• The strengths and weaknesses of each major marketplace
• Which platform suits different types of purchases
• Buyer protection and returns: how they compare

If you’re shopping online in Australia, you’ve almost certainly ended up comparing prices across Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress. They’re the three biggest marketplaces we track on Dealiroo, and they each work quite differently. Knowing which one suits what you’re buying can save you more than just money — it can save you waiting six weeks for something that was listed as “express shipping.”

Amazon Australia

Best for: Brand-name electronics, books, household essentials, fast delivery

Amazon’s Australian store has grown significantly, and a lot of items now ship from local warehouses — meaning delivery can be as quick as a day or two for Prime members. Prices on well-known brands are often competitive, especially during sale events like Prime Day or Black Friday.

Watch out for: Not everything on Amazon.com.au ships from Australia. Some listings come from Amazon US or third-party sellers based overseas, which can mean longer delivery and different return policies. Check the “Sold by” and “Ships from” details before assuming it’ll arrive fast.

Buyer protection: Strong. Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee covers most purchases if something goes wrong, and their returns process is generally straightforward.

eBay Australia

Best for: Second-hand bargains, refurbished electronics, niche or discontinued products

eBay is a marketplace of individual sellers rather than a single retailer, which means pricing can be all over the place — sometimes in your favour. It’s particularly good for finding used or refurbished items at steep discounts, and for products that are no longer sold new.

Watch out for: Seller quality varies significantly. Always check the seller’s feedback rating and number of reviews before buying. “New” on eBay doesn’t always mean retail-new — read the description carefully. Shipping costs can also vary wildly between sellers for the same type of item.

Buyer protection: eBay’s Money Back Guarantee covers most purchases if the item doesn’t arrive or doesn’t match the description. You’re dealing with the seller directly for returns, but eBay steps in if there’s a dispute.

AliExpress

Best for: Low-cost items where you’re not in a rush, unbranded products, bulk buys

AliExpress is a Chinese marketplace with prices that are often dramatically lower than Amazon or eBay for similar items. If you’re buying something generic — phone cases, cable organisers, basic home goods, craft supplies — AliExpress is usually the cheapest option by a significant margin.

Watch out for: Shipping times. “Free shipping” can mean anywhere from two weeks to two months depending on the seller and shipping method. Product descriptions are often auto-translated and can be vague. Sizing on clothing is frequently smaller than Australian sizes. And buyer protection, while it exists, can be slower and more complicated than Amazon or eBay if something goes wrong.

Buyer protection: AliExpress has a buyer protection program that holds payment until you confirm delivery. If something doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described, you can open a dispute — but the process can take weeks. Stick to sellers with high ratings and a solid sales history.

Which marketplace should you actually use?

The real answer is usually “check all three.” A product listed for $89 on Amazon might be $54 on AliExpress with a three-week wait, or $62 refurbished on eBay. Which one’s the better deal depends on how quickly you need it and how much you value buyer protection versus the lowest possible price.