If you would like to buy cheaper, you usually choose classified ads (formerly Ebay classifieds). But the market is quite large and there are several alternatives to the popular online second-hand shop. TECHBOOK has taken a closer look at these and reveals which ones are worth it.
Classifieds portals are the modern advertisements in daily newspapers. Whether private or business, goods or services – you can advertise or search for anything on classified ads. They are usually aimed at people in your area because they don’t want to ship or can’t do that for larger items like furniture. The larger the portal, the more offers and potential buyers there are. Classified ads have dominated the market in Germany for some time. But there are also worthwhile alternatives. TECHBOOK introduces you to some of them.
Advantages and disadvantages of classified ads
The classifieds portal emerged from the previous provider Kijiji in 2009. With almost 40 million views per month, it is the largest portal – not only of its kind – but also in Germany and for many the first port of call to resell their things. Fees for sales are only due if more than 50 advertisements are placed online within 30 days. From then on, each additional ad costs 95 cents.
In this way, Classifieds wants to guarantee that the business model is not exploited. The selection on the portal is huge: from barely used technology to sucked nuts, buyers can get everything their heart desires (or not). Due to its size and more than 37 million users (as of March 2023, source Statista) you can also use classified ads in many regions of Germany and you can find most of them in the immediate area.
However, users also repeatedly report various scams. Among other things, the individual payment methods make the portal vulnerable to fraudsters who either use fake profiles to offer goods that never arrive or who never transfer money as imaginary buyers. In addition, the popularity of the site also means that not every offer is serious. Users are therefore often looking for a good alternative to classified ads.
Also interesting: Ebay classifieds are over! Name, logo and design change
What alternative to classified ads is there?
TECHBOOK has taken a close look at the classifieds world and presents alternatives to classifieds. There are various portals that are similar to classified ads. But do they also represent a certain level of competition?
Quoka
Quoka is one of the largest competitors of classified ads and is an alternative for many. As with the industry leader, you will find everything here: from beer tent sets to Disney VHS tapes. The design of the website is reminiscent of classified ads, although some categories are missing.
However, a random check of some popular technology articles shows a clear deficit in the number of offers. A search for an “iPhone 15” on Quoka results in around 40 hits. On classified ads alone you can choose from around 5,000 advertisements. With 40 hits it is quite possible to find an interesting offer in the area, but classifieds is still clearly ahead.
So-called partner advertisements are also mixed in with the search results on Quoka. These are not advertisements, but rather advertising that leads to an external site. When it comes to technology, Quoka is nowhere near classified ads, but it is strong in other areas such as baby clothing. All in all, the platform is a possible alternative to classified ads.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace potentially has the largest user base due to the social network’s huge membership base. However, the majority are not active as buyers or sellers. Nevertheless, there is a very large selection, especially in the areas of technology and fashion. Thanks to the stored Facebook profiles, the trading partners can also get a good picture of the respective counterpart. Definitely an equal alternative to classified ads.
However, Facebook Marketplace is not always the best choice. The overview is not particularly user-friendly in both the desktop view and mobile. In addition, the categories are rather bulky. However, that does not mean that the offer is limited. The selection on Facebook Marketplace is also very mixed and, above all, large.
Curiously, Facebook is also competing with itself through the marketplace. Although the tool came to Germany in 2017, many still use privately created groups to trade among themselves and, above all, regionally.
Shpock
Another alternative to classified ads is the online flea market Shpock. The platform is best known for its app, which can be used to offer and buy things from all sorts of areas. Shpock relies even more on the local proximity of its trading partners and clearly marks newly listed items.
What should be particularly emphasized is that the app and the desktop view are quite modern and the presentation does not look old-fashioned. This makes browsing for products there very pleasant. The app can be used completely free of charge. Certain VIP features can be purchased additionally as an in-app purchase, but are not necessary. Users can also rate each other, which generally increases security. Shpock is therefore also a good alternative to classified ads.
Also interesting: 4 nasty “fake” rip-offs that classifieds users should know about
Markt.de
Markt.de is constantly growing. This is also evident in the random test. There is as little technology as here on any of the other portals reviewed. The biggest problem, however, is the inaccurate search. If you want an iPhone, you will not only see smartphones, but also tablets, projectors and even cars. The desktop design is based heavily on Facebook Marketplace and is therefore a bit old-fashioned and less clear, especially compared to newer providers such as Shpock.
Rebuy
If you are afraid of scammers, Rebuy is a good alternative. Because here something is not bought from a private person, but rather the goods are first purchased, checked, processed and resold by Rebuy. Rebuy is essentially a middleman between buyer and seller.
What is particularly practical for sellers is that you don’t have to constantly wait for the interested party. If the product has been sold to Rebuy, you will receive your money in advance and the matter is over. Rebuy is also worthwhile if you want or need to get rid of your goods quickly.
A negative point, however, is that you often receive less money for your product than if you sold it privately on other portals. The Rebuy employees check the condition of the product on offer and grade the value if there are defects such as scratches or other signs of wear, so that the selling price can ultimately be lower than initially indicated. Haggling is not possible with Rebuy, whereas with classifieds, Quoka and Co. you get in direct contact with the buyer.
Also read: Where can I get the most money for my used cell phone?
Momox
The principle of Momox is similar to that of Rebuy. The company buys the product from the owner and resells it to an interested party. The pros and cons are basically the same as Rebuy.
However, Momox and Rebuy differ significantly from other platforms when it comes to categories. While it feels like you can sell and buy anything you want on classifieds, Quoka, Marketplace, etc., the offerings on both resale portals are somewhat more limited. For example, Momox specializes in books, clothing, games, etc.
Myswoop
Myswoop is more of a niche classifieds alternative. You can also buy and sell products here. However, at Myswoob the focus is exclusively on technology products. For example, if you need a cheap smartphone, a drone, a console, etc. and don’t want to spend a lot of money on it, it’s definitely worth browsing through Myswoob.
The buyer-seller principle is that of Momox and Rebuy. You first describe and evaluate the condition of your goods. You then send the products to Myswoob, which they also take a closer look at. If the company is satisfied with your description or rating of the device, you will receive the money within 24 hours and no longer have to worry about reselling the product.
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Vinted
Many people wonder whether Vinted is a good alternative to classified ads. The answer is simple: it depends on what you are looking for. At Vinted the focus is clearly on buying, selling and exchanging clothes. If you’re looking for a used car or a second-hand iPhone, you won’t find it here. Vinted only allows the sale of technical accessories such as headphones, smartwatches, cell phone cases or similar.
Even though the platform is very popular, the offering remains limited. The reason, according to Vinted, is that goods such as cell phones, laptops or sports equipment “simply do not correspond to the vision of vinted.de”.
So if you are looking for ski equipment, you will only find the outfit for your winter holiday on Vinted. However, if you are looking for specific clothing items and accessories, Vinted is an ideal place to go. Whether the portal is an alternative to classified ads for you depends entirely on what you want to buy, sell or exchange.
TECHBOOK means
“It is not particularly surprising that Kleinanzeigen (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen) is the top dog. The selection there is immense. Other classified ad alternatives cannot keep up here. However, it is always worth taking a look at the other portals, as you can always compare the prices for the products you want and ideally buy the alternative if the goods are cheaper there. If you don’t want to come into direct contact with buyers or sellers, online shops like Momox Rebuy etc. are very helpful. All in all, there are many, but above all useful, classified ad alternatives.” – Isa Kabakci, editor