Selling on OnBuy

The UK-born marketplace platform OnBuy is gaining traction as a serious multichannel option for sellers. Now is a perfect time to consider how it might fit into your marketplace mix as it recently expanded its reach to Europe.

What is OnBuy?

• Founded in 2016, OnBuy positions itself as a pure marketplace – meaning it doesn’t stock its own products, and your business doesn’t compete with its own platform.
• According to public figures, it has over 6 million customers, is rapidly growing internationally, and there’s a strong focus on UK/European sellers.
• The seller fee model is transparent: fixed monthly plans, no hidden listing fees, and access to multiple marketplaces through one account.

Why Sell on OnBuy?

Here’s why many SMEs are considering OnBuy as part of their marketplace strategy:

• Less competition from the platform itself: OnBuy claims it won’t list its own inventory, giving sellers more direct access to customer spending.
• Attractive pricing and growth appeal: the platform offers an opportunity to stand out in an environment that’s less crowded than the major players – such as Amazon and eBay
• Built-in and integrated features: OnBuy supports integrations with multiple channel managers and fulfilment systems, simplifying operations across platforms.
• International potential: Sellers can choose to operate in multiple countries via one account, helping expand reach beyond the UK.

How to Get Started on OnBuy

Here’s a practical starter path (based on seller experiences):

1. Meet the account requirements: Businesses must meet criteria including product GTINs (or exceptions), 50+ public reviews, business credentials and bank details.
2. Choose a subscription plan: OnBuy offers several tiers based on support, features and international reach.
3. List your products: Use manual or feed-based listings. Make sure you optimise titles, attributes and category mapping for visibility.
4. Leverage OnBuy tools: Use features like OnBuy Boost (their ad/promotion service) to increase visibility.
5. Manage performance: Ensure you have strong inventory, delivery processes and returns workflows to meet seller standards and maintain ratings.

Key Things to Focus On (Especially for 2025-2026)

• Efficient integrations: If you’re already selling across Amazon, eBay, Shopify or elsewhere, centralising your data, inventory, orders and pricing will reduce workload and errors.
• Early mover advantage: OnBuy’s growth phase means less saturation. If you join early you may secure top visibility before large-scale competition catches up.
• Data and listing accuracy: Buyers on OnBuy expect quality listings. Use precise titles, strong images, compatible product data and correct pricing.
• Channel mix strategy: Treat OnBuy as part of your multi-channel puzzle, not a standalone solution. It’s one more route to market, and works best when integrated smoothly with your wider operations.
• Brand building and marketplace positioning: Use OnBuy to support your brand story. Consider dedicated store pages, custom collections and promotional visibility to differentiate.

If you’re an SME seller thinking about widening your marketplace footprint, now could be an excellent time to explore OnBuy. With the right preparation – integrations, listing quality, fulfilment readiness -you’ll be set to take advantage of its rising momentum.

Want help assessing whether OnBuy fits your business and integrating it into your stack? Volo can support you with the setup, data flows and launch strategy. Get in touch.