53+ E-commerce Business Ideas To Try in 2023 | Launch Your Online Store in 30 Seconds !

Are you considering starting your own business? Nowadays, the internet is the largest marketplace, and there are many popular eCommerce business ideas to choose from. Let’s explore some of them!

In the last ten years, the business environment has undergone significant changes, particularly in marketing and commerce. As the number of internet and smartphone users continues to rise rapidly, the potential for marketing using these constantly evolving technologies has surged.

Statista records the number of internet users as of 2021 to be around 4,901 million, a huge leap as compared to the 1,981 million back in 2010. These developments in turn have opened up a massive opportunity for eCommerce business owners.

eCommerce is not just a trendy term but a significant concept that offers numerous opportunities such as improved accessibility, expanded reach, and enhanced security, among others.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the eCommerce business model and provide valuable insights into some of the business ideas that have already set a high standard and will continue to do so in the future.

Read on to find out some amazing ideas for your eCommerce business!

Contents

Best eCommerce Business Ideas 2023

Let’s look at some promising eCommerce business ideas to help you venture out!

1. Selling digital products

Digital products refer to intangible media products that can be sold repeatedly without the need for inventory replenishment. These products may include audio or MP3 files, photos, videos, software, and software plug-ins.

Selling digital goods has always been a popular and lucrative online business idea due to the ease of distribution. Established companies like Sellfy and Sellwire have built their business around digital products, which has contributed to their success

Another reason why selling digital products is a great idea for online stores is the growing demand among people. With the world rapidly moving towards complete digitization, the demand for digital products is only expected to increase.

2. Dropshipping store

Dropshipping is one of the most popular online eCommerce business models today, and with good reason.

This is such an easy way to start your online business that anyone can do it!

You can start any business with dropshipping, all you have to do is find reliable suppliers and great ideas that you’re interested in. Luckily, this article is filled with such ideas.

Suppose you plan to launch an online bookstore. In that case, you can opt for a dropshipping model, where you can source books from suppliers, and list them in your online store catalog without maintaining an inventory. When you receive orders, you can forward them to your suppliers, who will ship the books directly to your customers.

Here’s a list of amazing books that can teach you dropshipping, and if you are looking for product ideas to start your dropshipping business with, here are best dropshipping products to sell!

3. Reselling business

Reselling is another highly popular eCommerce business model, with the online resale industry in the US projected to grow to $195.7 billion by 2030.. Reselling is similar to drop shipping, but the primary difference is that resellers typically hold their inventory and purchase products in bulk, resulting in higher profit margins. However, this also entails higher risks than drop shipping.

Regardless, anyone can start an online business by adding products from multiple suppliers. The key is to find trustworthy suppliers who can provide quality products and reliable delivery.

4. Electronic items

The electronic products industry is one of the fastest-growing industries globally. As an increasing number of individuals incorporate smart electronic devices into their homes, businesses can leverage this trend by launching their own online electronics stores.

Amidst the pandemic, online computer equipment stores saw a significant surge in demand. With people in lockdown and needing computer systems and upgrades to enable work or study from home, this eCommerce segment experienced a boost in popularity

5. Online marketplace

An online marketplace is a virtual platform that links sellers with buyers. This model is exemplified by popular marketplaces such as Amazon or Flipkart, which enable companies to display and sell their products or services to interested buyers.

The marketplace model allows for multiple vendors to offer their products on a single storefront. Advances in artificial intelligence have simplified the creation and operation of online marketplaces. In conjunction with the growing preference for online shopping, marketplaces, and product exchange websites provide customers with a much wider range of product options than physical stores.

6. Online bakery

The online baking store is a niche segment that offers a specific product to customers. Baked goods such as cakes and cupcakes have always been in high demand due to their convenience and appeal to fast-paced lifestyles. Providing these products online simplifies the ordering process for customers.

The cake shop online ordering system has become a popular choice for people, allowing them to save time and money while sending festive and surprise cakes and cupcakes to loved ones in far-off locations.

Online baking stores can be highly profitable business ventures, particularly for new entrepreneurs looking to gain valuable experience. These businesses can be started with a limited budget and gradually built up over time, making a name for themselves in the market.

7. Online clothing store

The fashion eCommerce industry is a highly profitable and popular business with an expected growth rate of US $1,349,748 million by 2025. It’s a highly competitive industry, but it’s also one that offers excellent opportunities for new entrepreneurs. Starting an online clothing store can be a great way to test the waters and gain valuable experience before diving into the market. So, even though there’s a lot of competition, with the right strategy and approach, there’s still plenty of room for success.

Learn more about starting an online clothing store here.

8. Online gift cards store

Gift cards have emerged as a creative way to exchange presents. These prepaid cards are loaded with a fixed amount of money that can be redeemed while making purchases.

Gift cards have become a preferred choice for those looking for a quick gift solution, with 33% of customers spending more on gift cards than traditional gifts.

The gift card industry has witnessed a surge in demand, making it a $619 billion business. This has encouraged many online stores to use gift cards as a powerful tool to fuel their growth.

9. Online learning platforms

When the pandemic hit, it changed a lot of things permanently, teaching mediums being one of them.

The advent of the pandemic brought about a significant shift in how people engage in educational activities, with online teaching platforms taking the lead and remote learning becoming the new norm.

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, etc., became popular for many reasons.

They have courses from top professionals and elite universities.
They teach courses that are not necessarily available traditionally.
Students can choose any combination and number of courses that they want.
They get certificates for the courses they complete, so they have something to show for the effort they put in.

And Five, students get a flexible timeline to complete their courses, so that they can be comfortable with the pace of their learning and fit it into their schedule.

Even now when things are a little better, people want to use online learning platforms to study for these main reasons.

With a few players, in a market that is new, you have an opportunity to grab your share and earn profits.

11. Online grocery & packaged food

As people’s lives get busier, they have less time for daily tasks, leading to an increase in demand for online services. Offering online solutions for necessities such as groceries and food has become a popular business idea.

One thing to take into consideration in this business is the time taken to deliver your products.

Instant delivery is a must for these businesses because people generally order food items when they need them.

12. Personal safety equipment store

Personal safety has become more important during the past years, and the pandemic added another aspect to safety that we weren’t paying a lot of attention to.

Yes, personal safety has extended from Swiss knives and pepper sprays to include masks, sanitizers, gloves, face shields, and disinfectants, among others.

You can start a personal safety online store, which caters to all these needs and expand into other niches as well.

Rather than selling conventional face masks, you can use your creativity to offer unique and innovative designs (while still ensuring their effectiveness) to captivate customers with your ingenuity.

With people being more conscious about their safety, this is a good business venture to try out.

13. Online fitness training

Due to the pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift towards fitness, as gyms and outdoor activities were not readily available. This led to the rise in popularity of at-home workouts, such as yoga, pilates, and rigorous exercise routines. As a result, starting a business that offers expert coaching in various types of exercise routines could be a viable option.

14. Beauty & health products

The beauty industry is constantly evolving with new trends emerging daily. As a result, the demand for beauty products has skyrocketed. Nowadays, makeup routines have more steps than a food recipe, and each step requires a separate product. With the industry being so vast, it is possible to carve out a niche for yourself with some basic knowledge and minimal investment.

Self-care has been at the forefront of people’s minds for quite some time, making it a lucrative business opportunity.

15. Smart devices (for home & office)

Ten years ago, we only had landlines and phones without internet, and now we have more smart devices than people in our houses.

Phones, iPads, smart TVs, Alexa, smart speakers, plugs, lights, Google Nest hub, and even smart locks, there are so many things in this club now, and increasing every day.

They’re slowly becoming more necessary for every home, owing to their ease of use and range of features.

This business idea has great potential for profitability. All that is required is to create a comprehensive catalog featuring various devices and initiate a dropshipping business model.

16. Online thrift store

Thrift stores have garnered a significant amount of attention and admiration, and it’s not hard to see why. These stores are becoming increasingly popular, and they are no longer just limited to physical locations on the streets; they now also have a significant online presence

Thrift stores stand for everything that the youth today is obsessed with- a unique, one-of-a-kind, vintage apparel collection, which is sustainable too!

Affordable, cute clothes, books, and accessories, you can sell it all through online thrift stores!

There already are some of these stores on platforms like Instagram, but you can make a legit business of it by setting up your store on an eCommerce website.

17. Online content services

The significance of content for online businesses has increased significantly in recent times. It has become increasingly clear to entrepreneurs that it plays a crucial role in running their businesses successfully.

Now content is a broad range of services.

You can provide copywriting services, blog content, social media content, and others like editing and proofreading services as well.

With content marketing becoming increasingly mainstream and competitive, entrepreneurs have come to realize that they cannot simply create random pieces of content for their websites and social media. They must now focus on executing a well-planned set of well-written content pieces across different platforms, each tailored to different audiences.

Now, it takes a properly planned and executed set of well-written content pieces across different platforms, catering to different audiences.

Master the content game and help other businesses boost their visibility and sales through the magic of content!

18. Online collectibles store

Collectibles have always been a favorite of people. When visiting someone’s house, they often take pride in showing off their valuable collections. Nowadays, online auctions have become the go-to platform for purchasing rare and valuable artifacts. By opening an online auction site or a store that carries unique, one-of-a-kind items, including the newest member of the collectible family – NFTs – you can provide a platform for people to buy and sell. This venture has the potential to be highly profitable.

19. Online custom jewelry

Custom jewelry is an extremely popular trend right now, and it’s easy to see why. Personalized and unique pieces of jewelry for individuals, couples, friends, and family have an irresistible appeal. To start a business in this field, you’ll need a good sense of style and the ability to craft jewelry using various materials. If you feel this business is a good fit for you, get creative and start your own custom jewelry business.

20. Online one-off products

One-of-a-kind things make people feel special and exclusive, which is why creating a lush, elite, one-off online store can be a great business idea.

The best part is that you’re not limited to a specific type of product. You can pick any niche, list the products in your store, and get started.

You can work with any kind of products that you’re comfortable with, and you can even pick and club various goods together.

Whether it’s designer clothes, one-of-a-kind art pieces, jewelry, rare products, or your own creations, you can be sure that your customers will appreciate them.

Many people want to be their own bosses and start their own online businesses, but they don’t know how to get started.

You can start a new business that teaches people the skills and knowledge required for their online venture.

By helping them navigate their online store, you can help them realize their dreams and feed them for a lifetime.

23. Photo copyright & selling business

Starting an online business where photographers can submit their original pictures, get them copyrighted, and sell them for use to others is a lucrative idea.

By creating a platform for photographers to sell their work, you can help protect their intellectual property while also providing a quality product for those who need pictures.

Your business can provide a solution for photographers who want to monetize their work and protect their rights, as well as a solution for people who need access to high-quality, legal images.

24. Travel arrangements website

A travel arrangement website can help travelers plan their trips, vacations, staycations, or workcations with ease.

Planning a trip can be a daunting task as it involves finding suitable accommodations, eateries, local guides, and places to visit, which can be overwhelming even for experienced travelers.

By starting an online travel arrangement business, you can provide a one-stop solution for all these tasks and suggest personalized recommendations based on the traveler’s interests.

Moreover, you can even specialize in catering to solo women travelers, keeping in mind their unique safety concerns and other requirements.

25. Mentor-finding platform

In today’s age, monetizing your skills is possible if you know how to market them properly. However, many skilled people lack the guidance they need to make the most of their talent.

A mentor-finding platform can connect people with experts in their field of interest who can teach them how to make money from their skillset and hone their skills.

Your platform can bridge the gap between talent and success by providing the necessary guidance and mentoring for those who want to develop their skills and earn money from them.

26. Crowdfunding platform

Another matchmaking platform that can actually be a success is a crowdfunding website.

A place where investors and startups can meet, pitch, and invest in something that is every start-up founder’s dream come true.

This can be a pretty lucrative business idea.

27. Social networking platform + online store

Solve the main problem of every entrepreneur who sells their products on social media, by coming up with a platform that is social media and an online store all wrapped up in a nice little package.

Let’s be honest. Social media is amazing for marketing but it sucks when you have to set up a store and manage orders.

On the other hand, an eComm site where you set up your store is great for your business operations but isn’t as scroll-worthy as a social media platform either.

So, just bring them together and enjoy the best of both worlds!

28. Online platform for freelancers

Online platforms for freelancers are plenty, but those where you can find reliable talent, or employers, are few and far between.

If you create an online platform where employers can find what they’re looking for and freelancers get fair compensation for their efforts as well.

29. Online Library

Where would all the book lovers go when the world is closed and so are all the libraries?

They can have virtual meetings, discussions, and book reviews to create a sense of community.

You can also offer book recommendations based on their preferences and reading history to enhance their reading experience.

To attract more customers, you can offer discounts, and loyalty programs, and even partner with publishers to offer exclusive deals and book releases.

In a world where everything is going digital, an online bookstore can provide a convenient and accessible way for book lovers to satisfy their cravings for new reads.

30. All-in-one online wedding store

Weddings are one of the most important days of our lives, right?

We need everything to go just right for them, but let’s be honest. It gets a little too much handle and we’re always afraid that we might miss something.

You can create an online all-in-one wedding store, which takes care of everything, from the bride’s dress to the cake and the decorations, invitations, task lists to keep track of everything and you can even include event planning services if you want.

These are some interesting ideas that you can consider when you decide to start your online business journey.

31. Selling handmade goods

If you’re a crafty person, a great way to monetize your skills is to start selling handmade goods online.

People love buying handmade products. Be it clothes, furniture, bags, picture frames, or anything else.

Consumers seek products that possess a sense of history and have compelling stories to tell. They desire items that are one-of-a-kind and have limited availability, adding a touch of uniqueness to their purchase

You can use platforms like Etsy and Craigslist to sell your handmade products online. However, having your own online store will make things easier for you.

32. Selling unique artwork

Are you an artist? If yes, then plenty of options are available to start your own online business.

No matter what your creative passion is – photography, music, painting, etc. – you can monetize your talent by selling your artwork and creating a new source of income.

Let’s say if music is your thing, you can sell your songs, beats, and tunes as digital downloads. Just like The Drum Broker, the world’s largest online drum sample business.

Alternatively, if you have a passion for photography, you can monetize your skills by selling canvas prints, posters, and framed photographs using online printing services such as Printful or Printify.

33. AR/VR headsets, apps, and accessories store

The demand for AR/VR is increasing exponentially because of initial user adoption.

This indicates that companies will aggressively invest in it and develop AR/VR apps. It’s also expected that AR/VR will hit $108 billion in sales by the end of 2023.

This technology is going to become an important eCommerce business soon. If you understand this technology, you can become its early advocate

34. Kitchen and dining mats

Everyone loves decorating and organizing their homes. This is why kitchen and dining mats are in high demand.

Additionally, there is a wide variety of mat designs to choose from. You can begin with something simple, like plastic mats, or opt for something more textured, such as fabric mats. It all depends on what you can afford and what you believe will appeal to your target market.

And once you gain a loyal following, you can expand your product base.

35. Video doorbells

As the demand for home security increases, video doorbells are becoming more popular and are emerging as a trending business idea..

The trendiest video doorbells are those that provide high-quality night vision.

People want to see who’s at their door to avoid unfavorable situations. So this is a profitable business venture to try out.

36. Selfie drones

Selfie drones are in huge demand. From videographers who want to capture amazing aerial shots to the farmers who use them to keep an eye on their crops to drones that are used to deliver packages.

The usage and possibilities are insane.

The increasing demand for selfie drones is driving the market size significantly. Experts predict a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the global selfie drone market during the 2020-2028 forecast period.

37. Smartwatches

According to research, the global market for smartwatches had a value of $20.64 billion in 2019, and it is projected to reach $96.31 billion by the end of 2027. This represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.6%.

The stats themselves show this product is going to be a winning product. This makes sense, given that it’s a beneficial device.

Whether you want to track your footsteps or receive a phone call, it makes them easier for you

38. Face masks

With the increase in Covid-19 impact, the need for face masks is also increasing.

More people look for trendy and fashionable face masks, so don’t miss out on this growing industry.

But, face masks are meant for protection— so don’t compromise on the quality and safety of the same.

39. Natural products

The global market value for natural products is expected to increase to $54.5 billion by 2027.

The increasing awareness of health and lifestyle choices among people presents an opportunity for selling natural products online.

You can opt to sell daily usage items such as personal hygiene, cleaning, and beauty items.

40. Pet care items

The pet care industry grew to $103.6 billion in 2021. And surprisingly, the pet food industry alone is projected to reach $127.21 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 4.60%.

No doubt, if done right, this can be a highly profitable online business.

You have a plethora of opportunities available, from selling toys, cushy beds, and training hoops to creating new products that target underserved niches.

41. Pre-packaged gluten-free food

Gluten-free food is not new, but celebrities talking about it are increasing the craze for it.

Individuals who solely consume gluten-free food are attentive to their dietary choices and seek to purchase food products that are labeled as “gluten-free.”

As gluten is present in almost all food and snacks, there is an emerging market for selling gluten-free products that you can tap into.

42. Diabetic socks

People with diabetes often suffer from nerve damage, particularly in their feet, leading to intense pain that persists regardless of blood sugar control. Consequently, they must wear socks at all times to alleviate discomfort.

With the increasing cases of diabetic neuropathy worldwide, there has been a rise in demand for diabetic socks. These socks are designed to keep the feet dry and are made of moisture-wicking fabric to prevent nerve damage and provide comfort to people with diabetes. Selling diabetic socks can be a potential business opportunity.

The global diabetic socks market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2020 to 2027.

43. Bamboo toothbrushes

Since the interest in eco-friendly and minimalism is rising daily, people are becoming more interested in sustainable products.

And that has given the bamboo toothbrushes a significant boost.

It’s important to keep in mind that packaging a sustainable product in plastic bags would undermine its purpose of being environmentally friendly..

Once you position yourself in the market, you can start selling additional products.

44. Bluelight glasses

The blue light glasses market size might reach a value of $38.6 Million in 2027, growing with a CAGR of 8.4%.

The lenses used in these glasses are specifically designed to prevent blue light emitted by electronic devices like laptops and phones from entering the eyes.

This also makes it easier to focus and makes the brain calm down.

That’s why there’s an increasing demand for blue-light glass

45. Private-label men’s bags

Although the female bag niche is saturated, the men’s bag niche still has much room.

The reason is— that you have a diverse target audience. Such as students, employees, and retirees.

To market your products more effectively, start by targeting one specific segment first. Once you’ve built up an audience within that segment, you can then start exploring other available options to expand your reach.

46. Kitchen gadgets

The list of kitchen appliances and gadgets is endless, ranging from ovens, air fryers, and portable blenders to griddles, mandoline slicers, electric kettles, grape cutters, and more.

You’ve plenty of options for kitchen gadgets that you can start selling online.

As more people love cooking at home, this business industry will not let you down any time soon.

47. Gardening supplies and furniture

Gardening is more of a hobby than a profession. And, note this down— people love spending on their hobbies.

American adults spend $48 billion on lawn and gardening equipment each year.

It’s a great opportunity to start your business by selling a range of gardening products such as flower pots, seeds, bulbs, soil fertilizers, gardening tools, watering cans, and other equipment that can assist in gardening.

48. Notebooks and stationery

Even in the era of digital notepads, many people still prefer notebooks to write on.

Although it’s a crowded market, the key to succeeding here is to target a niche segment.

To begin with, select your target market. This could be parents of school-going children, teenagers, college students, working professionals, and so on.

Then add some relatable items to it, such as pens, pencils, sticky notepads, sharpeners, etc., and start selling online.

Social media marketing can be highly effective in promoting these items, given their beautiful designs and intricate paintings.

49. Essential oils

Due to the Covid pandemic, salons and spas were forced to close, leading consumers to search for methods of performing self-care treatments at home.

And this gave a massive boost to the essential oils industry.

One option to explore could be the sale of essential oils, including but not limited to lavender, peppermint, lemon, cedarwood, and lemongrass essential oils.

You can even add products made from essential oils such as foot soaks and bath bombs to your list.

50. Selling ebooks

There was a time when you needed a publisher to publish and sell your books. But, in this digital era, you can publish your books yourself in the form of ebooks. In the past, having a publisher was essential for publishing and selling books, but with the advent of the digital age, individuals now have the option to self-publish their books in the form of ebooks.

In 2020, almost 23% of the US population purchased an ebook, making up for 191 million ebooks sold throughout the year.

Not only this, but statistics suggest the US ebooks market will generate $7.78 billion in revenue in 2025.

Clearly, it’s a booming industry that you still have time to leverage.

If you don’t want to write the book yourself, you can hire a ghostwriter to write for you.

51. Start a freelancing business

Freelancers are in high demand because they work on a project-by-project basis and meet specific deadlines, allowing companies to complete work efficiently, at a lower cost, and in less time. Additionally, learning platforms offer opportunities to learn new skills for free or at a nominal cost.

52. Subscription models

The subscription management market was valued at $3.8 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach $10.5 billion by 2025.

Subscription models are ideal for products or services needed on an ongoing basis—for example, personal care products, music, movies, and online communities.

The possibility is endless. You need to identify the niche and target audience that you can serve the best.

53. Meal delivery

Busy working professionals are increasingly using meal delivery services as they value convenience. If you can tap into a specific niche such as vegan or gluten-free, this business idea can be lucrative. The global meal delivery service market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.4% from 2022 to 2030.

54. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing contributes to 16% of global eCommerce sales, meaning one out of ten online sales is due to affiliate marketers. If you have a substantial social media following or blog traffic, affiliate marketing could be a profitable opportunity. Studies reveal that 65% of affiliate marketers drive traffic through blogging, while 68% connect with customers via social media.

55. Beauty subscription box for men

Over half of online shoppers subscribe to a subscription box service due to the appeal of convenient and personalized experiences. While the women’s beauty subscription box market is saturated, there is still an opportunity in the men’s niche. Selling products such as face wash, moisturizer, cologne, acne wash, shave balm, beard oil, and shower gel can be profitable.

Conclusion

E-commerce is simple in theory, but making a business successful online requires a solid strategy and platform choice. Sellker is a platform that helps small businesses and entrepreneurs set up their online stores with ease. Sellker offers everything from store setup to advertising, inventory management, sales tracking, and marketing campaigns in a user-friendly and accessible manner.