Top 10 Online Retailers to Shop That Aren’t Amazon

Over the last fifteen years, Amazon has become one of the most widely used online retailers in the world and it’s not hard to see why. Not only does Amazon offer a wide range of products at affordable rates, but their delivery speed and accessibility are tough to beat. While we can’t deny the convenience, Amazon has been called out as problematic for things like their questionable employment practices and their high level of carbon emissions.

Amazon has also continued to raise its rates over the last few years. Earlier this year, Amazon raised the price of its Prime subscription by 17%. And if you needed yet another reason to avoid the retailer, from October 15th, 2022 through January 14th, 2023, the company will be charging customers an additional $0.35 per item to battle the costs of their holiday surge.

So whether you’re looking to switch to alternative companies to save money, curb CO2 emissions, or shop more ethically, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our list of the best Amazon alternatives to find an online retailer that better aligns with your values.

1. AliExpress

Amazon is flooded with vendors who buy products from manufacturers and resell them (often for a much higher price) to customers. This can be heavy on consumers’ wallets and make returning products a nightmare. 

AliExpress makes online shopping much simpler by cutting out the middleman, allowing you to get your products directly from the manufacturer. With over 11 million unique products offered at factory-direct prices, you’ll be able to get everything you’d normally get from Amazon for a fraction of the cost. 

2. Newegg

Want to shop the newest and coolest gadgets? Then you have to check out Newegg. Specializing in electronics and tech, Newegg is the perfect place to get the best-selling tablets, laptops, cameras, and more. 

As an added assurance, they offer a price match guarantee and free “3 days or faster” shipping for most of their items. Some big-ticket items come with a White Glove Delivery option, which means your product will be delivered and unpacked in your room of choice. Newegg even goes as far as to take care of any excess packaging remnants that are left behind. Um, Amazon who?

3. Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods is one of the best marketplaces for handmade goods out there. They connect shoppers directly with independent brands, designers, and makers. From flatware to gardening tools and everything in between, you’re guaranteed to find unique items at a great price. 

Buyers looking to shop more ethical brands will be happy to know that, for every purchase they make, Uncommon Goods will donate $1 to one of their nonprofit partners. Not only that, but they are committed to doing their part to fight climate change, shipping all of their products in eco-friendly packaging.

4. Etsy

If you’re looking to support small businesses, shop handmade gifts, or if you just have the inclination to browse, Etsy’s the place to go. One of the most popular global online marketplaces for independent artists, crafters, and sellers, Etsy’s got a seemingly endless inventory of unique goodies for you to check out. 

Interestingly enough, Etsy’s marketplace is also the first notable e-commerce site to offset 100% of carbon emissions from shipping. So you can feel good about the fact that you’re not just investing in small businesses when you shop on Etsy, you’re investing in the planet.

5. BuyDig

For the latest and greatest in tech, a strong alternative to Amazon is BuyDig. With unbeatable deals on top-rated computers, fitness gear, office supplies, and more, BuyDig is the best spot to shop the hottest new electronics on the market at a competitive price. 

As a bonus, almost all of their products include free ground shipping, so you get all your products as quickly as you normally would from Amazon. Get the same products at the same time for cheaper — BuyDig is a no-brainer.

6. Package Free Shop

Do you normally use Amazon to shop for household essentials, like cleaning supplies or beauty products? Well, if you’re looking to find a more earth-friendly alternative, Package Free Shop is it. From organic aftershave to all-natural dog brushes, you can rest assured that everything you need to keep your daily routine green can be found here.

Package Free Shop is also dedicated to finding reusable, refillable, or recyclable alternatives to hard-to-recycle products, such as razors and dental floss. Their commitment to fighting global warming doesn’t end there — Package Free Shop also ships their products in zero-waste, carbon-neutral packaging, so your entire online shopping experience is ethical from beginning to end.

7. Thrive Market

Thrive Market is on a mission: to deliver high-quality, sustainable products to people worldwide. From grocery and pantry staples to bath and beauty products, Thrive Market has it all. Thrive Market is also one of the most affordable online retailers available, with membership plans starting at just $5 per month (half the price of an Amazon Prime subscription). But don’t just take our word for it — try out their annual membership risk-free for up to 30 days and see for yourself what Thrive Market has to offer.

8. EarthHero

Need sunscreen? How about backpacks? Baby clothes? Whatever you’re searching for, EarthHero’s got it in stock. This eco-friendly marketplace is your one-stop shop for affordable yet sustainable goods, making EarthHero a great replacement for Amazon. 

And if your company is looking to become more sustainable, EarthHero is here to help. They offer tons of resources for businesses to learn how to become more socially responsible. Not to mention they offer custom branding on many of their sustainable products.

9. Hive

Peace of mind shouldn’t cost a fortune, and Hive is here to prove it. An easy-to-use digital grocery store with the planet in mind, Hive makes shopping for sustainably made, ethically sourced, and socially-conscious products a breeze. Whether you’re looking to buy eco-friendly cleaning supplies or vegan and cruelty-free snacks, Hive’s got what you need.

Orders through Hive are also completely carbon neutral and packaged in recyclable packing materials. Hive even gives you the option to shop by dietary needs, so whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or Keto, you can find treats you can trust.

10. Public Goods

For an annual membership fee of just $59, Public Goods is like a digital Costco. For everything from groceries and cleaning products to baby and pet care products, Public Goods is a top choice. Like Amazon, Public Goods manufactures and sells its own products, so you can get your goods right from the source. And get this: for every order placed, Public Goods works with nonprofits to plant a tree, making climate-conscious shopping that much more enjoyable.

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Alexa can’t handle calls for you, but we can

As extensive as their products and services are, Amazon can’t help you manage inbound and outbound calls or schedule appointments with new leads directly on your calendar — but Smith.ai can. In addition to setting you up with a 24/7 answering service, we can assist with outreach campaigns and lead intake so that you can focus on the business at hand. 

Schedule a consultation with us or reach out to learn more about our services at hello@smith.ai.