It’s a question that crosses many shoppers’ minds the moment they land on OnBuy and spot a deal that seems too good to be true: Why is OnBuy so cheap?
A well-known name in the UK’s eCommerce landscape, OnBuy has made waves by offering competitive prices across a huge range of products. from kitchen gadgets and electronics to home decor and garden tools.
While some shoppers are excited about the savings, others are left scratching their heads.
Is OnBuy cutting corners? Are the products low quality? Or is there something about the platform itself that makes these prices possible?
The reality is quite straightforward and surprisingly reassuring. OnBuy has a unique business model and seller-friendly approach that helps drive down costs. Let’s explore exactly how that works.
What Makes Onbuy’s Marketplace Model Unique?
OnBuy doesn’t operate like Amazon, which sells its own products alongside those from independent sellers. Instead, OnBuy functions solely as a third-party marketplace, think of it as a digital high street, where hundreds of sellers operate their own shops under one roof.
This means OnBuy doesn’t stock products, manage warehouses, or get involved in logistics. It simply connects buyers and sellers, and in doing so, avoids many of the overhead costs that traditional retailers or eCommerce giants usually face.
Sellers maintain complete control over their listings, pricing, and customer service. And because OnBuy isn’t trying to undercut sellers with its own branded items (unlike Amazon), they’re encouraged to offer more competitive prices to attract customers.
It’s a streamlined, seller-focused setup that naturally fosters more competition and lower prices, exactly what budget-conscious shoppers are looking for.
Why Do Sellers Offer Lower Prices on Onbuy?
The key to OnBuy’s affordability lies in its low seller fees. Compared to major platforms like Amazon or eBay, OnBuy charges significantly lower commission rates, typically between 5% and 9%, depending on the product category.
These reduced fees make a real difference to sellers. For every sale they make, they retain a bigger slice of the revenue. And many of them choose to pass some of that saving on to customers to boost sales volume and win more visibility within OnBuy’s listings.
There’s also another helpful incentive: sellers who don’t exceed £500 in sales during a month aren’t charged a shop fee at all. This means small businesses and side-hustle sellers can list their products without upfront costs.
For them, OnBuy becomes a low-risk platform, and that freedom gives them room to price competitively without sacrificing profit margins.
Ultimately, sellers are more flexible with pricing on OnBuy because they’re not weighed down by high platform fees, and shoppers reap the benefits.
Do Sellers on Onbuy Regularly Offer Deals and Discounts?
Absolutely, and it’s one of the key reasons shoppers return to OnBuy time and time again. Sellers frequently run promotional offers to stay competitive within the marketplace, particularly on popular product categories like home appliances, gadgets, and beauty items.
Because multiple sellers often list the same or similar products, they’re constantly tweaking prices to win customer attention and secure more conversions.
This creates a dynamic pricing environment, not unlike the high street, where prices can shift in response to demand, stock levels, and competitor activity.
Many sellers use seasonal promotions, clearance sales, or multi-buy offers to move inventory quickly. This results in frequent price drops and great-value deals that can be tough to beat on other platforms.
It’s not uncommon to find something like a digital kitchen scale for £7.99 on OnBuy when it’s £12.99 elsewhere, simply because the seller has more pricing freedom.
How Does Onbuy Earn Money if Products Are So Cheap?
The business model that allows for low prices is also what supports OnBuy’s revenue structure. Rather than inflating product prices or taking a large percentage of each sale.
OnBuy focuses on generating income in a few efficient ways:
- Subscription fees from sellers but only from those earning over £500 per month.
- Commission on each sale, which remains lower than many competitors.
- Optional promotional services, such as advertising placements within search results.
Crucially, OnBuy doesn’t get involved in warehousing, order fulfilment, or manufacturing. These are costly areas that demand significant infrastructure and logistics, things OnBuy intentionally avoids.
By keeping its operational model lean and focusing on being a facilitator rather than a competitor, OnBuy is able to stay profitable without driving up product costs. This keeps the entire marketplace balanced in favour of both buyers and sellers.
Why Are Some Products So Much Cheaper on Onbuy?
Some of the price differences between OnBuy and other marketplaces are quite striking especially in categories like home tech, small appliances, and lifestyle accessories. So what’s driving this?
Several factors contribute:
- Low platform fees, as discussed earlier, mean sellers don’t need to mark up prices as much.
- Bulk stock is often listed by sellers who’ve secured large volumes of a particular product, enabling them to sell at a lower unit cost.
- Overstock or clearance items are frequently moved through OnBuy, allowing sellers to liquidate excess stock at heavily discounted prices.
- Independent sellers, especially smaller UK-based ones, may not have the marketing budgets or overheads of big-name competitors. Instead, they compete on price and service.
Consider a desk lamp that costs £19.50 on OnBuy. A quick check shows a similar model listed for £27.99 on Amazon and £25.49 on eBay. These types of savings pop up regularly across the platform.
How Does Onbuy Compare to Amazon and Ebay?
To see the difference clearly, it helps to compare prices across platforms.
Here’s a quick look at how OnBuy stacks up with competitors for everyday items:
| Product | OnBuy Price | Amazon Price | eBay Price |
| Rechargeable Beard Trimmer | £21.99 | £29.95 | £27.99 |
| Set of 3 Storage Baskets | £13.50 | £18.00 | £16.75 |
| Electric Heating Pad | £24.99 | £32.99 | £30.50 |
| Bluetooth Car FM Transmitter | £10.49 | £14.99 | £13.20 |
Prices are approximate and fluctuate regularly, but the trend is consistent, OnBuy often comes in cheaper, especially for non-branded, high-volume consumer products.
While Amazon might offer faster delivery through Prime and eBay might have auction options, OnBuy wins on straight-up value for many UK shoppers.
Is Onbuy a Safe and Trustworthy Platform?
In short: yes, it is.
OnBuy takes several measures to ensure buyer protection and maintain trust across its platform. Perhaps most notably, it partners with PayPal to handle transactions, giving customers access to PayPal Buyer Protection in case something goes wrong with an order.
Each seller on the platform has their own ratings and reviews, allowing shoppers to assess reliability before making a purchase. OnBuy also provides clear policies for returns, refunds, and dispute resolution, although the process is usually handled directly between the buyer and seller.
It’s worth remembering that OnBuy itself is not fulfilling orders, so delivery times and service levels can vary depending on the seller. But for most buyers, the experience is straightforward, safe, and often better value than other platforms.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Onbuy’s Low-cost Setup?
While OnBuy is strong on value, it’s not perfect for every kind of shopper. The biggest consideration is delivery speed. Because OnBuy doesn’t have its own fulfilment network, shipping times can vary, particularly if the seller is overseas or uses economy couriers.
While many orders arrive quickly, those used to Amazon Prime’s next-day delivery may need to adjust expectations.
Customer service is also seller-dependent. Unlike platforms that manage returns centrally, OnBuy lets sellers handle all post-sale support. This works well in most cases but can lead to inconsistent experiences depending on the professionalism of individual sellers.
That said, for shoppers who value low prices and a wide product selection, these trade-offs are often worth it.
Should Uk Shoppers Consider Buying From Onbuy?
If getting more for your money is a priority, then OnBuy is definitely worth a look. Its approach to eCommerce,focusing on low fees, independent sellers, and fair competition, creates a pricing environment where bargains are easy to find.
It’s especially useful for categories like:
- Home and kitchen essentials
- Gadgets and tech accessories
- Personal care and beauty products
- Tools and garden items
Buyers just need to do a little due diligence, check seller ratings, review delivery estimates, and use PayPal at checkout for added peace of mind.
In return, they’ll often walk away with a better deal than they’d find elsewhere.
FAQs About OnBuy’s Low Prices
How does OnBuy manage to keep prices lower than other platforms?
By charging sellers lower fees and not competing with them, OnBuy enables competitive pricing across most product categories.
Are the products on OnBuy genuine and of good quality?
Generally yes, but as with any marketplace, quality can vary by seller. It’s a good idea to check reviews and seller ratings before purchasing.
Does OnBuy offer discounts regularly?
Yes. Many sellers use discounts and bundle deals to attract buyers. You’ll often find flash sales and price drops on everyday items.
How does the seller shop fee policy work?
Sellers who don’t reach £500 in monthly sales aren’t charged a shop fee, which makes it easier for small businesses to offer better prices.
Is PayPal protection available for purchases?
Yes. OnBuy uses PayPal as a payment gateway, so purchases are covered by PayPal Buyer Protection in case of disputes or issues.
Can I return items easily on OnBuy?
Yes, although return policies vary by seller. Most follow standard return guidelines, but it’s important to check each seller’s policy before buying.
Is OnBuy suitable for business purchases?
It can be, especially for small UK businesses looking for affordable supplies. However, always ensure the seller can provide necessary invoices or documentation.
