFocuses on electronicsConsProduct quality can varyWebsite limits low-rating reviewsRefunds and returns can be difficult Shipping and Fees GeekBuying specializes in electronics, making them cheaper than many of their competitors. With multiple global warehouses, Geekbuying offers free shipping for products delivered from local warehouses. For incorrect, damaged, or otherwise unwanted goods, the shipping costs of returning the item is on the customer; however, Geekbuying will cover the return shipping of your replacement product. » Get cashback from GeekBuying 7. LightInTheBox Best for: Rewards and discounts ProsLarge product rangeOptions for slow, yet cheap shippingFriendly and helpful customer serviceConsProduct quality can vary greatlyRefunds and returns are expensive and not always honoredShipping is often slower than indicatedThe site is not 100% user-friendly Shipping and Fees Apart from expected shipping fees, LightInTheBox does not have any additional costs. That said, there are multiple shipping options at checkout, some of which are slower, cheaper, and non-inclusive of tracking. Additionally, all return shipping is at the cost of the customer, unless parcel insurance has been purchased at checkout. VAT and import tax are also the customer's responsibility; however, import insurance can be purchased to streamline this process. What makes LighInTheBox stand out is its unique VIP program, where customers can pay an annual membership fee for additional discounts, account managers, free samples, and more. There are four tiers of the VIP membership at the following costs: Gold: $20Platinum: $50Business: $100Diamond: $150 » Get cashback from LightInTheBox Final Thoughts Going directly to a Chinese online store is often the cheapest way to get new electronics delivered anywhere in the world. That said, convenience and product diversity remains major drawing points, which is why it's often worth browsing for the cheapest Chinese sites for quality goods and services.

Various unopened Apple products stacked in front of a Christmas tree next to a Santa hat

International shopping Buying AliExpress Electronics: How to Spot a Good Deal With nearly all electronics sold worldwide originally coming from China, it's not hard to believe that you'll also be getting the best deals on your favorite gadgets by purchasing them directly from Chinese e-commerce stores rather than from traditional retailers in the US or UK. Arguably the most popular of these e-commerce platforms is AliExpress. Owned by retail and tech giant Alibaba Group, AliExpress sees over half a billion visitors each month. While many deals on AliExpress appear to be good, it's often difficult to tell what's really good due to the number of scammers selling fake or defective products on the platform. Thankfully, we've got you covered. » Looking for more tech deals? Check out the cheapest Chinese sites for quality products The Problem With AliExpress Deals It's important to understand that AliExpress isn't a merchant that buys and sells the products itself—AliExpress is merely a marketplace connecting thousands of e-commerce merchants, suppliers, and manufacturers with potential buyers. This means that you have to be extra careful when deciding who to buy from since you could easily fall into scams or sketchy deals if you're not careful (the same happens on other websites like eBay and Amazon). Even with the extra vigilance required, AliExpress is still the premier platform for you to find great deals on basically anything. Here are our top tips for spotting great electronics deals on AliExpress. 5 Tips for Spotting Great Electronics Deals on AliExpress 1. Compare the Prices on Different Platforms If you ever see a product you like at what seems to be a great price, first take a moment to cross-check the price with more sellers, other platforms, and the manufacturer's MSRP. Just because it has a "sale" tag and a big discount compared to the original price, merchants can lie about the original price. AliExpress usually has sellers with the best prices, but be sure by checking other e-commerce stores like DHGate and BangGood, or even your local retailers. Remember to factor in shipping costs and other fees. If it's still the cheapest on AliExpress, be sure to use your common sense to determine if the price isn't too low. Extremely low prices may be indicative of fake or defective products. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 2. Assess the Ratings, Reviews, and Sales A great feature of AliExpress is the review and rating system where people who have purchased the product from the seller previously can leave feedback. A high number of good reviews matching healthy sales figures are a sign of a good deal and often earns the seller an AliExpress "Top Brand" badge. When looking at an individual merchant, you should check if they have good ratings on their other products too, while new sellers with little to no reviews and sales should be treated with suspicion. As you can see below, the particular product has over 5,000 reviews and an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, while the seller has over 300,000 followers and the Top Brand badge, so we can assume that the great 56% off deal is legit. 3. Watch Out for Hidden Charges While a merchant may display a low price on the product page, they often use shady tactics to boost the price when you check out. Always review the total amount just before you pay, since you might miss the add-ons. Some common tactics used are high insurance costs, expensive shipping, or other similar unnecessary fees. While you will still need to pay shipping and insurance (which could be higher depending on the region you live in), it shouldn't make a game-changing difference to the overall cost. If the product's price is still low after such fees, then you might still be good to go ahead and complete the purchase. Just be aware that sellers who resort to such shady practices on pricing may be committing similar acts elsewhere (such as shipping low-quality, defective, or fake products). 4. Check the Seller Guarantees To combat fraud and scams, AliExpress created the Buyer Protection program. Some of the guarantees included are on-time delivery, product-as-described, no-questions-asked domestic returns, and guaranteed genuine. If a seller has any or all of these listed on the product page (or their merchant page), then you can buy from them with ease of mind that you're covered for any eventualities where the product doesn't arrive on time, isn't what you paid for, you don't want it anymore (if it's unopened and unused), or is counterfeit. 5. Use a Price Tracker The best way to spot good deals is to have a price tracker do it for you. Services like AliPrice and Pricearchive let you check an individual product's price history and see if you're getting a good deal or if you should rather wait before purchasing. They also offer handy features such as price drop notifications and price comparisons across other Chinese e-commerce stores. Don't Get Scammed By AliExpress Sellers If you ever do get scammed by an AliExpress seller, you don't have to fret. AliExpress' Buyer Protection program is available for such situations and you can easily get your money refunded. So while you may have heard of unhappy customers who bought from AliExpress, with some common sense and our tips you'll be getting great electronics deals in no time at all without having to worry about losing out. » Earn up to 9% cash back from AliExpress with CashYo

Woman scanning delivery code with her phone after receiving a package from China