If you’re looking to tap into one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding ecommerce frontiers, South America should be at the top of your list.
Post-pandemic, the region has seen online shopping adoption skyrocket, with annual ecommerce growth rates consistently exceeding 35% in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Chile.
This explosive growth presents a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and global brands to expand into underserved but high-potential markets.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll explore the top online selling sites in South America, understand what makes each one unique, and discover which platform aligns best with your business goals. From seller fees and tools to local consumer habits and logistics support, we’ll break it all down so you can make informed decisions and start selling confidently.
Whether you’re new to international ecommerce or looking to grow in new regions, this guide will help you navigate the best ecommerce platforms South America has to offer.
South America Ecommerce Market Overview
Ecommerce Trends and Growth Drivers in South America
South America’s ecommerce boom is powered by several key trends:
- Internet Penetration: Brazil leads with over 75% of its population online, followed by Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru with rapidly climbing rates.
- Smartphone Adoption: Over 80% of online purchases are made via mobile devices in many South American countries.
- Digital Payment Solutions: Platforms like MercadoPago, PicPay, and Nubank have made it easier for users to shop online with mobile wallets and instant transfers.
- Logistics Improvements: Enhanced delivery networks, particularly in Brazil and Chile, are reducing shipping times and increasing buyer trust.
- Social Selling: WhatsApp Business and Instagram Shops are increasingly popular among local sellers looking to reach buyers directly.
The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated these trends, creating a lasting shift toward digital commerce and enabling sellers to reach broader audiences.
Country-Specific Ecommerce Insights and Opportunities
While Brazil is the ecommerce giant of South America, don’t overlook emerging hubs like Colombia, Chile, and Peru:
- Brazil: Home to nearly half the region’s online sales, Brazil’s ecommerce ecosystem is mature and competitive, with strong consumer demand across categories like electronics, fashion, and home goods.
- Colombia: A rising star with improving logistics and digital infrastructure. Consumers are highly responsive to deals and mobile-first platforms.
- Chile: High internet and banking penetration make it a hotspot for premium and fashion-focused marketplaces.
- Peru: Smaller but growing quickly—especially in mobile commerce. Sellers offering affordable products see strong uptake.
Remember, language, currency, and cultural nuances vary by country. For example, Spanish dominates most markets, but Brazil speaks Portuguese, affecting product listings and customer service approaches.
Leading Online Selling Sites in South America
MercadoLibre — The Regional Ecommerce Titan
MercadoLibre is the Amazon of South America, and by far the region’s dominant marketplace:
- Market Share: ~70% in Brazil, ~80% in Argentina
- Reach: Over 148 million monthly active users
- GMV: $34+ billion USD in 2023 across Latin America
Top Product Categories:
- Electronics
- Fashion and accessories
- Home and garden
Seller Fees:
- Listing Fee: Free for basic listings
- Final Value Fee: 11-17%, depending on category and shipping model
- Payment Processing: Handled by MercadoPago (fees included in final commission)
Seller Tools:
- MercadoShops (custom storefronts)
- Sponsored listings and ads
- Mobile dashboard and analytics
Strengths:
- Strong buyer trust
- Integrated payment and logistics (MercadoEnvios)
- Regional reach and brand recognition
Challenges:
- High competition
- Complex fee structures
- Limited cross-border reach outside LATAM
[Insert: Platform Fee Comparison Table – MercadoLibre vs B2W vs Dafiti]
OLX — Classifieds and Peer-to-Peer Marketplace
If you’re focused on local, person-to-person selling, OLX is a great entry point:
- Focus: Used goods, vehicles, furniture, electronics
- Active Countries: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia
- Business Model: Classified ads; mostly free listings
Key Features:
- Chat-based negotiation
- Integration with WhatsApp
- Easy-to-use mobile app
Pros:
- No listing fees for most categories
- Great for low-cost items and second-hand goods
Cons:
- Limited buyer protections
- Not ideal for scalable ecommerce
Keywords to know: “OLX South America,” “OLX seller experience”
B2W — Brazil’s Major Ecommerce Retailer
B2W Digital operates Brazil’s top online retail platforms:
- Americanas.com
- Submarino
- Shoptime
Why Sell Here?
- Access to a vast Brazilian customer base
- Regular national shopping events (e.g., Black Friday Brazil)
- Fulfillment support via B2W Entrega
Seller Requirements:
- Brazilian tax ID and local bank account
- Detailed product listing requirements
Fees:
- Vary by platform and category; generally 16-20% commission
Ideal For:
- Brazilian-based sellers
- Large catalog or high-volume sellers
Challenge: Complex onboarding process, not suited for international sellers.
Dafiti — Leading Fashion and Lifestyle Marketplace
If you’re in fashion or lifestyle, Dafiti is the go-to marketplace in South America:
- Markets: Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia
- Focus: Fashion, beauty, home decor
- Customer Base: Young, trend-conscious shoppers
Seller Highlights:
- Commission-based fee structure (~15-20%)
- Dedicated brand portals
- Promotion tools and influencer partnerships
Pros:
- Highly curated, niche audience
- Strong brand credibility
Cons:
- Not suitable for general products
- Stringent onboarding process
Emerging Platforms and Alternatives
Not ready for the big players? Consider these alternatives:
- Linio (Colombia, Peru): General marketplace with streamlined seller onboarding
- Rappi: On-demand delivery + ecommerce (growing merchant network)
- Elo7 (Brazil): Handmade and artisanal goods platform
- Mercado Shops: Custom storefront powered by MercadoLibre
- Social Commerce: Instagram Shops, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp for local selling
Seller Perspectives and Strategies
Seller Fee Structures and Profitability Insights
Fees vary widely across platforms, so here’s a quick breakdown:
[Insert: Seller Fee Comparison Table – Platform, Listing Fee, Commission, Payment Fees]
Tips to Maximize Profits:
- Factor in currency exchange and withdrawal fees
- Test platforms with low-cost products first
- Use local fulfillment partners to save on shipping
Overcoming Cross-Border Selling Challenges
Selling across borders in South America isn’t without hurdles:
- Customs Duties: High import taxes in Brazil and Argentina
- Shipping Costs: Can be high without local warehousing
- Platform Support: MercadoLibre supports localized shipping via MercadoEnvios
Pro Tip: Partner with local 3PLs and consider fulfillment centers inside the target country.
Mobile Commerce and Social Selling Integration
Your customers are on their phones—so should you be:
- WhatsApp Business: Offer real-time support, share product catalogs
- Instagram Shopping: Tag products in Stories and Reels
- Facebook Marketplace: Good for local visibility
Success Story: A Colombian shoe brand increased sales 300% by combining Instagram Shopping with WhatsApp follow-ups.
Seller Support and Fraud Protection Measures
Your reputation is everything. Protect it with:
- Platform Protections: Dispute resolution, verified buyer systems
- Support Quality: MercadoLibre and Dafiti offer multilingual support
- Best Practices:
- Use tracking numbers
- Communicate through official channels
- Keep records of all transactions
Future Outlook and Recommendations
Ecommerce Trends to Watch in South America
- AI for Sellers: Automated pricing, chatbots, inventory alerts
- Faster Payments: Instant payment methods like PIX in Brazil
- Localized Goods: Handmade and small-batch products in high demand
Platform Selection Tips for Different Seller Profiles
- Small Businesses: Start with OLX or MercadoLibre
- Fashion Sellers: Go with Dafiti or Instagram Shops
- High-Volume Sellers: Use B2W or MercadoLibre for logistics support
- Handmade Sellers: Try Elo7 or niche Facebook groups
Steps to Get Started Selling Online in South America
Here’s your quick-start checklist:
- Research platform fees and policies
- Choose your target country
- Create a seller account (local ID often required)
- List 5-10 test products
- Use marketplace ads and social media to promote
- Monitor performance and optimize
[Insert: Seller Launch Checklist Graphic]
Conclusion
South America’s ecommerce scene is thriving, and the opportunities are wide open for savvy sellers like you. By choosing the right platform for your business model—whether it’s MercadoLibre for reach, Dafiti for niche fashion, or OLX for local trades—you can unlock new customer bases and revenue streams.
Ready to take the leap? Start small, stay consistent, and use the tools and strategies outlined here to grow your ecommerce business across South America.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest platform updates, or [download our Seller Fee Comparison Guide] to get started with confidence today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Which is the best online selling site for small businesses in South America?
MercadoLibre is ideal for most small businesses due to its wide reach and robust tools. However, OLX is a strong option for local, low-cost item sales with minimal fees. - How do seller fees compare across top South American marketplaces?
Fees range from 10-20% on platforms like MercadoLibre and Dafiti, while OLX typically charges nothing. Check our [comparison table] for a full breakdown. - Can I sell products cross-border on platforms like MercadoLibre or OLX?
MercadoLibre offers limited cross-border support through localized operations. OLX is mainly for local transactions. For regional reach, consider MercadoShops or Linio. - What types of products sell best on South American ecommerce platforms?
Popular categories include electronics, fashion, beauty, and home goods. Handmade and niche products also perform well on platforms like Elo7. - How important is mobile commerce for selling online in South America?
Extremely important—over 80% of shoppers buy via mobile. Optimize your listings and use social selling tools like WhatsApp and Instagram. - Are there any local marketplaces besides MercadoLibre and OLX worth considering?
Yes! Linio (Colombia), Dafiti (fashion), Elo7 (handmade), and Rappi are all excellent alternatives depending on your niche and location. - What logistics options do sellers have for South America ecommerce?
You can use platform-integrated logistics (e.g., MercadoEnvios), partner with local couriers, or store goods in-country via 3PLs for faster delivery.
8. How can sellers protect themselves from fraud or scams on these platforms?
Stick to official communication channels, use tracked shipping, and follow platform dispute procedures. Platforms like MercadoLibre also offer seller protection programs.