It’s estimated that 33% of the world’s population is shopping online. In 2024 alone, eCommerce sales will be more than $6.3 trillion. If you’re looking for a profitable and sustainable business idea, launching an online store in 2025 could be the move for you.
In this post, we’ll categorize 13 eCommerce business ideas that can help you succeed in the competitive online marketplace. From low-cost, product-based, service-based, and emerging trends, you’ll have endless options for an eCommerce business to choose from.
Low-cost eCommerce business ideas
If you have a limited budget, here are low-cost eCommerce business ideas to for you:
Print-on-demand business
Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model where products are printed and shipped after a customer places an order. This business model removes the need for upfront inventory, making it a low-risk way to start an online business. Print-on-demand has low start-up costs and large profit margins. You don’t have to make an upfront inventory investment; you simply pay for goods when buyers buy them.
Here are the practical steps you need to take if you choose to have this kind of business:
- Launch your eCommerce platform. First, choose a reliable eCommerce platform where you can launch your eCommerce business. (e.g., Shopify or Network Solutions) This will be your digital storefront.
- Create your custom products. Next, create designs for custom products such as t-shirts, mugs, and hoodies. Or you can hire someone who can create designs to bring out your vision.
- Connect with a reliable print-on-demand supplier. Finally, to ensure smooth order fulfillment, find a reliable print-on-demand supplier who handles both printing and shipping services. Choosing this kind of supplier frees up some of your tasks, which helps you focus on growing your brand.
Challenges:
With so many individuals trying out this niche, standing out can be very challenging. Not only do you need designs that meet customer expectations, but you also need to give high-quality customer service, and speedy deliveries. Should you want to try this profitable eCommerce business idea, always make sure to create unique and trendy designs and maintain fast turnaround to keep your customers wanting for more.
Dropshipping business
Selling goods straight from a supplier without keeping any inventory is known as dropshipping. This is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it buys the item from a third party and has it delivered directly to the customer. Because of its cheap overhead costs, it is among the most well-liked and profitable eCommerce business ideas.
Here are the practical steps you need to take if you choose to have this kind of business:
- Discover and select your niche. As you begin your dropshipping venture, the first thing you need to do is choose a niche product or a market that you want to sell. You can either choose any profitable, high-demand, and easy to ship products such as tech gadgets, digital products, beauty products, or apparel products. You are free to explore as the possibilities are endless.
- Establish your online storefront. Once you’ve chosen your ideal market, create your online storefront by choosing a reliable eCommerce platform.
- Forge partnership with reliable suppliers. Finally, seamlessly integrate dropshipping suppliers, whether you choose a general approach or a specialized niche. Choose a partnership that will streamline your operations and ensure smooth product order fulfillment.
Challenges:
While dropshipping offers a low-barrier entry to the eCommerce world, this eCommerce idea still comes with some challenges:
- Finding reliable suppliers
- High competition
- Limited brand control
But don’t let these discourage you. To overcome these challenges, you need to have careful planning, diligent supplier management, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction. With a solid marketing strategy and a sharp focus on customer satisfaction, you can surely build a competitive dropshipping business.
Digital products
Digital products are intangible goods that can be made, purchased, and delivered electronically. Because they have high profit margins and minimal inventory costs, digital products such as eBooks, online courses, and instructional materials make attractive eCommerce business ideas. They can be sold to an infinite number of people after they are made.
Practical steps:
- Create your digital masterpiece. As the creator and entrepreneur, your main objective is to create your own unique digital product. It can be an online course, eBooks, digital arts, or software tools.
- Establish your digital empire. After creating your digital product, build your own website or use an eCommerce platform to sell and deliver your products to your customers.
- Spread and promote your digital products. Finally, attract more audience by implementing effective marketing strategies like email campaigns or you can partner with affiliate marketers to drive traffic.
Challenges:
Selling digital products has its perks. However, it also comes with unique challenges:
- Piracy and copyright infringement
- Conveying value
- Technical issues
To avoid these challenges, always remember to implement strong copyright protection measures. You can use digital rights management (DRM) and watermarking tools to safeguard your products.
Additionally, you also need to offer high-quality and valuable content to justify the price you are offering.
Product-Based eCommerce Business Ideas
If you aim for a more exciting opportunity that focuses on growth and scalability, then this section is for you. Investing in tangible products can help you create a strong brand identity and build a loyal customer base.
Subscription boxes
Subscription boxes are an exceptional eCommerce business idea because of their steadily increasing global market value. They deliver niche products recurringly as part of a marketing strategy and a method of product distribution. Subscription boxes are subscription-based eCommerce businesses, referred to as “subcom,” and follow the subscription business model. Because they generate recurrent income, this model appeals to business owners seeking a consistent money flow.
Practical steps:
- Curate your eco-friendly product collection. Before you begin your business venture, you need to curate a wide selection of products. You can either choose beauty products, sustainable products, or eco-friendly products.
- Choose a reliable platform. Once you’ve curated your box, utilize reliable platforms such as Cratejoy or Subbly to manage your subscriptions seamlessly.
- Promote and market your eco-friendly products. Market to your target niche. Let your customers know about your incredible subscription box!
Challenges:
Despite its increasing market value, subscription boxes also have its own set of challenges:
- Supply chain issues
- Supplier reliability
- Managing perishable goods
To reduce this risk, it would be best to build a strong supplier relationship to ensure a consistent supply of quality products. Additionally, prioritize customer experience by providing personalized experiences and easy cancellation processes.
Private label products
Private label products are items manufactured by one company and sold under another company’s brand name. You can sell generic goods under your own brand by using private labeling. Through private labeling, finding suppliers, personalizing the packaging, and developing a powerful brand identity are all possible.
The retailer who sells these products controls everything about them, including product specifications up to the packaging and branding. This allows them to offer exclusive items, product range expansion, and even compete with national brands on price.
Practical steps:
- Become a product sourcing expert. As an entrepreneur who wants to start a private label business, your first step is to be a product sourcing expert. You can explore high-quality products through different platforms like Alibaba. Make sure to choose products that align with your brand.
- Infuse your brand identity. Once you’ve chosen the products you want to sell, the next step is to infuse these products to your unique brand personality. Customize your chosen products with your own branding and packaging. This is where your brand and vision come to life!
- Build your online storefront. Finally, it’s time to let the world know about your creation. Set up your eCommerce online store and showcase your private label products, inviting customers to experience your brand.
Challenges:
Selling generic goods under your own brand may sound enticing. However, running a private label product business involves significant initial investment, quality control, supply chain management, brand building, and competitive pricing.
To succeed in this business, you need to focus on market research, find reliable suppliers, manage quality control and efficient inventory, and make a strategic marketing. Above all, you need to aim to provide quality customer experience to achieve customer satisfaction.
Eco-friendly products
Eco-friendly products are designed to minimize environmental impact throughout their entire lifecycle. These products are made from sustainable materials and renewable resources, which helps to reduce waste and limit the use of harmful chemicals. Demand for sustainable solutions has been increasing recently. With that, starting an eCommerce business related to eco-friendly products can be both economical and profitable.
Practical steps:
- Champion sustainability. Look for environmentally friendly products, such as zero-waste items, sustainable apparel, or natural cosmetic products.
- Build your online sanctuary. Attract your eco-conscious customers by creating an e-commerce website using Etsy or Shopify.
- Promote your eco-friendly store. Promote your products to eco-conscious customers who are keen to make more sustainable choices.
Challenges:
Selling eco-friendly products can be challenging to increased production costs, fewer supply chain options, the possibility of greenwashing, and consumer skepticism.
To effectively sell eco-friendly items, educate your customers, share their stories, and be open and honest about their advantages. Use minimum packaging, collaborate with eco-conscious organizations, and source products responsibly.
Pet products
Pet products are products designed to care for and improve the lives of animals-primarily dogs and cats. Pet owners are passionate about their pets, making the pet products market one of the fastest-growing sectors in eCommerce. Products that enhance pets’ lives are in high demand, whether they are toys, pet food, or accessories.
Practical steps:
- Discover your niche. First, identify what kind of pet products you want to sell. You can choose a wide variety of products from pet accessories, nutritional pet supplementary, or organic pet food.
- Build your digital paw-print. Once you’ve selected your niche, establish your online paw presence by creating an online store. You can use systems such as BigCommerce or Shopify to list your pet products or services.
- Engage and inspire. Attract pet owners by leveraging content marketing and social media. You can share engaging stories, helpful tips, and captivating visuals to establish a strong community around your brand.
Challenges:
Due to intense competition, maintaining product safety, educating consumers, controlling seasonal variations, managing shipping logistics, and keeping up of the most recent pet trends, selling pet products can be difficult.
To be successful marketing pet products, focus on developing trust, giving high-quality items, offering exceptional customer service, comprehending the wants of pet owners, using social media, and collaborating with vets and pet influencers.
Beauty products
Beauty products are items used to enhance appearance, which include a wide range of products such as skincare, makeup, haircare, perfumes, and other personal care items. The beauty industry is still expanding, and there are many chances to start a successful eCommerce business because of the increasing demand for organic, clean, and customized beauty products.
Practical steps:
- Curate your beauty collection. As a beauty enthusiast and entrepreneur, your venture starts by curating high-quality cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products. You can purchase these products from reliable vendors.
- Establish your digital beauty counter. Create an elegant online store using different platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Network Solutions. Transform it into your own virtual beauty counter.
- Unleash your inner beauty guru. Share your beauty collection with the world! Make use of social media sites like Instagram and influencer collaborations to promote your goods.
Challenges:
It might be challenging to sell beauty products. However, you must stay informed of current trends, guarantee product safety, handle ingredient sensitivities, and differentiate yourself in a competitive industry. Additionally, your brand can be made or broken by client reviews.
To be successful in the beauty business, focus on high-quality items, know your target market, establish trust through transparency, utilize social media, provide exceptional customer service, and stay updated on emerging trends.
Service-based eCommerce business ideas
If you’re into offering services rather than selling products, then these three ideas will let you leverage your skills to generate revenue.
Online coaching and consulting
Online coaching or consulting is a great service-based business idea if you are an expert in a specific field. If you’re an individual who can offer expertise and guidance to clients in a specific niche, this could be an excellent eCommerce idea for you. From business consultancy to fitness coaching, you may provide clients all over the world with personalized guidance and solutions through virtual platforms.
Practical steps:
- Define your expertise. First, identify what unique expertise you would want to focus on and share. Will you guide clients on their wellness journey? Empower them to achieve their financial goals? Or would help them unlock their fitness potential? You have a wide selection of niches to choose from, but make sure to choose the specialty you’re confident to teach.
- Create your digital coaching space. Create a system for client interactions. You can utilize different platforms like Paypal and Calendly so you can streamline bookings and payments.
- Connect with your clients virtually. Face your clients virtually! Provide coaching and consulting sessions through virtual consultations using Google Meet or Zoom.
Challenges:
Client acquisition, time management, technical issues, establishing trust in a virtual environment, and time zone adaptation are some of the hurdles faced by online coaching and consulting firms.
To succeed in this type of business, focus on one niche specialization, building a strong online presence, acquire potential clients, trust-building, flexible scheduling, constant learning, and time zone adaptation.
Digital marketing strategy
A digital marketing strategy is a plan to use online channels to reach and engage your target audience. Digital marketing services are in great demand since companies are always looking for new methods to increase their online visibility. Offering SEO, PPC, social media marketing, and other services is possible when you start your own agency.
Practical steps:
- Showcase your digital expertise. As a digital marketer, your first crucial step is to create a compelling portfolio that highlights your knowledge in social media, content marketing, and SEO. This digital showcase will be your calling card, so make sure it attracts your potential clients!
- Build websites that convert. Once you’ve attracted them with your portfolio, you’ll need the right tools to bring your client’s vision to life. Provide services built on WordPress or Network Solutions, and ensure their online presence is not only beautiful but also optimized for conversions.
- Be a networking guru. Finally, spread the word about your amazing services! Use powerful tools like case studies, networking, and LinkedIn to promote your services. By building relationships, you’ll establish yourself as a trusted advisor in the digital marketing world.
Challenges:
Digital marketing can be challenging. It might be difficult to keep up with ever evolving algorithms, measure outcomes, produce interesting content, and compete with well-known businesses. Additionally, you must constantly adjust to new technology and trends.
To succeed in digital marketing, you need to identify your niche first, then stay updated with the current trends, track results, provide interesting content, manage your budget, and adapt to any market changes
Virtual assistant services
Businesses and entrepreneurs benefit greatly from the administrative assistance that virtual assistants offer. Virtual assistant services offer remote administrative, technical, or creative assistance to businesses. Services involve tasks like email management, social media, scheduling, and customer service. This business idea has low startup fees for everything from social media scheduling to email management.
Practical steps:
- Define your service. Describe the services you offer. This could be essential tasks like data input, efficient email management, and exceptional customer support.
- Build your online presence. Create a website that showcases your skills and expertise. Look for clients using sites like Fiverr or Upwork.
- Cultivate lasting relationships. To create enduring partnerships, provide client satisfaction above all else. Provide dependable services at fair prices, and ensure each interaction fosters trust and encourages long-term partnerships.
Challenges:
Managing work and ensuring client satisfaction are the main responsibilities of a virtual assistant! However, finding the proper fit, managing time zones, and maintaining organization can be demanding. There are methods to overcome those obstacles and become an effective VA.
Focus on developing trusting relationships with clients, staying organized, adjusting to multiple time zones, acquiring new skills on a constant basis, and using dependable technologies to expedite your job to achieve success in this type of business.
Emerging eCommerce trends
The eCommerce landscape is always growing and evolving. Listed below are three of the emerging eCommerce trends that are shaping the future of online business.
Social commerce
Direct product sales on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, or social commerce, are expanding quickly. This is called social commerce, and it combines social media and eCommerce. This strategy allows customers to discover and purchase products directly on social platforms. It’s a fantastic method to expand your clientele and leverage the power of social media.
Practical steps:
- Establishing your social media storefront. Create a dedicated store on platforms like Facebook or Instagram to showcase your products in a fun and engaging way.
- Leverage the power of social media. Next, tap into the power of social media by forming strong relationships with relevant users. Use influencer relationships and user-generated content to market your goods.
Challenges:
Creating interesting content, adhering to platform standards, protecting user privacy, and competing with other businesses are some of the difficulties social commerce faces.
To succeed in social commerce, create interesting content, employ user-generated material, collaborate with influencers, provide easy checkout processes, make advantage of shoppable posts and stories, and track your performance to make informed decisions.
Influencer products
Influencer products are goods or services endorsed or created by social media influencers. These items leverage the influencer’s credibility and following base to attract customers. Reaching a larger audience and increasing revenue are two benefits of co-creating products with influencers. The fashion, cosmetics, and health sectors are particularly affected by this trend.
Practical steps:
- Find your brand ambassadors. As an influencer, your venture starts by identifying and cultivating bonds with influencers who embody your brand’s values. These individuals will represent your brand and amplify your message to their engaged audience.
- Collaborate and create. After assembling your team of influencers, it’s time to embark on exciting collaborations. Develop co-branded goods that resonate with your brand’s vision and promote them on the influencers’ channels.
Challenges:
Though it’s not always easy, influencer partnerships can be an excellent way to grow your business. It can be difficult to find an influencer who truly loves your product. Furthermore, it might be challenging to gauge the effectiveness of these collaborations. Don’t worry, though! You may maximize influencer marketing by emphasizing genuine connections, transparent communication, and data-driven choices.
Actionable tips for starting your eCommerce business
You may have chosen an eCommerce business from the list provided above. But remember, before you start an eCommerce business, you need an eCommerce website to start selling online.
Listed below are simple steps that will guide you in setting up your eCommerce website:
Getting started: Find your niche
As a startup, you can’t aim to compete with huge online marketplaces such as Amazon or Etsy. First, you need to get started by choosing a niche you can own. You may ask yourself the following:
- What products do I want to sell online?
- Who is my target market?
- Do I want to extend my physical store online?
By identifying your target market, you can shift your focus more on turning them as your potential customers. Choose a niche where you can easily diversify, improve, and scale up your online business.
Choose your domain name
If you’re a startup business, choose a business name with an eye to potential domain names. Your domain name should be easy to remember and should resonate with your brand’s objectives and goals. Make it unique so you will leave a lasting impression in the online marketplace landscape.
Look for a provider that offers domain registration, such as Network Solutions. You can also use the domain name generator if you’re having difficulty choosing your domain name. Register your domain name once you get it and renew it yearly, so you don’t lose it to your competitors. For added protection, you can get Domain Expiration Protection to your domain. This service ensures your domain stays registered under your business for up to a year after expiration. It also helps you avoid domain reinstatement fees, adding a layer of security for your brand.
Choosing the right web hosting platform
Your business type will determine which hosting platform is best for you. You want to find a service that offers 99.9% guaranteed uptime (which means your website won’t go down). Consider a hosting plan with a bandwidth that can handle the amount of web traffic you expect on your eCommerce website. Remember, a bandwidth that can handle huge amounts of web traffic helps you provide quality customer service and assistance, which increases user experience assistance which increases user experience
If you’re still planning to start an eCommerce business, using a basic hosting plan would be ideal for you. However, there are extra features that you can’t use if you use the basic plan. But you don’t need to worry; hosting plans are often scalable, and you can always upgrade yours as your business expands.
Design your online store
Once you’ve chosen your niche, domain name, and web hosting service, it’s now time to design your online store. One thing that attracts your customers to visit your website is based on how it was designed.
- Is it visually pleasing and easy to read?
- Is it easy to navigate?
- Does your website display important information about your products and contact information?
- Have you displayed high-quality pictures of your items?
Many web hosting providers offer one-stop shopping for their customers. This lets you access templates to help you build your website or have their team of experts help you in the process. The free templates offered give you an affordable solution, but you can also opt for custom web design services.
Make it mobile
According to Thrive, around 95.8% of users access the Internet through mobile phones. Which is why it is important that your website is mobile-friendly (which means it easily adapts to any type of device). Remember, if your website is attractive and easier to navigate, the more repeat customers you’ll likely get.
Marketing your business
Once your eCommerce store is launched, the next thing you’ll be working on is getting the word out. Remember, products don’t sell themselves – you need to have effective marketing strategies to help drive traffic to your online store.
You need to utilize the following:
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- Influencer collaborations
- Content marketing
If you have powerful search engine optimization tools, your visibility will be enhanced, and customers can easily find and learn more about you. Having an online store makes marketing your business in social media so much easier. You can always leverage ad campaigns, use Instagram through partnering with different influencers, or host giveaways contests to generate customer interactions.
Effective marketing isn’t just about having customers visit your online store—it’s about establishing relationships with them and gaining their trust. This is achieved by providing exceptional customer service, engaging through social media, and delivering personalized marketing messages that will encourage customers to return to your site.
Managing challenges
Running an eCommerce business isn’t an easy route. You have a lot to think about: from customer retention to dealing with shipping logistics. The key is to stay organized, utilize the right tools, and optimize your processes.
Here are some of the common challenges you’re going to meet along the way:
- Customer retention. Focus on building a loyal customer base by offering loyalty programs, personalized promotions, and high-quality customer service. You can implement customer relationship management tool (CRM) to assist you in managing customer relationship, tracking purchase behavior, and sending personalized messages or offers.
- Shipping logistics. To manage inventory and ensure timely delivery, choose a reliable platform that has integration of popular shipping platforms. Choosing a reliable eCommerce platform like Network Solutions allows you to track orders and manage shipping more effectively.
- Competition. The eCommerce space is highly competitive, so it’s a must to differentiate yourself from other competitors. Stay ahead of the curve by optimizing your customer experience which includes fast shipping, easy returns, and being able to adjust as needed.
- Payment processing. Ensure smooth and secure payment processing to maintain customer trust. With Network Solutions’ eCommerce platforms, integrated payment gateways such as Paypal, Stripe, and others can make safe and efficient payments. To make online transactions more secure, you can install an SSL certificate to encrypt connections and reassure your customers that your eCommerce website is legitimate and safe.
Network Solutions as your eCommerce business partner
With all the eCommerce ideas available, from low-cost ideas such as print-on-demand to emerging trends like social commerce, you have plenty of options to explore.
From this list of top eCommerce business ideas, it’s time to take the next step. Bring your idea to life and launch your own online store.
Start your eCommerce journey, explore Network Solutions’ eCommerce solutions, and launch your store today!
