Read the distinct roles of Amazon, Temu, SHEIN, AliExpress, Alibaba.com, eBay, Zalando and Vinted before choosing where to search.
These short profiles describe each platform’s stated positioning and the type of shopping task it may suit. They are not rankings, price guarantees or endorsements. Product range, seller mix, shipping, returns and access vary by country and individual listing.
Amazon’s Store combines products sold by Amazon’s own retail operations with products offered by third-party sellers. That makes it a broad starting point for many everyday product searches, but the seller, fulfilment method and terms can differ by listing.
Temu describes itself as an e-commerce marketplace connecting consumers with merchandise partners, manufacturers and brands. Temu says shipping origins vary depending on the product purchased, so delivery time and origin should be checked on the individual listing.
SHEIN describes itself as a global online fashion and lifestyle retailer. Its About Us page says it offers SHEIN-branded apparel and products from a global network of vendors. Its current business also describes a growing marketplace with third-party merchants and brands.
Alibaba Group describes AliExpress as a global retail e-commerce platform that enables consumers to buy products from sellers around the world. Listings can differ in seller, shipping method, product specification and delivery options.
Alibaba.com describes itself as a global B2B platform connecting buyers and suppliers. It is different from AliExpress: it is more naturally suited to sourcing, supplier enquiries and business purchasing than to an ordinary one-off retail basket.
eBay describes itself as a global marketplace connecting buyers and sellers. Its company materials highlight pre-loved goods, refurbished items and unusual or hard-to-find listings as part of its marketplace offer. Condition and seller terms are listing-specific.
Zalando describes itself as a European fashion and lifestyle platform connecting customers, brands and partners. Its official corporate profile lists operations across 29 markets; it should not be assumed to be available in every country.
Vinted’s stated mission is to make second-hand the first choice. Its About page describes member-to-member trade in second-hand items and notes categories beyond clothing, including children’s items and luxury handbags. Category availability can vary by market.