eCommerce can be entirely managed from the comfort of your home, though it is tricky to come up with a worthwhile business idea. It takes effort and research to start your business, whether it is online or offline. There are an unimaginable amount of products and services to start your business venture. Here is a list of the top 10 eCommerce business ideas that make the cut.
1. Thrifting
Searching through what others donate or throw away can bring up some rare finds. You can go to a local second hand store or a chain like Goodwill, and look for items of value. Hundreds of items are sorted before being put out for sale. Big ticket items likely will be put for sale online by these stores, but that does not mean all items were found by workers. Many high value items can be bought for as little as a few dollars if you know what to look for. People will donate items that were sitting in storage for years, not understanding the merit of what they have tossed.
2. Refurbished Items
If you do not have an eye for spotting hidden gold, perhaps you can create it. Refurbished items are also popular online. Clothing and furniture can be bought for a fraction of the normal price and given a new life. Refurbishing and thrifting is a good idea for those of you who are environmentally conscious, history buffs, and creative DIYers. Both are a unique niche that provides one with items you cannot get anywhere else.
3. Custom Products
Custom products can include T-shirts, mugs, blankets, posters, etc. There are options to use a drop shipping model or to do the customization yourself. Sites like Printful and Teespring make it easy for one to upload their designs to be printed on products. This option for eCommerce can be used by beginners or those who already have a following. It can be used to create merchandise relating to your brand or content if you are a content creator. The market for custom products is highly competitive, but it is also flexible.
4. Handmade Products
There are a number of items that can be handmade and sold at your eCommerce store. Some items to make include jewelry, candles, beauty products, pottery, etc. One should heavily research competition if this is your choice. It is better for your product to be as niche as possible due to the large amount of competition. It is still a great option for eCommerce as the demand for handmade items remains. Talented artists can develop a loyal customer base who return for distinctive products.
5. Drop Shipping
Drop shipping is a good choice for those who do not want to deal with inventory and shipping. One can sell a variety of items with drop shipping due to being able to purchase inventory without supplying it. It is good for newcomers as it is easier to plan out and does not cost as much as other options. However, it is still hard work and requires good management skills. Just like handmade products, drop shipping has enormous competition. Picking niche products and reliable suppliers will be the most important steps if you choose drop shipping.
6. Skill-Based Service
Maybe you do not sell products, but your skills as a service instead. There is a wide range of skills you can build an eCommerce business around. For example, if you are an amazing writer, you can start your own content writing service for customers. If you have great writing, design, development, or financial skills, you can start a service business. This is a good option for those who trust their own ability to perform well. It also gives you more control of the business and allows you to develop your own skills further.
7. Sub-Niche
While every business has a niche, this is about honing in on a smaller, more specialized niche. Keyword research can help one obtain a competitive advantage when it comes to finding a niche with low competition and high demand. If you have deep knowledge of a profession or hobby, this insight can direct your research. Let’s say someone’s hobby is building electronics, is there an electrical component that is hard to find on other online sites? These items may not always be exciting, but the profits they bring to your online store are.
8. Education
While you may not be a teacher, it is likely that you have intellect on a subject that others do not. Online courses can allow you to help other people while growing your business. If you have expertise in real estate, you can provide courses that explain it to others wanting to get into that field. It is extremely vital that you are providing real information to those who purchase your courses. This is a business model that can be scammy, and you do not want to ruin your reputation. If done properly, online courses can earn you trust and make you a credible source. Perhaps start by supplying information for free and have classes as an add-on to let people know what they are getting into.
9. Lifestyle Brand
Lifestyle stores are easy to build into an all encompassing brand due to the many products that can eventually be associated with them. Health and wellness types of businesses are considered to be lifestyle brands. There are countless ways of life that a store can be based around. One can find a lifestyle their customers and themselves resonate with. It is important to start off small and expand if things are going well. If one is passionate about a way of life a product helps them achieve, it can be turned into a great business venture.
10. Subscription Boxes
Another idea for an eCommerce business is subscription boxes or gift boxes. A variety of items can fit into a box and be shipped out to customers. Figuring out what you want to put in the box is up to you. This can be a subscription based service, which changes out the products monthly, or it can be a one time purchase with the same products. Brands such as Birchbox and Ipsy deliver makeup products for a monthly fee. They work by letting customers try a mix of product samples without having to buy a full size. What can you put in a box that would make things more practical for others?