ShopClass

ShopClass is open-source, self-hosted software for building classifieds and other listing sites. It is best for operators who want to tailor categories and retain control of their data, and are prepared to manage hosting. Its broad listing formats and moderation tools are useful; events and rentals, however, do not include booking.

Overview

One installation can serve classifieds, job boards, property and car listings, business directories, services, events, rentals, or product catalogues. Reusable fields let administrators create category-specific forms without code, which suits sites with varied inventory. ShopClass is less suitable when a listing type needs a built-in transaction workflow beyond listing and contacting the owner.

Operators keep listings, users, and photos in their own database and storage, and the maker says these can be moved or exported without fees. That provides control and portability, but hosting and deployment remain the operator’s responsibility. ShopClass requires PHP 8.0 or later; it supports shared and cPanel hosting, as well as Docker and a command-line interface.

Key features

Search and moderation

Visitors can filter by region, city, price, keyword, and photos, with an RSS feed for each search. The filters cover practical ways to narrow listings, while RSS gives visitors a way to follow a search. Operators get a moderation queue, visitor reporting, login throttling, a keyword blocklist, and support for Turnstile or reCAPTCHA. Together, these controls address both listing review and abuse, though the operator must run the service.

Payments and integrations

Paid listings and credits are optional, and a free plugin supports card payments through Stripe Checkout. Plugins integrate with Cloudflare, nginx caching, Google Analytics 4, and Stripe; imports can use a keyed REST API or scheduled JSON, CSV, and RSS feeds. This gives operators several routes to connect services and bring in listings, without making paid listings mandatory.

Photos can stay on the operator’s server or use S3-compatible storage behind a CDN. Version 6.4.0 includes two-step administrator sign-in with authenticator and backup codes, plus an option for automatic security updates. These are useful safeguards, but ShopClass still requires someone to operate the hosting environment.

For events and rentals, the software does not provide booking: visitors contact the listing owner. That limitation matters for operators expecting visitors to reserve directly through the site.

Pricing

The ShopClass plan costs nothing under the GPLv3. It is self-hosted, requires PHP 8.0 or later, and has no per-listing fees. The free plan includes custom domains, listing approval, seller messaging, featured listings, payment collection, web access, and API access. There is no paid tier to compare; the trade-off is that operators supply and manage their own hosting.

Platforms

ShopClass is self-hosted and web-based. It can run on shared or cPanel hosting, or be deployed with Docker; PHP 8.0 or later is required. Its mobile access is web, rather than a separate mobile app.

Who it's for

ShopClass fits operators building a flexible directory or marketplace who want category-specific forms, searchable listings, moderation controls, and ownership of their data. It is a stronger choice for teams comfortable managing hosting than for those seeking a hosted service. It is also a poor fit for event or rental sites that require built-in booking.

Pros and cons

• Flexible listing formats: One installation supports many listing categories, and reusable fields allow category-specific forms without code.
• Operator control: Listings, users, and photos remain in the operator’s database and storage and can be moved or exported without fees, according to the maker.
• Useful operational tools: Search filters, RSS feeds, moderation controls, and import options support discovery and site management.
• Self-hosting is a real responsibility: Operators must provide the PHP environment and manage deployment and hosting.
• No booking for events or rentals: Visitors must contact the owner instead of reserving through the listing.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Classifieds Software.

• AWP Classifieds is another self-hosted web option with a free WordPress plugin; consider it if a WordPress plugin is the better fit.
• OpenClassify is a free, open-source option for self-hosted web use that also lists API as a platform.
• Osclass offers a free self-hosted web core alongside paid bundles; consider it if a one-time bundle purchase suits your needs.
• Yclas Neo is a web-based freemium option with a free plan capped at 25 members, unlimited listings, and 1 GB of image storage.
• OriginateSoft Classified Script is a paid option for Android, iOS, self-hosted, and web platforms; its maker describes the PHP script as open source and customizable.
• WPAdverts is a freemium self-hosted web option with a free trial and yearly paid plans, including a Start-Up plan for up to three websites with extensions, email support, and updates.
• AD2AD uses a flat fee per ad, with the exact price quoted after a personalized demo and assessment.
• Adboard is a free self-hosted web option with API access.

Verdict

Choose ShopClass if you want a no-cost, self-hosted foundation for a varied directory and value configurable forms, moderation, and data portability. Its main drawback is operational: you must manage hosting, and events or rentals cannot take bookings within the software. Look elsewhere if you need a hosted setup or built-in booking.