The $78 Billion Opportunity.
Online shopping in Australia continues to evolve and create new opportunities. By early 2026, Aussies are on track to spend over $78 billion AUD online.With around 9.8 million households now buying regularly, steady online sales are the normal part of running a business in Australia.
But there’s the real kicker for small businesses: it is getting busy out there. Last peak season saw a record 111 million parcels hit the road. To stand out, you need to be where the buyers are and have a shipping setup that does not break when things get hectic.
Marketplace Growth in 2026: How Recommerce is Reshaping Retail
In 2026, marketplaces are the heavy lifters of the industry, driving 39% of all online growth in the country. They have become the first place people go when they want to find something specific and fast. In fact, over 93% of Australians made a marketplace purchase in the last year alone.
The biggest trend we are seeing right now is Recommerce. What was once a niche hobby has become a massive movement, with Australia’s second-hand market projected to reach an impressive $37.8 billion AUD in 2026. Gen Z is at the wheel of this shift: 54% of Gen Z shoppers now opt for second-hand over brand new, and 82% check the resale value of an item before they even buy it.
This shift is so significant that in early 2026, eBay finalised its $1.7 billion AUD acquisition of Depop. It is a huge signal that circular fashion is a permanent fixture in the Australian economy. While the global giants team up, local favourites like Big W Market have also stepped up, absorbing older platforms to give Aussie families a trusted, curated place to shop.
1. Shopify
Shopify supports over 4.5 million stores across multiple industries. It features a user-friendly interface, dynamic themes, and an app store featuring everything you need to sell online.
Who Should Use Shopify?
Shopify is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to build an ecommerce store. It not only ranks among the most user-friendly platforms available today but also stands out as a feature-rich and all-encompassing solution.
The extensive selection of apps and enhancements within the Shopify marketplace guarantees that you can effortlessly enhance and expand your store's functionality over time. If you're searching for a secure and adaptable method to initiate online selling, it’s difficult to fault this option.
The Pros of Using Shopify
- User-Friendly: Shopify makes it accessible and straightforward for beginners and experienced web developers.
- Abandoned Cart Recovery: The inclusion of abandoned cart functionality on all Shopify plans is crucial for preventing lost sales.
- App Ecosystem: Shopify's app store covers dropshipping, marketing, and more. It empowers you to customise and optimise your store according to your specific needs.
- Built-in Email Marketing and SEO: The built-in capabilities are essential tools for effectively promoting your online store.
- Diverse Payment Gateways: Shopify allows you to cater to customer preferences by facilitating seamless transactions.
The Cons of Using Shopify
- Limited Free Themes: It features a small number of free themes compared to other builders, impacting your store's visual customisation options.
- Restricted "Product Options": Constraints on creating and managing "product options" can hinder the presentation of your products.
- Reliance on Apps for Enhanced Functionality: Installing various third-party apps to extend functionality can add complexity and costs to your store.
- Coding Knowledge for Custom Changes: Requiring familiarity with coding languages for implementing custom modifications can be a barrier for some users.
- Transaction Fees: High transaction fees on cheaper plans can significantly affect your overall profitability and should be considered in your budget planning.
2. Wix
Wix is known for its user-friendly approach and adaptability. It offers innovative features like AI-driven ADI, various payment options, mobile-optimised themes, and SEO tools. While it’s not the most advanced website builder, Wix's versatile Editor is gaining popularity among online sellers, allowing them to bring templates to life in unique and creative ways.
Who Should Use Wix?
Wix is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a straightforward way to sell products online. It provides a seamless and efficient way to get started swiftly. It even incorporates AI capabilities that guide you through the initial setup process, making it an accessible and user-friendly platform.
The Pros of Using Wix
- User-Friendly Backend: Wix is intuitive and beginner-friendly, making it easy for newcomers to start their online stores.
- Quick Setup: With simple setup options, Wix allows you to commence selling online promptly and is ideal for those who want to get started quickly.
- Customisation Options: Wix provides abundant customisation possibilities, enabling you to create a unique online presence.
- Rich App Market: The Wix app market offers a wide range of functionalities that enhance your store's capabilities.
- Affordability: Wix is recognised for its exceptional value, standing out as one of the most budget-friendly solutions for online sellers.
The Cons of Using Wix
- Loading Speed Concerns: Some Wix users have reported certain limitations in loading speed.
- Fewer Tools: Compared to some dedicated ecommerce solutions, Wix may offer a reduced toolset.
- Customisation Gaps: Some customers have noted the absence of specific options to customise their online store.
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce offers an adaptable platform equipped with flexible features to accommodate your online store’s growth. It provides seamless integration with platforms like Amazon, eBay, Wish, and more to expand your client reach. It also provides themes and tools for tailored website design, in addition to robust security measures and comprehensive analytics to track performance.
Who Should Use BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is perfect for anyone aiming to establish a highly scalable online store in the Australian ecommerce market. It may not be the most straightforward platform to navigate, but it compensates by delivering comprehensive functionality. Plus, it offers advanced features such as abandoned cart recovery, ensuring you have the tools necessary to capture and convert potential customers, ultimately boosting your store’s success.
The Pros of Using BigCommerce
- Zero Fees: BigCommerce doesn't charge to use the platform, take any commissions for sales, or include transaction fees on any plan.
- Unlimited Staff Accounts: The platform offers unlimited staff accounts across all packages.
- Payment Gateway Integrations: BigCommerce seamlessly integrates with leading payment gateways.
- Marketplace and Social Media Integration: It allows easy connections to popular platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook.
- Free Dedicated SSL (HTTPS): BigCommerce offers free site-wide HTTPS with a dedicated SSL certificate, ensuring secure transactions and customer trust.
The Cons of Using BigCommerce
- Learning Curve for Beginners: If this is your first online store, you may encounter a slight learning curve when using the platform.
- Complexity for Small-Scale Sellers: Some may find the product's complexity challenging, potentially affecting their ability to manage operations efficiently.
- Additional Costs for Certain Features: Some features come with additional costs, impacting budget considerations.
- Variable Customer Service Responsiveness: Customer service and support responsiveness may vary, with potential delays in addressing inquiries or issues.
4. Squarespace
Squarespace is a globally recognised website builder renowned for creating visually appealing websites that convey a professional image. While it may not offer the same drag-and-drop editing as some competitors, it is still relatively user-friendly. Online sellers can customise layouts and access ecommerce features such as automated discounts and abandoned cart recovery.
Who Should Use Squarespace?
Squarespace is an excellent choice if you want your ecommerce website to capture the attention of potential customers. This platform makes it simple to craft a professional-grade website and provides specialised tools to streamline the setup of recurring payments and subscription services.
The Pros of Using Squarespace
- Stunning Website Design: Squarespace stands out for its ability to help creative small business owners create visually impressive websites without requiring coding expertise.
- Reliable Performance: Squarespace offers exceptional reliability and performance, ensuring extended uptime for your website.
- Free Domain Name: The platform provides a complimentary domain name with the purchase of an annual plan.
- Built-in Security: Squarespace enhances user trust and security by including free WHOIS privacy and an SSL certificate with domain registration.
- Abundance of Ecommerce Features: Squarespace offers a rich set of ecommerce tools, from social media integrations to robust checkout systems and efficient inventory management, all without item limits.
The Cons of Using Squarespace
- Expensive: Squarespace's plans may appear costly compared to competitors, lacking lower-cost personal plan options available from some competitors like Wix.
- Loading Speed Issues: Some reviewers have noted that Squarespace's loading times can be slow at times, which can be problematic, particularly for mobile users who need speedy shopping cart interactions.
- Limited Payment Options: Squarespace offers limited payment options, primarily relying on Stripe, which may not suit your potential customers.
- Navigational Complexity: The platform aims to simplify website building, but beginners may still find it confusing initially, potentially experiencing challenges in navigating the process.
- Restrictive Templates: While Squarespace provides visually appealing templates, content block-based construction can feel restrictive, limiting users' control over content placement which may impact creativity and increase the learning curve.
5. WooCommerce
WooCommerce seamlessly transforms your WordPress site into a fully functional ecommerce platform. It offers an all-in-one solution including shopping cart functionality and product pages. The platform leverages the extensive WordPress library, offering numerous options to enhance the online shopping experience. Even without additional plugins, WooCommerce offers popular features such as support for omnichannel selling and the capacity to handle an unlimited number of products.
Who Should Use WooCommerce?
If you don’t want to pay a monthly fee with platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce, WooCommerce is a viable alternative. It includes dozens of customisation options and scalability with minimal effort or prior web design knowledge. You can create exceptional customer experiences, support bank transfers, and integrate review plugins and extra WordPress-compatible features. It also provides SEO tools for improved Google search results.
The Pros of Using WooCommerce
- Seamless Integration: WooCommerce integrates with your existing WordPress website using a free plugin.
- All-in-One Solution: It is a comprehensive offering with access to a diverse app store.
- Global Reach: Ideal for Australian ecommerce businesses seeking a global presence.
- Digital Marketing Tools: WooCommerce is equipped with multiple digital marketing and SEO tools.
- Payment Versatility: The platform offers multiple payment options for enhanced flexibility.
The Cons of Using WooCommerce
- Some Technical Proficiency Required: Using WooCommerce involves a learning curve that may demand some technical knowledge.
- Extra Costs: There are additional expenses associated with accessing third-party tools and features such as web hosting and premium themes.
6. OpenCart
Much like WordPress, OpenCart provides its core product and encourages you to tailor it to your specific needs through extensions. This free and flexible approach lets you cherry-pick the best apps that suit your business. While it’s a powerful and cost-effective solution, it does require some development skills to get the most out of the offering.
Who Should Use OpenCart?
OpenCart offers an intuitive interface, a clean dashboard, and an affordable entry point, making it an enticing choice for anyone looking to start selling online. However, it’s primarily designed for experienced developers offering access to unique customisation tools and a supportive community for those proficient in coding and web design.
The Pros of Using OpenCart
- Free Download: OpenCart is accessible to all at no cost.
- Highly Customisable: OpenCart allows for extensive customisation so you can tailor your store to your unique needs.
- Comprehensive Integration: It seamlessly integrates with leading tools and services to expand your store's functionality.
- Abundant Marketplace: You can access a diverse range of plugins, gateways, and tools to enhance your store's capabilities.
The Cons of Using OpenCart
- Developer Skills Required: Competency in web development is essential for effective usage.
- Limited Customer Support: While customer support is accessible, a significant amount of problem-solving falls on the user.
- Self-Hosting Responsibility: As an OpenCart user, you assume responsibility for development, maintenance, and more.
- Basic Marketing Features: OpenCart's SEO and digital marketing features are less extensive than some competitors.
- Speed Considerations: It is not the fastest option available in the market.
7. Amazon
Amazon needs no introduction. It’s a renowned ecommerce juggernaut with over 300 million active users worldwide. The marketplace’s global presence and comprehensive product categories make it ideal for brands seeking extensive reach.
Who Should Use Amazon?
Selling on Amazon offers access to a vast customer base, making it a top choice for ecommerce ventures looking to expand their reach and credibility. Some of the most popular products to sell on the marketplace include toys, games, clothing, and pet supplies.
The Pros of Using Amazon
- Increased Sales Potential: With over 58 million monthly visitors, Amazon is a massive shopping search engine offering enhanced visibility in a competitive market.
- Building Customer Trust: 50% of shoppers initiate their product searches on Amazon. Providing accurate and informative product content can drive more sales through the marketplace.
- Utilising Product Content: Amazon's robust ratings and reviews system positions it as a leading platform for customer feedback and product information.
- Streamlined Shopping Experience: Amazon's "cart and forget" feature allows customers to add items to their cart and decide later, enabling Amazon to send targeted cart reminders without additional costs to sellers.
The Cons of Using Amazon
- Branding Challenges: Establishing a distinctive brand presence can be challenging when selling on Amazon, often prompting sellers to use it as a supplementary revenue source for their primary website.
- Increased Competition: Amazon's appeal leads to heightened competition, necessitating a well-planned long-term strategy to compete with other sellers effectively.
- Order Management Complexity: Managing orders across multiple marketplaces can be intricate. Finding a tool that makes it easy to manage orders in a centralised system is essential to streamline the process.
8. eBay
Starting as an auction site, eBay has evolved into a comprehensive online marketplace for new product sales covering various product categories. It provides user-friendly features for newcomers including preset templates, pricing recommendations, and promotional tools, making it an attractive choice for many.
Who Should Use eBay?
Like Amazon, eBay presents an excellent opportunity to significantly enhance your visibility even if you're a newcomer. One of the marketplace’s advantages is its seamless cross-border purchasing process, allowing you to reach international customers while primarily operating within Australia. It could provide insights as to whether you should consider a global expansion.
The Pros of Using eBay
- Vast Audience Reach: eBay has 57 million monthly visits per month in Australia, providing sellers with access to a massive audience of potential customers.
- Featured Store Upgrade: The marketplace includes a featured store upgrade to enhance your product visibility significantly. Similar to Google Ads, it ensures that when potential customers search for specific keywords, your products will prominently appear on eBay's search page, driving increased traffic to your store.
The Cons of Using eBay
- eBay Selling Fees: eBay charges a monthly fee of $24.95 for a basic store setup, $54.95 for a featured store, and $549.95 for an anchor store. There are also fees for sales and payments.
- Intense Competition: The vast number of active users and sellers on eBay means you may encounter fierce competition. A well-thought-out listing and strategy is essential to distinguish your offerings in a crowded marketplace.
- Rules and Policy Restrictions: Selling on eBay means adhering to their predefined regulations and policies, limiting your control over critical aspects such as returns, refunds, and customer service.
9. Etsy
Etsy is the world's foremost online marketplace for artisans, craftspeople, and collectors. It features popular categories such as apparel and accessories, jewellery, crafts, and art supplies. It is also emerging as a promising sales channel for print-on-demand businesses.
Who Should Use Etsy?
The marketplace is ideal for ecommerce businesses selling handcrafted items, craft supplies, vintage goods, and unique designs. While you might not have the same autonomy as running a standalone website, Etsy offers a more straightforward setup process, making it an accessible choice for creative entrepreneurs and artisans seeking a broader audience for their original creations.
The Pros of Using Etsy
- Large Customer Base: Etsy's global reach ensures that your products are instantly exposed to a diverse audience worldwide.
- Cost-Effective Advertising: Etsy simplifies advertising by enabling sellers to establish a weekly budget, making it a low-risk investment.
- Comprehensive Search Analytics: Sellers benefit from robust analytics, particularly for optimising search engine visibility, allowing you to monitor the keywords driving traffic to your shop.
- Effortless Shop Administration: Etsy's user-friendly interface streamlines shop setup within minutes and simplifies ongoing store management and customer communication.
The Cons of Using Etsy
- Extensive Promotion Required: Given its niche focus, effective marketing efforts are required through channels like Facebook and Instagram to achieve success.
- Limited Customisation Options: Sellers must operate within the platform's constraints, limiting the degree of customisation for their listings and shops and causing them to blend together.
10. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a compelling choice for ecommerce entrepreneurs. It offers a quick and direct route for sellers to connect with buyers. It's particularly beneficial for anyone selling physical items.
Who Should Use Facebook Marketplace?
As for the most successful categories on Facebook Marketplace, you might want to explore fashion apparel, furniture, home decor, mobile devices, or baby care products. These offerings are currently experiencing high demand, with fashion apparel standing out as one of the fastest-selling items on the platform.
The Pros of Using Facebook Marketplace
- Extensive User Base: Facebook has three billion monthly active users, making it a platform with unparalleled reach.
- Integrated Advertising: Leveraging Facebook's integrated advertising system, you can easily promote your listings and reach a more targeted audience.
- User-Friendly Experience: Selling on Facebook Marketplace is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise. The intuitive process allows you to share your products within Groups as well.
- Cost-Effective: A significant advantage of using Facebook Marketplace is its free-of-charge nature. You won't incur fees for listing a product, and there is no limit on how many you can post.
The Cons of Using Facebook Marketplace
- Messaging-only Communication: Facebook Marketplace restricts communication to its chat system, whereas other platforms offer more diverse options like email or texting, which may be more convenient for certain customers.
- Lack of Bidding System: Facebook Marketplace primarily supports fixed prices or price ranges. Additionally, it's known for its reputation as a budget-friendly marketplace, often requiring sellers to compete on pricing.
- Absence of Seller Vetting: Facebook Marketplace lacks a feedback system for product or seller vetting, allowing anyone over the age of 18 to list items without a verification process.
11. Google Shopping
Google Shopping allows retailers to showcase and sell their products directly through the search engine without incurring commission fees. With this approach, customers can make purchases without leaving the Google ecosystem, providing increased visibility for your products and a smoother, more convenient shopping experience.
Who Should Use Google Shopping?
Google Shopping offers numerous benefits for online stores. It positions your product at the forefront with informative details that enhance purchase intent, providing a straightforward and effective advertising solution. Plus, it enables you to reach a broader audience compared to not running ad campaigns.
The Pros of Using Google Shopping
- No Commission: Google Shopping doesn't charge any commission fees, offering a free way to reach potential customers.
- Prominent Branding: Your store's information, including reviews and return policies, is displayed, ensuring transparency for shoppers and encouraging repeat business.
- No Competition From Google: Unlike Amazon, Google doesn't directly compete with its retailers, eliminating the threat of internal competition.
- Builds Customer Trust: The offering enhances brand visibility and builds customer trust as transactions occur through Google. Some products are backed by the Google Guarantee, which includes offering reimbursements for unsatisfied customers.
The Cons of Using Google Shopping
- Strict Shipping Guidelines: Google has stringent shipping guidelines requiring quick processing and transit times to stay competitive.
- Price Competition: Google Shopping encourages price comparisons, favouring lower prices.
- Low Visibility and Order Volume: It can be challenging to gain visibility and order volume without the ability to bid on products, making it essential to offer competitive prices.
- Integrating With Systems: Integrating new orders into inventory and shipping systems can be manual and unreliable compared to platforms like Amazon, which offer more seamless integration.
12. Depop
Depop is a social marketplace that has changed how Australians under 35 shop for fashion. Now owned by eBay, it combines a social media feed with an ecommerce backend. It is the go-to destination for circular fashion, vintage and unique finds that you would not typically find in a major retail chain.
Who Should Use Depop?
If you sell fashion, it is definitely worth a look. It is built around the community rather than just acting as a standard shop front. People can follow your profile, which means shoppers who like your style can easily turn into regular customers.
If you enjoy taking great photos and chatting with your audience, Depop gives you a direct line to buyers who genuinely care about sustainability. It is a solid choice if growing your brand identity is just as important to you as making a sale.
The Pros of Using Depop
- Run It From Your Phone: The app is simple to use. You can list items, chat with buyers, and manage your orders directly from your mobile.
- No Listing Fees: You do not pay a cent to put your items live. You only pay a fee once you actually make a sale.
- Built-in Audience: The platform is packed with younger shoppers actively looking for second-hand fashion, so you do not have to spend as much time finding the right buyers.
- Social Engagement: Features such as likes and follows help you build a dedicated fan base that keeps coming back for more.
- Sustainability Focus: The platform champions circular fashion, and buyers are often happy to pay a fair price for quality pre-loved items.
The Cons of Using Depop
- Photography Demands: Your photos need to pop. If your images do not look great on a phone screen, buyers will just scroll past.
- Time Commitment: To stay relevant, you need to be active by refreshing your listings and replying to people in the comments.
- Limited Recognition: MyDeal may not be as widely recognised as other marketplaces, meaning you may need to increase marketing efforts to drive traffic to your listings.
- Price Sensitive Buyers: Younger shoppers are very loyal, but they also watch their wallets closely and expect fast and low-cost shipping as a standard.
- Limited Categories: The platform is strictly for fashion and accessories. If you want to expand into homewares or other categories later, you will need to look elsewhere.
13. Kogan
Kogan presents a comprehensive shopping destination for Australian consumers encompassing various departments such as home and garden, technology, fashion, and fitness. When registering as a seller, you'll need to decide whether to become a supplier for the platform or sell your own manufactured products.
Who Should Use Kogan?
Becoming a third-party seller on Kogan can offer a valuable opportunity to establish an online presence while allowing you the flexibility to concentrate on your brand development. However, it's important to highlight that Kogan primarily caters to established businesses and may be less beneficial for smaller independent sellers seeking a marketplace.
The Pros of Using Kogan
- Diverse Product Categories: The platform offers a wide range of product categories, allowing you to sell various types of items.
- Brand Recognition: Kogan had almost four million active customers in 2022 and continues to see steady growth year on year.
- Customer Support: The platform handles customer support to assist with inquiries or issues.
The Cons of Using Kogan
- Not Suited to All Sellers: The marketplace benefits established businesses compared to new smaller independent sellers.
- Commission Fees: Kogan charges a few fees plus a commission, which is negotiated once you become a seller.
- Lesser Visibility: Kogan is not as well-known as other ecommerce platforms, potentially requiring additional marketing efforts to attract traffic to your listings.
14. Grays Australia
Grays is a leading ecommerce platform in Australia specialising in industrial, automotive, consumer, and commercial goods sourced directly from manufacturers and distributors. The marketplace provides buyers with exceptional value and convenience while offering retailers an efficient sales channel to maximise the value of their assets.
Who Should Use Grays Australia?
Grays is a versatile marketplace with diverse categories spanning from engineering equipment to home and garden appliances, fashion, and much more. Sellers on this platform can receive expert guidance, including valuation services, project management, marketing support, and more, all aimed at optimising their sales.
The Pros of Using Grays Australia
- Range of Product Categories: Grays is an excellent marketplace for industrial, auto, consumer, and commercial goods, allowing sellers to list various items.
- Expert Support: Sellers benefit from a team of experts who can guide you on maximising sales in the marketplace, including valuation services, project management, marketing, and more.
- Liquidation Channel: Grays is known for its ability to help businesses sell excess stock or large assets efficiently.
The Cons of Using Grays Australia
- Not Ideal for Smaller Sellers: Grays Australia is more beneficial to established businesses and may not be as suitable for smaller or independent sellers.
- Complex Product Offerings: Managing diverse product categories can be difficult, especially for sellers with a wide range of items.
- Limited Branding Opportunities: The platform focuses on product listings, offering limited opportunities for sellers to build a distinct brand presence.
15. BIG W Market
BIG W Market is a curated online space backed by a well-known Australian name. Since taking over MyDeal in 2025, it has grown into a strong local platform where you sell your products directly alongside their own.
Who Should Use Big W Market?
BIG W Market is an excellent option for established small businesses selling home, family, pet, and everyday essentials. It is suited for sellers who want to move away from the unfiltered feel of open marketplaces into a more professional environment.
Getting accepted gives your business instant credibility. If you have a solid product range and a reliable fulfilment setup, this platform puts you right in front of everyday Aussie families who are already doing their regular shopping.
The Pros of Using Big W Market
- Everyday Rewards Integration: You get direct access to over 10 million Everyday Rewards members who actively look to shop where they can earn and use their points.
- Easier to Stand Out: The site is not flooded with random listings. Because BIG W approves who gets to sell, your products have a much better chance of being seen.
- Local Trust: Aussies already trust the Big W brand, which helps build trust with new customers straight away.
- Australian Focus: The platform is built specifically for our local market, ensuring the traffic you get is relevant and ready to buy.
- Easy Onboarding: Once approved, the setup process is designed to get your products live with few technical issues.
The Cons of Using Big W Market
- Selective Entry: You have to apply to sell here, and they are careful about who they accept to protect their brand.
- Strict Fulfilment: You need a highly reliable shipping setup. Big W has strict expectations for how fast the sellers need to dispatch orders, provide tracking, and handle customer service.
- Higher Fees: As a curated marketplace, the commission can be higher than open platforms, so you need to watch your profit margins.
- Limited Creative Control: Your storefront has to match the Big W look, leaving less room to show off your own unique branding.
Maximising Your Sales: Packing and The Hybrid Strategy
Getting your products onto the right platform is only half of the journey. To really grow, you need a shipping setup that is flexible enough to handle the distance and smart enough to save your money.
Choose the Right Packaging and Box Size for Safe Parcel Delivery
Selecting suitable packaging is an effective way to protect your products in transit. Use sturdy double corrugated cartons or padded satchels suitable for the item's weight and fragility. Boxes that are too large can create unnecessary movement, while boxes that are too small may place pressure on edges and damage products. Choose packaging that offers a comfortable fit and supports the weight of your products across multiple handling points.
When you book a delivery, carriers look at two things: how much your package weighs and how much space it takes up. This is known as dimensional weight. By reducing the dimensions of your parcel and packing it right, you avoid paying for empty space and reduce your overall shipping costs.
Protect Your Parcel With Proper Internal Wrapping
When packing, use cushioning materials across the bottom, sides, on the top of the box and in between your items. The products themselves will need to be well wrapped and protected.
Do not forget to leave between 3 to 5 cm between your product and the sides of the box to prevent impact damage.
Once you have finished packing, give your box a gentle shake. If you can hear anything moving, you need to add more filler. More movement inside the box means a higher risk of damage.
Using eco-friendly materials like hex wrap or shredded cardboard is also a way to build trust with sustainable shoppers.
Seal Your Parcel Securely
After packing your items, take care to seal your parcel properly. A box that is not sealed well can open during transit, putting your products at risk and, in some cases, preventing the courier from accepting the shipment. A few simple sealing steps help your parcel stay intact throughout its journey.
Everyday household tape is not designed for parcel shipping. For a reliable hold, use strong packing tape with a width of at least 48mm. This type of adhesive is made to grip cardboard and withstand movement through automated sorting and delivery networks.
The Hybrid Strategy
A major risk to your business is an unexpected service disruption. We saw exactly how this plays out in January 2026 with the sudden suspension of Sendle services across Australia.
When a shipping company stops operating without warning, businesses relying on a single network are left scrambling to get their orders out. If your only courier stops moving, your deliveries stop too. The main risk here is not just a delayed parcel. It is the damage to your brand trust. When an order does not arrive, the customer does not blame the courier. They blame you.
This is where a hybrid approach hanges everything. Instead of locking your business into a single direct carrier, a hybrid shipping model allows you to run multiple carriers side by side using a multicarrier aggregator. It acts as a central command centre for your entire dispatch process.
Why Choose a Hybrid Shipping Strategy?
If your primary provider hits a delay or suspends their service, a hybrid model lets you switch to another courier with a single click and keep your orders moving. Using an aggregator platform means you can easily compare rates to find a competitive price and speed for every single parcel you send.
When you use a platform like Interparcel, you also do not have to give up the courier relationships you have already built. With our Bring Your Own (BYO) eature, you can connect your existing courier account, such as Australia Post, StarTrack, or Direct Freight Express accounts, directly to our system.
This setup means you keep your negotiated rates while gaining access to our automated fulfilment tools and a backup network of 16+ other couriers, including budget-friendly options like Aramex for heavy items or CouriersPlease or metro deliveries. You maintain total control over your shipping, and your customers stay confident in your brand, no matter what happens in the delivery network.
Pro Tip:
Getting buyers to click on your products requires a few simple adjustments. To beat the competition on any platform, focus on these effective listing habits:
- Detailed titles: Use all the space available to you. Put your most important keywords right at the front, including the brand, model, size, and colour, so buyers find exactly what they are looking for.
- Use clean images: A clear product shot with a plain white background looks highly professional and is often required if you want your items to show up on Google Shopping, for example. Be sure to include multiple angles and always show any defects so buyers know exactly what they are getting.
- Be clear about shipping and returns: Transparency builds trust. Clearly stating your shipping timeframes and offering a clear return policy will often boost your ranking in search results, making your products much easier to find.
- Fill out item specifics: Buyers use filters to shop. If you leave details like size, material, or brand blank, your product simply will not show up when a customer filters their search. Take the time to fill out every single detail.
Start Selling With Confidence
The Australian ecommerce market is evolving, and building a reliable brand is the true key to steady growth. Whether you are scaling your own standalone store, leaning into the recommerce space, or joining the curated platforms, a dependable delivery experience builds customer trust and encourages repeat sales.
Ready to streamline your marketplace shipping? Create a free Interparcel account today and connect your store in minutes.

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