Do you sell online? Discover platforms similar to Allegro that make a difference.

Marketplaces are today one of the most important pillars of online sales – both for e-commerce giants and private individuals who want to sell something immediately. Although we associate them primarily with Allegro, the Polish market is rich in Allegro-type sales platforms that offer completely different rules, operating models, and opportunities. In this article, we take a closer look at how such platforms work, what advantages they have, and who they might be a real opportunity for growth or a quick start in online sales.

What exactly are marketplaces and why have they dominated e-commerce?

A marketplace is simply a platform that connects many sellers with thousands (or even millions) of buyers. Instead of one company with its own warehouse and offerings, we have a huge database of products added by different individuals or brands. The ordering, payment, and often delivery system  – everything happens within one structure. This makes shopping quick, comparing offers simple, and sellers gain immediate access to a ready-made market. It’s no wonder that today, Allegro-type sales platforms account for most e-commerce transactions – not only in Poland.

Allegro-type sales platforms – OLX, Vinted and company, a review of the most popular Polish portals

On the Polish market, not only giants operate – we find a whole range of services specialized in different models and categories. 

• Allegro is a classic – the largest marketplace in Poland, bringing together both companies and private individuals. 
• OLX operates more locally and in a C2C spirit – without commission, but also without a buyer protection system. 
• Vinted conquered the fashion market, offering a simple, free system for selling second-hand clothes. 
• Empik Marketplace combines books, multimedia, and lifestyle products.
• Erli – a site similar to Allegro – offers an interesting alternative for entrepreneurs through free sales and integrations with analytical tools. 

Each of these platforms has its strengths, but they all operate within the same framework: the marketplace as a space for easy and accessible online sales.

Foreign sites similar to Allegro – Amazon, AliExpress, Zalando – how do global players fare in Poland?

International platforms entering the Polish market boldly compete with local giants. 

• Amazon, although only present since 2023, quickly gained a solid position – especially thanks to fast delivery and the FBA program. 
• AliExpress attracts with price, but in response to EU regulations, has started implementing quality and transparency standards (including the “Certified EU Standards” program). 
• Zalando is developing in the fashion and technology market, introducing AI for size selection and premium clothing rentals. 

For customers, this means more choices and higher standards, but for sellers – more competition and higher demands. Increasingly, we also hear questions: with a site similar to Allegro, will it better meet my sales needs than a global platform? This is a real dilemma and increasingly relevant in 2025.

From Books to Fast Fashion – Specialization of Platforms Similar to Allegro and User Needs

Not every marketplace is for everyone. Today, we see a clear trend of specialization – platforms are targeting specific niches and customer segments. Vinted is the domain of used fashion, Etsy specializes in handmade and vintage products, Zalando focuses on premium fashion. Even Ravelo, a sales platform focused on scientific and academic literature, has developed a loyal customer base. Such specialization means better targeting, less internal competition, and higher conversion rates for sellers who know their target audience well. For customers – a more tailored offer and a more intuitive shopping process. For brands – the opportunity to build an image without getting lost in the crowd.

Who earns, who saves? Benefits for Sellers, Buyers, and Operators

Marketplaces create an ecosystem where everyone gains – though each in a different way. Buyers benefit from a wide selection, purchase security, and low prices thanks to competition. Sellers don’t have to build their own e-store, implement payment systems, or worry about SEO – they get a ready-made tool with instant access to thousands of users. Platform operators earn from commissions, premium services, and analytical data. It’s a model where everyone wins, as long as they play by the rules. No wonder sales platforms like Allegro are now the starting point for most people beginning their journey in online commerce.

Low Entry Barrier, Wide Reach – Why Platforms Like Allegro Are a Good Start in Sales?

Having your own online store requires time, money, technological know-how, and constant promotion efforts. Meanwhile, a marketplace allows you to start in a few hours, with minimal risk. You can test different products, categories, pricing models – and immediately observe what sells. It’s a perfect solution for those who do not want to invest in infrastructure but want to quickly test the potential of their idea. A site similar to Allegro is often the best testing ground for beginners – it provides tools, visibility, and customers. It’s hard to find a better start without a large financial backing.

RefSpace – An Alternative to the Classic Marketplace. Works Instantly

RefSpace is not another platform “for everyone and everything.” It’s a tool designed with creators, micro-entrepreneurs, and people who want to quickly enter online sales in mind, but without setting up a store and managing all the logistics. You create an account, select products from the catalog (e.g., cosmetics, books, accessories), add them to your Space – and you can start selling.

It’s a modern, lightweight sales platform that resembles a marketplace but operates on different principles – the provider handles the entire service (payments, shipping, returns). You earn a commission for sales from your profile on RefSpace accessible via link, where you have your videos and your own store, or by recommending it in the RefSpace mobile app – even if you have only 100 followers. Importantly, RefSpace integrates with YouTube – products can display directly under your videos. And if you want to sell something personal (e.g., a 1:1 consultation), you can do it with one click – without schedules, arrangements, emails.

It’s a more personal, creative alternative to sales platforms like Allegro, which allows not only companies – but individuals to earn.