5 Canadian E-Commerce Companies To Level Up Your Business

This article might pique your interest if you want to boost your e-commerce game in the thriving Canadian market. Check out these seven awesome Canada e-commerce companies that can take your business to the next level. These platforms offer top-notch services to help you reach your goal, from selling products to managing your online presence.

Also Read: Canada E-Commerce Statistics (2024)

Key Takeaways

• Over 75% of Canadians now shop online, and sales are expected to exceed $90 billion by 2025. This rise in online shopping offers an excellent chance for businesses to make money. It’s happening because Canadians enjoy using technology and shopping on their phones.

• Best e-commerce companies in Canada offer many products, different ways to shop, and helpful services for sellers. They make it easy to create online stores and handle shipping efficiently.

• When picking an e-commerce company, businesses should focus on three main things: having many different products, offering reasonable prices, and ensuring the website is easy to use. These things bring in customers, boost sales, and keep people happy. Also, teaming up with a reliable shipping company like Stallion can make shipping faster and cheaper, which helps businesses do well in online selling.

The Booming Canadian E-Commerce Market

Canada’s online shopping scene is exploding! With over 75% of Canadians embracing e-commerce, businesses can expect to surpass USD 90 billion by 2025. We can attribute this increase to numerous reasons, including:

• a tech-savvy population

• growing preference for mobile shopping

• strong adoption by businesses

Additionally, Canadians turn to online retailers for convenience, variety, and competitive prices. They don’t have to visit physical stores because they can buy the things they need without stepping outside. Thus, this surge is an excellent opportunity for businesses to tap into.

Top E-commerce Companies in Canada

Here are 7 of the best e-commerce companies in Canada. They offer high-quality products, a diverse range of products and shopping experiences:

1. Amazon Canada

Amazon Canada is the Canadian arm of the global e-commerce giant Amazon.com. Established in 2004, it quickly became a major player in the Canadian market. It offers millions of product selections and competitive prices.

Today, Amazon Canada remains dominant in Canadian e-commerce. In fact, they have millions of users and a wide range of products and services.

To sell on Amazon.ca, you’ll need to create a seller account. There are two main options:

• Individual Selling Plan. Ideal for low-volume sellers with less than 40 items per month. It charges a per-sale fee.

• Professional Selling Plan. Geared towards businesses selling more products (over 40 per month). It has a monthly subscription fee and lower per-sale fees.

Registration involves providing business information, tax details, and payment methods. Amazon also requires product listings and approval depending on the category.

Pricing:

Amazon Canada seller fees depend on your chosen selling plan and the category of products you sell.

• Individual Plan. You’ll pay a per-item fee (around $0.99) for each item sold.

• Professional Plan. A monthly subscription fee (around $39.99) is charged, with lower per-item fees than the Individual Plan.

• Additional Fees. Referral fees (a percentage of the selling price), fulfillment fees (for storage and shipping if using Amazon’s FBA service), and closing fees might apply.

Features and Services:

• Massive Reach. Tap into millions of potential customers browsing Amazon.ca.

• Fulfillment Options. Choose between fulfilling orders yourself (FBM) or utilizing Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service for storage and shipping.

• Marketing and Advertising Tools. Utilize Amazon tools like Sponsored Products to increase product visibility and sales.

• Customer Service. Amazon handles customer service inquiries for FBA sellers, simplifying your operations.

• Performance Metrics and Analytics. Gain valuable insights into your sales performance and customer behaviour.

Features and Services:

• Massive Reach. Tap into millions of potential customers browsing Amazon.ca.

• Fulfillment Options. Choose between fulfilling orders yourself (FBM) or utilizing Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service for storage and shipping.

• Marketing and Advertising Tools. Utilize Amazon tools like Sponsored Products to increase product visibility and sales.

• Customer Service. Amazon handles customer service inquiries for FBA sellers, simplifying your operations.

• Performance Metrics and Analytics. Gain valuable insights into your sales performance and customer behaviour.

Pros of Selling on Amazon.ca:

Selling on Amazon.ca offers significant advantages for reaching a wide audience and growing your business. However, weighing the pros and cons, understanding the fee structure, and developing a competitive strategy to succeed on this vast platform is crucial.

2. Shopify

Shopify is an e-commerce platform founded in 2006 by Tobias Lütke, Daniel Weinand, and Scott Lake. Initially, it was a snowboard equipment store struggling with existing e-commerce solutions.

Fortunately, the founders’ experiences led them to develop their own platform. Their main goal is to simplify online store creation and management. Shopify has millions of sellers worldwide, powering a vast array of online businesses.

Registration Process for Online Sellers:

1. Signing up for Shopify is straightforward. You can create an account with your email address and password.

2. Shopify offers a free 14-day trial. This allows you to explore the platform before committing. It helps you decide if the platform can meet your brand’s needs.

3. After the trial, you’ll choose a pricing plan that suits your business needs.

4. Setting up your store involves adding product information, customizing your storefront with a theme, and configuring payment gateways.

Pricing:

Shopify offers tiered pricing plans with payment options and varying monthly fees:

• Shopify Lite. Ideal for adding a “Buy Button” to an existing website (around $9/month).

• Basic Shopify. Suitable for starting an online store (around $29/month).

• Shopify. Geared towards growing businesses with additional features (around $79/month).

• Advanced Shopify. Designed for high-volume businesses with advanced features (around $299/month).

Apart from the pricing structure above, you must also pay transaction fees depending on your chosen plan. Of course, the exemption to this policy is when you use their Shopify Payments service. Extra costs might include apps and themes from the Shopify App Store.

Features and Services:

• User-Friendly Platform. Shopify boasts a drag-and-drop interface, making store creation accessible for non-technical users.

• Theme Store. Choose from a wide range of free and premium themes to customize your online store’s look and feel.

• Product Management. Add, edit, and manage your product information with clear organization tools.

• Payment Processing. To accept online payments, integrate with various payment gateways like Shopify Payments, Stripe, or PayPal.

• Inventory Management. Track your inventory levels and receive alerts when stock runs low.

• Marketing and Sales Tools. Utilize built-in tools like discount codes and abandoned cart recovery to boost sales.

• Analytics and Reporting. Gain valuable insights into your store’s performance with detailed reports.

• App Store. Extend Shopify’s functionality with a vast library of apps for marketing, shipping, fulfillment, and more.

Pros of Using Shopify:

• Ease of Use. Ideal for beginners with no coding knowledge.

• Scalability. Grow your store seamlessly as your business expands.

• App Store. Access a wide range of tools to customize your store’s functionality.

• Security and Reliability. Shopify handles platform security and maintenance, giving you peace of mind.

• Mobile-Friendly Platform. Your store can optimize your store for mobile devices, catering to today’s shopping habits.

Cons of Using Shopify:

• Transaction Fees. Fees can add up on some plans, impacting your profit margins.

• App Costs. Additional apps can increase your monthly expenses.

• Limited Design Customization. Highly customized designs might require coding knowledge or expensive theme development.

• Dependence on Shopify. You rely on their platform infrastructure and policies.

Shopify offers a user-friendly platform with many features to launch and manage your online store. While transaction fees and app costs can be a factor, the platform’s scalability and ease of use make it a compelling option for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes.

3. Walmart Canada

While Walmart Canada arrived on the scene in 1994, it didn’t offer an online marketplace until 2004. Upon entering the Canadian business landscape, they acquired 122 Woolco department stores across Canada.

Since then, it has grown into a retail powerhouse, having 400 stores and a robust e-commerce platform. Today, Walmart Canada remains a fierce competitor in the Canadian retail landscape, offering competitive prices and a vast product selection.

Registration Process for Online Sellers:

1. To become a seller on Walmart.ca Marketplace, you’ll need to apply through their website.

2. While signing up is easy, getting approved is the harder part. They will decide on your existing eCommerce experience, product quality, and competitive pricing.

3. The registration process involves providing the following details:

• business information
• tax details
• product listings
• demonstrating fulfillment capabilities.

Pricing:

• Walmart Canada uses a referral fee structure. Depending on the product category, you’ll pay a percentage of the selling price for each item.

• There are no monthly subscription fees. However, extra costs might apply if you don’t use their in-house fulfillment services. This can include fulfillment and commission fees.

Features and Services:

• Massive Customer Base. Reach millions of potential customers browsing Walmart.ca

• Brand Recognition. Leverage Walmart’s brand reputation and customer trust.

• Inventory Management Tools. Manage your product listings and inventory through their Seller Center platform.

• Marketing and Advertising Opportunities. Explore options to promote your products within the Walmart.ca marketplace.

• Performance Analytics. Gain insights into your sales performance and customer behaviour.

Pros of Using Walmart Canada:

• High Visibility. Gain exposure to a vast audience of established Walmart shoppers.

• Competitive Fees. Straightforward pricing structure with no monthly subscriptions.

• Brand Recognition. Enjoy Walmart’s brand reputation and customer trust.

• Integration Opportunities. Potential to integrate your existing inventory management systems with Walmart.ca

Cons of Using Walmart Canada:

• Strict Seller Requirements. Meeting their approval criteria can be challenging for new sellers.

• Competition. The marketplace is competitive, requiring strategic pricing and marketing.

• Limited Control. Walmart dictates some aspects of product listings and customer service.

• Fulfillment Challenges. Managing fulfillment yourself can be complex, especially for high-volume sellers.

Selling on Walmart.ca offers access to a large customer base and brand recognition. However, strict seller requirements and potential fulfillment challenges require careful consideration. It’s ideal for established businesses with a strong track record and the ability to manage inventory effectively.

4. Etsy Canada

Etsy Canada is perfect for online stores offering handmade products. Launched in 2005, Etsy is a global marketplace for unique, handcrafted goods. They dedicated the platform to connecting Canadian artisans and vintage sellers with a passionate customer base. Today, Etsy Canada thrives as a vibrant online community for handmade and vintage items, as well as craft supply enthusiasts.

Registration Process for Online Sellers:

1. Setting up an Etsy shop is relatively simple. You can create an account and choose “Canada” as your shop location.

2. The process involves providing basic information about the shop details and setting your preferred currency (Canadian Dollars).

3. Listing your products requires clear descriptions, high-quality photos, and competitive pricing.
   

Pricing:

Etsy charges a few listing fees:

• Listing Fee. A small fee (CAD 0.2020 CAD) to list an item for 4 months.

• Transaction Fee. A percentage (around 6.5% CAD) of the sale price for each item sold.

• Optional Payment Processing Fee. A fee (around CAD 0.2525 CAD) for using Etsy Payments.

Features and Services:

• Targeted Audience. Reach a community specifically interested in handmade and vintage goods.

• Shop Customization Tools. Personalize your shop’s look and feel to showcase your brand.

• Marketing and Promotion Tools. You can use Etsy’s tools like social media integration and promoted listings to increase product visibility.

• Shop Analytics: Gain insights into your shop’s performance and customer behaviour.

• Community Features. Connect with other sellers, take part in forums, and build relationships within the Etsy community.

Pros of Using Etsy Canada:

• Targeted Customer Base. Reach a niche audience actively seeking unique, handcrafted items.

• Low Startup Costs. Relatively inexpensive compared to other e-commerce platforms.

• Community and Support. Benefit from a supportive community of artisans and vintage sellers.

• Customization and Branding. Express your brand identity through your shop design.

Cons of Using Etsy Canada:

• Competition. The marketplace is saturated with sellers, requiring strategic marketing.

• Limited Growth Potential. Scaling a high-volume business might need more platforms.

• Listing and Transaction Fees. Fees can accumulate and impact profit margins for high-volume sellers.

• Limited Control over Customer Experience. Etsy handles some aspects of customer service, such as payment processing.

Etsy offers a fantastic platform for artisans, crafters, and vintage resellers to showcase their unique products. The targeted audience, community support, and low startup costs make it ideal for those starting or looking to build a brand identity. However, the competitive landscape and potential limitations for large-scale businesses need consideration.

5. eBay Canada

Launched in 1995, eBay quickly transformed online commerce with its auction-based marketplace. After 4 years, it arrived in Canada, offering Canadians a platform to buy and sell various new, used, and collectible items.

Presently, eBay Canada remains a major player in the e-commerce sector. They have millions of users and a diverse selection, including auctions and fixed-price listings.

Registration Process for Online Sellers:

1. Signing up as a seller on eBay Canada is straightforward. You can create an account and choose “Canada” as your selling location.

2. You must provide basic information and payment details and select a seller plan that suits your needs.

3. Listing your items requires clear descriptions, high-quality photos, and competitive pricing strategies (auction or fixed price).

Pricing:

• eBay Canada uses a tiered fee structure:

• Insertion Fees. A fee (varying depending on the category) to list an item. Free listings are sometimes offered as promotions.

• Final Value Fees. A percentage (around 8-12% CAD) of the final selling price for each sold item.

• Optional Payment Processing Fee. A fee (around 3% + CAD 0.30) for using eBay Payments.

Features and Services:

• Massive Audience. Reach millions of potential buyers actively searching for specific items.

• Auction and Fixed-Price Options. Choose the selling format that best suits your product and pricing strategy.

• Seller Tools. Use listing templates, inventory management, and shipping management tools.

• Marketing and Promotion Tools. Promote your listings through sponsored listings, featured placements, and discounts.

• Seller Protection Programs. Enjoy eBay’s programs that protect sellers from fraudulent buyers.

• Performance Analytics: Gain insights into your listings’ performance and buyer behaviour.

Pros of Using eBay Canada:

• Large Buyer Base. Tap into a vast audience actively searching for a wide variety of products.

• Flexible Selling Formats. Choose between auctions and fixed-price listings for optimal reach and pricing.

• Marketing and Promotion Tools. Increase your product visibility through various marketing options.

• Seller Protection. Take advantage of programs that mitigate risks associated with online sales.

Cons of Using eBay Canada:

• Competition. The marketplace is highly competitive, requiring strategic pricing and marketing.

• Fees. Listing and final value fees can add up and impact your profit margins.

• Time Commitment. Managing listings, auctions, and customer service can be time-consuming.

• Uncertainty with Auctions. Auction format may not always guarantee a sale or desired price.

eBay Canada offers a dynamic platform for sellers to reach a large audience and achieve high sale prices with auctions.

However, competition is fierce, and fees can accumulate. It’s ideal for sellers with a diverse product range who are comfortable managing auctions and willing to invest time in strategic marketing.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Canadian E-commerce Company

Here are key factors to consider when choosing a Canadian e-commerce company:

Product Selection and Variety

A business with a broad product selection and variety attracts more customers. If you offer more products, you can cater to different preferences and needs. It helps widen the potential customer base.

Additionally, it improves the chances of repeat shoppers because customers can find everything they need in one place. Therefore, choose a platform that lets you offer more product choices. In return, you can increase visibility and earn more sales.

Pricing and Competitiveness

Pricing and competitiveness directly impact sales and profits. You want an e-commerce platform that won’t eat up your earnings. Instead, you want cheap online marketplaces to help you scale your business.

Additionally, competitive pricing lets small business owners price their products correctly. They can make your brand more appealing to potential buyers. It can also be a competitive edge to help companies stand out and capture a larger market share.

User Experience and Website Design

User experience (UX) and website design affect the ranking on the advanced search engine, customer satisfaction, and sales. Customers will always want the easy route. They might not complete the transaction if the website is confusing. Thus, choose an e-commerce platform that provides more than visually appealing designs. Go for a platform that can help you offer the best UX.

Additionally, a visually appealing website reflects the brand. It instills consumer trust and credibility. Small businesses can create a competitive advantage by choosing an e-commerce company that prioritizes UX and website design.

Consider Shipping With Stallion

If you go for any of the companies above, consider shipping with Stallion for faster, cheaper shipping. Here are the reasons why you should choose Stallion:

• Competitive Rates. Stallion has the most affordable shipping rates in Canada. It is the best option if you want to save money on shipping.

• Domestic and International Shipping. They offer solutions for domestic shipping within Canada and international shipping to various destinations.

• Faster Delivery Speeds. Stallion aims for quick deliveries.

• Seamless Integration. Stallion can easily integrate with these platforms, making managing orders in a single location easier.

Choose Stallion for Seamless Shipping!

Conclusion

Aligning with the right e-commerce partners is crucial for scaling and enhancing your business operations. Each e-commerce company offers innovative solutions, cutting-edge technology, and strategic insights. These can all help personalize and improve your business to new heights.

By taking advantage of their expertise, you’re not just adapting to the current market trends. Instead, you are setting a benchmark for excellence and innovation in your industry.

Whether you’re selling:

• home equipment

• consumer electronics

• baby products

• sports equipment

• home appliances

Always choose e-commerce stores and e-commerce companies that can support your business and provide you with the best services.

Diana Zheng

Diana leads the growth marketing initiatives at Stallion Express. As a personal trainer turned digital marketer, Diana is obsessed with equipping eCommerce entrepreneurs with everything they need to scale their online businesses. You can catch her doing yoga or hitting the tennis courts in her spare time.