If you’ve got the entrepreneurial spark, there’s no better time to act on it.
It is easier than ever to start an online business – it is not as expensive as setting up a store in a physical location, and advertising over the internet guarantees that you reach more people than ever.
All you need is some stock and a website. If you’re contemplating starting an online store, we’ve got 7 great ideas to get you inspired.
1. Care packages
This idea is perfect for creatives who don’t want to restrict themselves to one particular item.
Creating personalised care packages is a booming business now, especially with eccentric products on the market.
To get you started, we recommend proposing tie-ups with other stores like candle suppliers, chocolate makers, or even your local cheesemaker.
You can put together care packages for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Mother’s day, and even corporate events.
To make your packages stand out, add a handmade touch like a card, a small painting, a special basket, or fresh flowers. Since these packages are made to order, inventory will be easier to manage.
2. Accessories
An online store that sells accessories is bound to be successful any time of the year, as customers are always on the lookout for new styles and trends.
The key here is to be hyper-aware of emerging trends and stock up in time.
This model works well for both dropshippers and stores that want to source locally made products.
From earrings, necklaces, and rings to face masks, scarves, and hats, there are ample items and styles to choose from.
This business also has the potential for a high turnover because it is relatively inexpensive to source accessories wholesale.
Don’t forget to add a personal touch by shipping the accessories in bespoke packaging.
3. Baby and childcare store
Whatever the time of the year, a baby and childcare store will always have customers.
If you are a young mom or are passionate about the industry, this business is perfect for you. The most important factor here is to source your inventory with care.
The more certification and baby-safe products you stock, the more reliable you will be to customers.
From care items like soft diapers and clothes to new toys and games for infants and toddlers, you can customise your store to cater to niche markets.
Since this market has a clear target audience, advertising is easy and bound to increase sales.
4. Soap
Artisan soapmaking is a popular trade now, thanks to satisfying soap videos on social media. It is easy to learn how to make soap, and you don’t need too many ingredients to get started.
However, it is crucial to keep safety warnings in mind as lye can be dangerous if not handled right.
However, soap making is rewarding because you can fully customise the ingredients.
This way, you can cater to people who may have allergies or fragrance restrictions. Advertising to this niche market is likely to increase sales and a recurring customer base.
5. Ceramics and homeware
If you’re on the artsy side and can afford the initial setup cost, a ceramics business can be very profitable in the long run.
The relatively high setup cost goes towards setting up a pottery wheel in your garage or workshop.
If you want to avoid this, you can opt for hand-built pottery. You don’t need to have a personal kiln – reach out to your local art centre to rent kiln space.
The more unique and distinct your ceramics, the more popular they are likely to be.
Tie up with local restaurants, cafés, and bars to use your ceramics for some free publicity!
6. Phone accessories
Ideal for dropshippers, accessories for phones and other gadgets are always popular. Keeping up with the latest trends and prints is a good way to keep customers coming.
You might also want to offer subscription packs to send customers a new case every few weeks.
If you can source a printer, you can also offer custom prints for phone cases and other accessories (like Airpods cases).
7. Handmade clothes
The sustainable clothing market is growing like never before, and selling handmade clothes is a wonderful way to tap into this market.
There is something for everyone – if you do not have enough experience with sewing or knitting, you can repurpose old clothes to create vintage designs.
If you know your way around a knitting needle, you can make hats, scarves, socks, or even clothes for pets!
Closing Thoughts
With more customers turning to the internet for their shopping needs, there is huge potential for the online market.
Maintain a good website, publish genuine reviews, and focus on marketing to draw more clients to your store.
The more personal and engaging your website, the more customers you will find!