Best Marketplace Software to Build a Multi-Vendor Marketplace (2025)

To launch a successful marketplace, you need the right technology. But how do you choose the best marketplace software? 

The multi-vendor marketplace may be simple in concept, but its execution is much more complex than that of a single-vendor store. An assortment of merchants means lots more moving pieces, and the right marketplace tools are critical for smooth operations.  

There’s a wide range of marketplace software to consider adopting. Marketplace software can include a multi-vendor platform, payment solutions, marketing tools, and more. Not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place. 

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• Top 14 marketplace software
• Build vs. buy: what's the best approach for marketplace software?
• Ecommerce platforms vs marketplace software
• Other marketplace tools to add to your tech stack
• How to choose the best marketplace software for your business

But first, a couple of definitions to make sure we're all on the same page.

What is a multi-vendor marketplace?

What are we talking about when we say “multi vendor marketplace”? A multi-vendor marketplace is an online platform where many sellers can offer their products or services. Think of it like a big online mall. Each seller has their own shop, but they all share the same website. Buyers can browse and buy from different sellers in one place. The most famous example of a multi-vendor marketplace is Amazon.

Multi-vendor marketplaces provide a great experience for buyers because they can shop from multiple vendors on one website. It's great for sellers because they can reach more customers. It's a win-win for everyone!

What is marketplace software? 

Multi-vendor marketplace software is the technology that powers a marketplace business.  As one ecommerce director we interviewed put it, “The right marketplace website software transforms complex processes, making marketplaces more accessible than ever.” 

Historically, businesses needed to build their marketplaces from scratch — taking many years and boatloads of money to get off the ground. This is no longer the case. Thanks to online marketplace platforms like Nautical Commerce, startups and small teams can launch marketplaces in weeks. The industry has evolved from requiring custom development to offering robust marketplace tools that streamline launching and managing online markets.

Now, anyone can realize their marketplace vision with the right tech stack. 

Top 14 marketplace software in 2025

Like anything, marketplace software isn’t one-size-fits-all. Specific marketplace software or technologies depend on the operational needs, strategic objectives, and desired outcomes. 

At the foundation of every marketplace is the platform on which it’s built. To start, we look at the best marketplace software options for different types of companies.

Let’s start by diving into the 14 best marketplace software options for building a multi-vendor marketplace in 2025. 

Nautical Commerce: Best marketplace platform for growing businesses

Nautical Commerce is built for founders who need a marketplace platform that’s fast, easy, and affordable. Designed specifically for multi-vendor commerce, it allows businesses to launch quickly without requiring a development team or an underlying commerce platform.

Nautical’s no-code marketplace software helps businesses get started fast. It includes a drag-and-drop storefront builder, or you can use its headless commerce setup for a fully customized front-end. The platform integrates with thousands of third-party apps through pre-built connectors, Zapier, and an open API.

Key features for sellers:

• Seller onboarding: A structured setup process guides sellers through account creation, product uploads, and first sales.
• Seller dashboards: Vendors can track orders, view payouts, and manage their products from a single dashboard.
• Seller contract management: Operators can handle seller agreements and service level contracts within Nautical.
• Seller payouts: Automated commission tracking and payout integrations simplify financial processes.
• Seller system integrations: Seamless connections with product management and shipping software.

Key features for buyers:

• Multi-vendor checkout: Buyers can purchase from multiple sellers in one seamless transaction.
• Smart search: An optimized search tool helps buyers find products easily.
• Automated order updates: Nautical sends automatic shipping notifications once sellers fulfill orders.
• Low-code storefront builder: Design storefronts quickly using Nautical’s simple drag-and-drop editor.

Key features for marketplace merchants:

• Product catalog management: Keep product details consistent and organized across multiple sellers.
• Integrated accounting tools: Nautical supports double-entry bookkeeping and connects with financial tools to manage payments, taxes, and payouts.

Most suitable for: Small to medium sized businesses looking to go live fast and scale efficiently.

‍Nautical Commerce Pricing

‍Nautical has a variety of pricing plans available, starting at $188/month with a one-year commitment. Start a free trial.

Shopify with multi-vendor addons

Shopify is built for traditional ecommerce, not marketplaces. But, businesses can add marketplace functionality using third-party apps. These apps let vendors sign up, list products, and manage their own sales. Some also include payout automation, commission tracking, and order processing.

Most suitable for: Small businesses or solo entrepreneurs already using Shopify who need basic marketplace features without switching platforms.

Shopify with multi-vendor add-ons key considerations

• Popular marketplace apps include: Multi Vendor Marketplace by Webkul, Marketcube, VendorDen
• Shopify has a reputable built-in payment system and security
• Easy setup for existing Shopify users
• Many marketplace features require additional plugins and apps

Shopify with multi-vendor add-ons pricing

Shopify’s basic plan starts at $29/month. Adding marketplace features requires an app like Webkul’s Multi Vendor Marketplace, which starts at $15/month. For advanced features, Shopify’s $79/month plan combined with Webkul’s $40/month plan is recommended.

Adobe Commerce (Magento) marketplace software

Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) is a powerful eCommerce platform. Similar to building a marketplace with Shopify, you need to add on third-party extension for marketplace capabilities. Adobe Commerce is open-source, allowing full customization.

Most suitable for: Established businesses with technical resources that need a highly customizable marketplace solution.

Adobe Commerce (Magento) key considerations

• Popular marketplace extensions include: Webkul’s Multi-Vendor Marketplace, CedCommerce Marketplace, Vnecoms Marketplace
• Strong performance and scalability for large marketplaces
• Requires in-house developers or an agency for setup and maintenance

Adobe Commerce (Magento) pricing

Adobe Commerce pricing is based on Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), starting around $22,000 per year for small businesses. Prices increase with sales volume, and businesses must contact Adobe for a custom quote.

CS-Cart Multi-Vendor

CS-Cart Multi-Vendor is a dedicated marketplace platform designed for businesses that need a standalone solution. It includes built-in marketplace features and allows unlimited vendors to manage their own products, track sales, and fulfill orders without extra plugins.

Most suitable for: Small to medium-sized B2C businesses looking for an affordable, all-in-one marketplace solution.

CS-Cart Multi-Vendor key considerations

• Ready-to-use marketplace platform with built-in vendor management
• There are two options available — on premises and cloud
• Mixed reviews on the responsiveness of customer support 

CS-Cart Multi-Vendor pricing

Pricing for the Cloud plan starts at $105/month for the basic plan. For essential features, businesses should upgrade to the $171/month plan.

Webkul for BigCommerce

Webkul’s Multi-Vendor Marketplace app adds marketplace functionality to BigCommerce. It allows businesses to turn an existing BigCommerce store into a multi-vendor platform without switching platforms.

Most suitable for: Retailers already using BigCommerce who need basic marketplace functionality.

Webkul for BigCommerce key considerations

• Simple integration with BigCommerce
• Supports automated vendor payouts and commission tracking
• Works with BigCommerce’s built-in payment and shipping options
• Not as flexible as standalone marketplace platforms 

Webkul for BigCommerce pricing

Pricing starts at $10/month for the Webkul Multi-Vendor Marketplace app. Costs may increase with add-ons or additional features.

Yo!Kart marketplace software

Yo!Kart is a self-hosted marketplace platform with built-in multi-vendor tools. Businesses don’t need third-party plugins to create a fully functional marketplace.

Most suitable for: Mid-sized businesses looking for a standalone marketplace solution without ongoing monthly fees.

Yo!Kart key considerations

Complete marketplace solution with no third-party apps needed

• One-time payment instead of a subscription model
• The merchant owns hosting and technical setup
• No free trial available

Yo!Kart pricing

Yo!Kart follows a one-time payment model. The GoQuick Lite package starts at $499. Higher-tier packages are available at $1,249 and $6,249.

Arcadier’s marketplace software

Arcadier is a cloud-based marketplace platform designed for product, service, rental, and B2B marketplaces. It provides pre-built templates for quick setup without coding.

Most suitable for: Enterprise businesses launching niche marketplaces that want a plug-and-play solution without managing hosting or security.

Arcadier key consierations

• No coding required for setup
• Supports multiple marketplace types (product, service, rental, B2B)
• Limited features and adding features requires custom development

Arcadier pricing

Arcadier offers custom pricing based on business needs. Businesses must contact Arcadier for a quote.

Marketplacer

Marketplacer is designed for large businesses that want to add third-party sellers to their existing eCommerce stores. It allows companies to manage vendors, process payments, and track orders from a single dashboard. The platform supports both first-party and third-party sales, meaning businesses can sell their own products while also enabling vendors to list on the same site.

Most suitable for: Large retailers and enterprises that need a scalable marketplace solution with strong vendor management.

Marketplacer key cosiderations

• Supports both first-party and third-party sales
• Scales to handle high transaction volumes
• Requires developer support for setup and customizations

Marketplacer pricing

Marketplacer uses a custom pricing model based on business size and needs. Businesses must contact Marketplacer for a quote.

PrestaHero multi-vendor addon

PrestaHero’s multi-vendor addon turns a PrestaShop store into a marketplace. Vendors can list products, manage orders, and receive payments. Marketplace owners control commission rates and vendor permissions while using PrestaShop’s existing themes, plugins, and payment gateways.

Most suitable for: Businesses already using PrestaShop that want to add marketplace functionality without switching platforms.

PrestaHero multi-vendor addon considerations

• Integrates marketplace features into an existing PrestaShop store
• Supports vendor commissions and automated payouts
• Compatible with PrestaShop’s plugins and payment gateways
• Performance depends on hosting and PrestaShop’s configuration

PrestaHero multi-vendor addon pricing

PrestaHero’s multi-vendor addon costs $183.99 per year, with optional customer support at $4.92/month.

Sharetribe

Sharetribe is a no-code marketplace platform that allows businesses to launch quickly without developers. It supports marketplaces for products, services, and rentals with built-in seller tools, payment processing, and mobile-friendly features.

Most suitable for: Small businesses and entrepreneurs launching a simple P2P or service-based marketplace.

Sharetribe key considerations

• No coding required for setup
• Supports product, service, and rental marketplaces
• Limited management tools for sellers 
• Limited customization unless upgrading to Sharetribe Flex

Sharetribe pricing

Sharetribe’s entry-level plan starts at $39/month. For advanced features, businesses need to upgrade to higher tiers, up to $269/month.

Dokan plugin

Dokan is a WordPress plugin that turns a WooCommerce store into a multi-vendor marketplace. It provides seller dashboards, commission tracking, and order management while using WooCommerce’s payment gateways and shipping tools.

Most suitable for: Businesses already using WordPress and WooCommerce that need marketplace functionality.

Dokan WooCommerce plugin key considerations

• Works within WooCommerce, no need for a separate platform
• Compatible with most WordPress themes and plugins
• Free version available, but advanced features require paid plans
• Can break easily with added customizations

Dokan WooCommerce plugin pricing

Dokan’s most basic features are available for free. Lifetime plans start at $559 and up to $2,997 for Enterprise businesses. 

X-Cart multi-vendor marketplace

X-Cart is a self-hosted ecommerce platform that offers a multi-vendor version for businesses needing a full marketplace solution. It allows companies to manage sellers, track orders, and handle payouts while supporting different commission structures and revenue sharing.

Most suitable for: Businesses that require a self-hosted, customizable marketplace solution with no transaction fees.

X-Cart multi-vendor marketplace key considerations

• Supports multiple commission structures
• Vendors get dedicated dashboards to manage inventory and sales
• Requires developers for setup and customizations
• The platform also supports first-party commerce and wasn’t purpose built for multi-vendor

X-Cart multi-vendor marketplace pricing

X-Cart’s multi-vendor platform starts at $499/month. Additional features and higher-tier plans may increase costs.

Mirakl

Mirakl is an enterprise marketplace platform built for large-scale retailers, B2B companies, and manufacturers. It allows businesses to onboard vendors, automate transactions, and integrate with ERP, CRM, and payment systems.

Most suitable for: Large enterprises that need an advanced marketplace platform with deep automation and integrations.

Mirakl key considerations

• AI-powered tools for automation and fraud detection
• Deep integrations with ERP, CRM, and logistics systems
• Scales to handle high transaction volumes
• Requires technical expertise for implementation, which can be lengthy

Mirakl pricing

Mirakl offers custom pricing based on business size and transaction volume. Businesses must request a quote for exact costs.

MultiMerch for OpenCart

MultiMerch is an OpenCart extension that adds marketplace functionality to an existing store. It allows sellers to create accounts, list products, and manage orders, while marketplace owners control vendor approvals, commission rates, and payouts.

Most suitable for: Businesses already using OpenCart that want to add marketplace features without migrating to a new platform.

MultiMerch for OpenCart key considerations

• Supports vendor commissions and automated payouts
• Integrates with OpenCart’s payment and shipping options
• Vendors get dashboards to manage inventory and track sales
• Customization possible but requires OpenCart framework knowledge

MultiMerch for OpenCart pricing

MultiMerch requires a one-time payment of $750. Additional customization or extra features may come at an additional cost.

Build vs. Buy: What's the Best Approach for Marketplace Software?

When creating a marketplace, you face a choice: build a custom marketplace platform or buy marketplace software. Each option has unique benefits.

Buying Ready-to-Use Marketplace Software

Buying marketplace software like Nautical means using technology that’s set up and ready. This is often best for companies that need to launch fast and can't spend years on custom development. The best marketplace software depends on your specific needs.  But no matter your objectives, the pros of out-of-the-box software also include regular updates and support. By buying, you get a stable platform and can focus on growing your business and improving the customer experience. This path works well for most companies.

Building a Custom Marketplace Platform

Building a custom marketplace gives you granular control over everything. This is a good option for large companies with specific needs that ready-made software can’t meet. However, building takes more time and requires a large budget for development and ongoing maintenance. You’ll also need a skilled team to create and manage the technology. A custom build allows flexibility but needs more resources and has greater risks.

Which Path Is Right for You?

Think about your company's complexity, timeline, and budget. Buying marketplace software lets you launch faster on top of proven infrastructure. Building gives you freedom but needs a strong commitment. For many, the “buy” option offers the best balance of speed, cost, and function. Plus, most of the marketplace technology in this list offers a lot of customizability.

Ecommerce platforms vs marketplace software

Ecommerce platforms and marketplace software serve different purposes. Ecommerce platforms are for one seller to sell products to customers. Marketplace software supports multiple sellers in one place. This allows vendors to reach more customers and gives buyers a choice of products from different sellers. Ecommerce platforms work well for single brands, while marketplace software is ideal for businesses that connect many sellers and buyers.

Other marketplace tools to add to your tech stack

With all the moving part of a marketplace, you need additional technology to work alongside your marketplace software. Now, let's look at other important software that integrates with the marketplace platform for your marketplace run smoothly. 

Best marketplace software for marketing

Using the best marketplace tools for marketing makes a difference. An ecommerce leader shared, “leveraging marketplace software optimized for marketing has skyrocketed our visibility and user engagement, driving unprecedented traffic.” 

These tools not only enhance the marketplace's appeal but solidify its position in a competitive online space.

SendGrid: Email marketing software for marketplaces

From checkout reminders to order updates to email marketing campaigns, it’s essential to have a reliable method of communication with your marketplace customers and suppliers. 

SendGrid is a reputable software for both transactional and marketing emails at scale. The software provides reliable email delivery to ensure your communications reach users promptly. Plus, its scalability can accommodate communication needs at any stage of growth. 

Why we love it: With their email API, you can seamlessly integrate SendGrid into whatever platform you use to power your marketplace business. Plus, get access to analytics to stay on top of what’s working and what’s not. 

Pricing: Depending on your stage and the primary function you’re using the tool for, prices range from free to $90/month. Plus, there’s custom pricing for the premier offering. 

Yotpo:  Social review software for marketplaces

Yotpo helps businesses collect and leverage user-generated content to improve their marketing efforts. Marketplaces are built on trust, and one cannot underestimate the power of reviews and referrals. Yotpo allows marketplaces to collect and display reviews, and build loyalty programs. 

Why we love it: Displaying reviews on your website doesn’t only help build trust amongst buyers, but can also be leveraged as valuable feedback for your whole company. 

Pricing: Pricing ranges from $15/month to $269/month, depending on monthly order volume and required features. You can also get a custom plan for a more premium offering. 

Best marketplace software for payments

Using reliable software for marketplace payments is critical. Unlike a first-party ecommerce store, money isn’t only moving between two parties — it’s moving between three. Once the buyer pays the operator, sellers also need to know when and how they’ll receive their money. 

Getting payments and payouts right is essential to build trust with your marketplace’s stakeholders.

Stripe: Payments software for marketplaces

Stripe has quickly become the industry standard for ecommerce payments, and it’s no different for marketplaces. Stripe offers an easy, fast, and scalable way to provide payment optionality to customers. Plus, they have an offering specifically for marketplace payouts, Stripe Connect. Used by many well-known platforms, like DoorDash, Salesforce, and Mindbody, the tool enables operators to reliably payout vendors. 

Why we love it: Stripe Connect makes it easy to onboard sellers and gives operators and sellers visibility of how the money moves across the marketplace. 

Pricing: With Stripe, most of the money you’re charged is based on a per cent per transaction, depending on payment type and business requirements. 

Best marketplace software for taxes

In recent years, tax compliance has become increasingly burdensome for marketplace operators. In 2025, the IRS will require US operators to issue a Form 1099-K to every vendor who earns more than $600 in annual sales.

Also — thanks to a landmark 2018 Supreme Court ruling — marketplace operators are no longer only required to collect and remit sales taxes in states where they have a physical presence. Above certain thresholds, which vary from state to state, marketplace operators must collect and remit sales tax on all transactions.

Avalara: Tax compliance software for marketplaces

Managing taxes in a multi-vendor setup requires sophisticated marketplace website software. But don’t take our word for it. An ecommerce leader we interviewed emphasized, “navigating tax compliance is streamlined by utilizing marketplace software like Avalara, which is designed to tackle the complexities specific to online marketplaces.” 

Why we love it: Avalara knows marketplaces. With regulations continuing to change around how marketplaces pay taxes, it’s important to work with a business that’s staying up to date with the latest compliance requirements. Plus, they work across a wide range of marketplace types — from physical goods to social commerce. 

Pricing: For pricing options, you need to speak to a sales representative. 

Top marketplace software for logistics 

Since many multi-vendor marketplace operators don’t store or deliver any products or services, it’s easy to forget about shipping and logistics in the planning stage. However, marketplace operators need to make it frictionless for vendors to ship their products and services and share shipping details back to the marketplace.

ShipStation: Fulfillment software for marketplaces

ShipStation is a shipping solution that helps retailers organize, process, and fulfill their orders efficiently. The software allows your sellers to integrate with your marketplace platform so they can keep track of orders at every stage of the fulfillment process. Plus, it allows sellers to manage inventory accurately and allocate stock. 

Why we love it: It’s not difficult to imagine how orders can get out of hand for vendors selling through multiple channels. ShipStation enables vendors to streamline their order fulfillment across multiple selling platforms to ensure a better experience for everyone. 

Pricing: ShipStation has a wide range of plans available depending on needs, from $9.99/month to $229.99/month for enterprise. Plus, get a quote for high-volume shipping options.

Here: GIS software for marketplaces

As a leading provider in mapping, navigation, and geolocation technologies, HERE Technologies provides accurate and up-to-date location data essential for optimizing logistics operations. This software enables geolocation features so you can see maps of the fleet and warehouses on your marketplace and have visibility into routing, geocoding, and shipping status.

Why we love it: HERE Technologies' solutions are highly customizable and scalable, catering to the specific needs of marketplace logistics operations. Integration capabilities allow seamless collaboration with other systems, streamlining workflow efficiency. 

Pricing: You can get started for free and pay as you grow. For numbers, you need to reach out to their team. 

Best marketplace software for customer support

According to a study by Zendesk, more than half of consumers will switch to a competitor after only one bad customer service experience. Needless to say, it’s important to get customer service right — and hopefully the first time. 

With so many different preferences for modes of communication, it’s no longer enough to have one channel for customer support. Fortunately, there are tools to help manage your communication with customers so you don’t get bogged down juggling phone calls, emails, instant messages, and more. 

HelpScout: Customer support software for marketplaces

HelpScout is a customer support software that allows you to have all your conversations on one unified platform. Its shared inbox consolidates inquiries from across channels, ensuring prompt and efficient responses. 

Collaboration tools enable support teams to coordinate efforts and provide consistent, accurate assistance. Automation features streamline repetitive tasks, leading to faster response times and smoother interactions. Plus, they have a knowledge base and reporting features to help you track key metrics. 

Why we love it: HelpScout is tried and true. It’s used by more than 12,000 businesses and has offerings for businesses small to large. 

Pricing: Plans range from $20/user/month to $65/user/month. You can also try a 15-day free trial. 

How to choose the best marketplace software for your business

Choosing the right marketplace software can set your business up for success. Here are 6 key steps to find the best fit for your needs.

1. Define your business goals

Start by identifying exactly what you need. What are your immediate goals for the marketplace? What's the vision for the future? Know your goals to make sure the software has the right features.

2. Look for core features

This is obvious, but needs to be said. Dig into the details about product features when you're evaluating marketplace software. Does the platform have the core functionality you need? Making a list of must-have vs nice-to-have features can help here.

3. Check for customization options

Some businesses need unique functions. Make sure the marketplace software can adapt to your needs. Some marketplace platforms like Nautical are completely customizable while others are more rigid and force you to do things “their way". If you want to learn more about what you can customize in Nautical, check out our API docs for developers.

4. Evaluate ease of use

A good platform is easy for everyone — vendors, buyers, and your team. Depending on the skill set of your team, ease of use will look different for everyone. For example, do you have developers on your team? Or will you need low-code solutions? 

5. Review Security and Compliance

Security is essential in a marketplace. Choose software that offers strong security features and meets industry standards. Your customers’ data and payments need protection.

6. Consider Costs and ROI

Budget is a big factor. Compare the costs of different platforms, including setup fees, monthly fees, and any added expenses. Balance cost with potential return on investment.

Building an effective marketplace toolkit 

Choosing the right marketplace technology at the start of your journey can save you a lot of time and headaches down the road. These tools address the unique complexities associated with running an online marketplace and also play a significant role in automating processes, enhancing user experience, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. 

With so many marketplace tools at our fingertips, managing and launching an online marketplace has never been more accessible. 

A good place to begin? Your marketplace platform. Try a free trial of Nautical’s marketplace platform.