Running a small business means balancing a variety of responsibilities, from sourcing materials to fulfilling orders and everything in between. Sometimes it can feel daunting to research shops and sources that help you get the most bang for your budget. Having access to the right online shops can streamline your operations, save you time, and keep costs low.
Our digital marketing experts have done all the hard work and compiled a list of suggestions just for you. Whether you’re looking for supplies, packaging, tools, or even digital resources, here are the best online shops tailored to small business owners.
1. Amazon Business
Best For: General supplies and bulk purchases
Amazon Business is an excellent resource for small business owners, offering a wide selection of products across categories like office supplies, tools, and equipment. It also features discounts for bulk purchases and provides the convenience of fast shipping through Amazon Prime.
- Business-specific pricing and quantity discounts.
- Easy expense tracking and invoicing.
- Integration with procurement systems.
Pro Tip: Use Amazon Business to stock up on essentials like office supplies, cleaning products, and technology accessories.
2. Alibaba
Best For: Wholesale sourcing and custom manufacturing
If your small business needs to source products or materials in bulk, Alibaba is a go-to platform. It connects you with manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, making it ideal for custom products or wholesale inventory.
- Direct access to global suppliers.
- Customizable products for private labeling.
- Competitive pricing for bulk orders.
Pro Tip: Always vet suppliers thoroughly and order samples before committing to large purchases.
3. Etsy
Best For: Handmade and creative supplies
Etsy is a popular marketplace not only for selling handmade products but also for sourcing unique materials and tools for crafting. It’s perfect for small business owners in creative industries like jewelry making, art, or design.
- A vast selection of unique and custom supplies.
- Support for independent sellers.
- Options to purchase in small quantities.
Pro Tip: Explore Etsy for eco-friendly and artisan packaging materials to add a personal touch to your products.
4. Uline
Best For: Packaging and shipping supplies
Packaging is critical for delivering a professional customer experience, and Uline specializes in providing high-quality packaging solutions. From boxes and bubble wrap to branded materials, Uline has everything you need to ship your products efficiently.
- A wide variety of packaging and shipping supplies.
- Fast shipping and bulk discounts.
- Custom branding options for boxes and labels.
Pro Tip: Order custom-branded shipping supplies to enhance your unboxing experience and reinforce your brand identity.
5. Faire
Best For: Wholesale marketplace for unique goods
Faire is a curated wholesale marketplace that connects small business owners with independent brands and artisans. It’s perfect for retailers looking to stock unique and high-quality products.
- Free returns on first orders with new brands.
- Exclusive discounts and extended payment terms.
- A wide range of products, from home goods to apparel.
Pro Tip: Use Faire to discover emerging brands that align with your store’s aesthetic and values.
6. Canva
Best For: Digital design and marketing assets
Every small business needs professional-looking marketing materials, and Canva makes it easy to create them without hiring a designer. From social media graphics to business cards, Canva provides customizable templates to meet your needs.
- User-friendly drag-and-drop editor.
- Thousands of customizable templates.
- Affordable premium subscription for advanced features.
Pro Tip: Use Canva to create cohesive branding across all your digital and print materials.
7. Zazzle
Best For: Custom promotional materials
Zazzle is an excellent platform for ordering custom-printed products, such as business cards, flyers, t-shirts, and promotional items. It’s ideal for small businesses looking to enhance their branding efforts.
- Customizable products with your logo or design.
- A vast catalog of items for branding and giveaways.
- Affordable pricing for small orders.
Pro Tip: Order branded swag, like tote bags or pens, for trade shows or as customer giveaways.
8. Shopify
Best For: E-commerce tools and store management
Shopify is more than just an online shop—it’s a complete platform for managing your e-commerce business. It allows you to sell products, track inventory, and manage orders from a single dashboard.
- Professional templates for building an online store.
- Integrated tools for marketing, payments, and shipping.
- 24/7 customer support.
Pro Tip: Use Shopify’s app marketplace to integrate tools for SEO, email marketing, and inventory management.
9. Office Depot
Best For: Office supplies and equipment
From desks and printers to pens and notepads, Office Depot is a reliable resource for small business owners. Their online store offers a wide selection of office essentials at competitive prices.
- Discounts for bulk purchases and business accounts.
- Delivery options for convenience.
- Tech support services for office equipment.
Pro Tip: Sign up for their rewards program to save on recurring office supply orders.
10. Moo
Best For: High-quality business cards and stationery
Moo is a favorite for small business owners who want premium, professionally designed business cards, postcards, and other printed materials. It’s an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize aesthetics and first impressions.
- Sleek, modern designs with customizable options.
- Eco-friendly printing options.
- Small print runs available for flexibility.
Pro Tip: Use Moo’s NFC-enabled business cards to impress clients with a high-tech touch.
11. Vistaprint
Best For: Affordable printing solutions
Vistaprint is a go-to platform for affordable, custom-printed materials like banners, signage, and promotional products. It’s ideal for small businesses on a budget.
- Competitive pricing for bulk orders.
- A wide variety of customizable products.
- Frequent discounts and promotions.
Pro Tip: Use Vistaprint to create consistent branding across all your printed materials.
12. Creative Market
Best For: Digital assets and design templates
Creative Market is an online shop offering fonts, graphics, website themes, and templates. It’s perfect for small business owners looking to enhance their branding and online presence.
- High-quality, unique design assets.
- Affordable pricing for digital downloads.
- Licenses for commercial use.
Pro Tip: Browse Creative Market for pre-designed templates that match your brand’s aesthetic.
Running a small business requires access to the right tools and resources, and these online shops provide everything from supplies to digital assets to help you succeed. Whether you’re sourcing inventory on Alibaba, creating eye-catching designs with Canva, or streamlining your e-commerce operations with Shopify, there’s an online shop tailored to meet your specific small business requirements.
Ready to leverage your arsenal of resources in 2025 and beyond? At Fable Heart Media, we just happen to be in the business of helping yours succeed, with stellar local media partnerships, powerful targeted advertising and access to all the assistance and training you want to take advantage of with this era’s most powerful online shops and tools. Let’s #grow and get your team set up for immense digital success.
Check out our blog page for more tips on finding the right marketing tools and resources to meet your unique needs.
