Economies have opened up, people are commuting to work, and it’s business as usual for malls. But guess what? E-commerce continues to grow in popularity with consumers and in terms of global sales. It’s estimated that by the end of 2023, e-commerce will account for 1 out of every 5 sales in retail. If you’re not sure of what to sell online, we’ve created this list of the 20 best e-commerce business ideas to get you started.
Importance Of The E-commerce Industry
If there was a silver lining to the 2020 pandemic, it was to prove once and for all the importance of e-commerce for business.
The businesses that had set up an e-commerce website were able to survive – even thrive – during the pandemic because consumers had no choice but to shop online for their needs.
The 2020 pandemic shed light on the benefits of e-commerce for consumers and businesses:
- Protect businesses from uncertainty.
- Create a new stream of revenue – one that runs 24/7 and 365 days a year.
- Set up the infrastructure to allow your business to run remote work or telecommuting arrangements.
- Offer customers an easy and convenient way to buy your products.
- Provide a platform to expand the product and service menus.
- An inexpensive way to expand your business.
- An efficient way to diversify your business.
- An effective way of generating more customers.
- Establish another channel for customer service.
- Create and expand opportunities for niches such as delivery service and personal shopping.
It’s not too late to get into the e-commerce race. To give you a head start, here are 20 of the best e-commerce business ideas you can consider for 2023.
20 Best Ecommerce Business Ideas To Start for 2023
Before we go through our list, let’s discuss 2 important factors that are crucial for the success of your e-commerce business.
Choosing The Right Business Idea
The “right business idea” isn’t always something you’re passionate about. There must be a demand for it otherwise, you’ll have a hard time generating sales. The good news is we’ve saved you research time by creating this list of e-commerce businesses that have ready markets and consistent demand.
An Ecommerce Website
To run an online business, you need to invest in an e-commerce website. Having social media business pages isn’t enough. An e-commerce website gives you a platform on the Internet to run your business.
From promoting your brand to describing your products to closing a transaction and scheduling deliveries – everything can be done from an e-commerce website. And when it comes to setting up a top-performing website, your best choice for an e-commerce platform is Shopify.
You can get started on your e-commerce website by contacting a Shopify developer in the Philippines.
Now, let’s find out which e-commerce business idea is for you.
1. Online Clothing Store
While working arrangements have changed, one thing has remained the same. People still love shopping for clothes and going online has made the experience easier and more convenient for them.
What are the most popular fashion items bought online?
- Athleisure Wear
- Cargo Pants
- Mini-Dresses
- Business Casual Wear
- Street Wear
Shopping online gives consumers more brands and styles to choose from and is comparatively cheaper than store-bought ones. The drawback is the buyer can’t fit them. Be sure to have an exchange policy available for your customers.
2. Beauty and Personal Care Products
When work and life get stressful, one of the things people do is pamper themselves. If you can’t go to a spa or beauty, treat yourself to a makeover at home.
What are the most popular beauty and personal care products bought online?
- Hair Oils
- Skin Moisturizer
- Face Ice Roller
- Makeup
- Body Wash
The online marketplace will give you a wide range of brands to choose from both imported and local.
3. Furniture and Home Decor
The saying “never bring work at home” no longer applies because in this day and age of remote work, the office is located in the home.
Many homeowners who have adopted the work-from-home lifestyle have renovated rooms and small spaces into places where they can conduct business.
What are the most popular furniture and home decor items bought online?
- Office Tables
- Ergonomic Office Chairs
- Book Shelves
- Rocking Chair
- Outdoor Tent
The lockdown has also made people realize that a home can be an office and a recreation facility as well.
4. Sports and Fitness Equipment
Sales of home gym equipment doubled during the pandemic and have created a niche in the health and fitness industry that will continue to grow in the next few years.
It’s estimated that sales of home sports and fitness equipment will grow by 75% from 2020 to 2026.
What are the most popular sports and fitness equipment bought online?
- Treadmill
- Resistance Bands
- Barbells and Dumbbells
- Squat Rack
- Yoga Mat
Even with commercial gyms open, more people prefer to work out at home because it’s more convenient and they can save more money.
5. Health Supplements and Vitamins
With sales of personal healthcare products and home gym equipment soaring as a consequence of the pandemic, it’s not surprising that health supplements and vitamins have become a growing niche in the e-commerce market.
What are the most popular health supplements and vitamins bought online?
- Multivitamins
- Vitamins C and D
- Whey Protein Powder
- Ashwagandha Supplements
- Matcha and Other Herbal Teas
Although it’s important to carry affordable supplements and vitamins, consumers don’t mind spending a bit more for reputable brands.
6. Pet Supplies
Pets are considered members of the family. But the pandemic created a shift in consumer behavior. Pet owners want to make sure their favorite 4-legged friend’s needs are covered in case of another lockdown.
What are the most popular pet supply products bought online?
- Pet Food
- Pet Carriers
- Cat Bed
- Kitty Litter
- Slow Feeder Bowls
The Asia-Pacific region showed the highest growth in pet supply sales at 9.3% followed by Latin America (5.9%), Middle East and Africa (5%), Eastern Europe (4.2%), and North America (2.3%).
7. Electronic Devices and Accessories
Mobile phones, gaming consoles, and video games don’t need lockdowns to trigger record sales. No longer luxuries, these electronic devices have become part of everyone’s daily ensemble – like a wallet.
What are the most popular electronic devices and accessories bought online?
- Mobile Phones
- Video Games
- Phone Straps
- Power Banks
- Phone Stands
If you plan to sell electronic devices and accessories online, offer products with unique features that will differentiate them from others in the market. Consumers won’t mind spending more money on gadgets that will make them stand out from everyone else in their community.
8. Food and Beverage
Selling food and beverage items online is a wonderful idea because your margins are better. Rent has always been a killer of gross profit and you don’t have to worry about it anymore.
What are the most popular food and beverage products bought online?
- Baked Goodies
- Liquor
- Bottled Food
- Coffee
- Frozen Food Products
Keep in mind that if you plan to sell liquor online, you must first secure a “packaged liquor license”.
9. Handmade and Vintage Items
Are you gifted with the skill to make beautiful items from scratch? Do you have a wonderful collection of keepsakes from the past? You can have a fun and financially-rewarding career selling these items online.
What are the most popular handmade and vintage items bought online?
- Bags
- Footwear
- Soap
- Vintage Shirts
- Vinyl Records
The best part about selling handmade and vintage items is that you can price them at a premium. Handmade products are unique and vintage items are rare finds.
10. Art and Craft Supplies
Art and craft can both be a relaxing activity or a potential business. People can surprise you with their hidden talents. All they need is to get their hands on top-quality art and craft supplies.
What are the most popular art and craft supplies bought online?
- Stationary Packs
- Tagua Seeds
- Recycled Sari Strings
- Crayola Paint
- Jewelry Making Kits
Art and craft supplies are comparatively inexpensive. You can get generous volume discount deals from a reputable supplier so you can improve your profit margin.
11. Children’s Toys and Games
As if the market needed it. Online sales of Children’s Toys and Games were already growing by 39% before the pandemic. Like the vaccine, the pandemic gave the industry a shot in the arm as online sales of toys and games exceeded targets by 16%.
What are the most popular Children’s Toys and Games bought online?
- Action Figures
- Dolls
- LEGO sets
- Play-Doh
- Pokemon Cards
Now that you don’t have to worry about rent and other overhead costs, get high-quality toys and games for your eCommerce business. You can still enjoy good margins even if your toys and games are priced competitively.
12. Books and Learning Resources
You might be surprised to learn that people still enjoy reading paperbacks and novels even though most of the time they have a mobile device in their hands.
What are the most popular books and learning resources bought online?
- Paperbacks
- Graphic Novels
- Harry Potter Series
- Classic Literature
- The Bible
Books and learning resources remain popular because reading is part of our daily habits. Nothing beats the experience of reading a paperback – the smell of paper and the feel of a good book in our hands!
13. Gardening and Outdoor Living Products
You don’t need to have a green thumb to enjoy gardening. Growing things from nature can be a relaxing activity for anyone. People have learned to spend more time in the great outdoors to breathe in the fresh air and admire the beauty of Mother Earth.
What are the most popular gardening and outdoor living products bought online?
- Plant Containers
- Germination Kit
- Hedge and Grass Shears
- Camping Grills
- Outdoor Furniture
Even those who live in condominiums and apartments get into gardening. They can grow plants on the window sill. Some have balconies where they can grow miniature plants like bonsai and succulents.
14. Automotive Parts and Accessories
Cars are quite expensive. Unlike other assets, cars depreciate very fast. The moment you drive your new car from the showroom, it’s already depreciating! So people love to take care of their cars and make sure they’re always in road-worthy condition.
What are the most popular automotive parts and accessories bought online?
- Car Charger
- Car DVR
- Jumpstarter
- Bluetooth Car Kit
- Navigation Systems
Since you’re in the business of selling automotive parts and accessories online, you might want to consider offering mobile car repair services as well.
15. Office Supplies and Stationery
Office supplies and stationery at a time when business processes have migrated online? Yes, there’s still strong demand for office supplies and stationery because more people are working from home.
What are the most popular office supplies and stationery products bought online?
- Bond Paper
- Envelopes and Folders
- Whiteboard
- Ballpens
- Whiteboard Markers
As remote workers or work-from-home entrepreneurs, we still need office supplies and stationery to organize our work, print documents as hard copies, and seal important communication.
16. Jewelry and Fashion Accessories
Making handmade jewelry and fashion accessories is a good e-commerce business idea because it doesn’t cost much to create and has steady demand. You can price them competitively and still earn a solid income.
What are the most popular types of jewelry and fashion accessories bought online?
- Rings
- Earrings
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Vintage Brooch
Another great thing about jewelry and fashion accessories as an e-commerce venture is that you don’t have to worry about wastage and spoilage. You just have to make sure your items are stored properly.
17. Music and Entertainment
The sales of music and entertainment products skyrocketed during the pandemic and show no signs of slowing down. With malls closed, people found a way to entertain themselves with musical instruments and gaming equipment.
What are the most popular music and entertainment products bought online?
- Guitars
- Turntable Player
- iPad
- Classic Vinyl Records
- Gaming Consoles
Storage will be your number one concern if you decide to sell music and entertainment products online. Make sure there’s enough air circulation in the storage areas to prevent the growth of molds.
18. Travel and Tourism
Now that countries have opened up their borders, people are starting to mark dates on their calendars for the next vacation. There are quite a few niches you might want to consider in the travel and tourism market.
What are the best travel and tourism business ideas you can run online?
- Travel Agency
- Vacation Rental Booking Service
- Air BnB
- Tourist Information Guide
- Online Travel Discussion Forum
Everything on the list is self-explanatory but for an online travel discussion forum, think of TripAdvisor. You can set up a website that allows users to give reviews and rate popular destinations for tourists.
19. Subscription Box Services
Do you frequently have customers asking you when you’ll restock your products? If so, coming up with a subscription box services business is a good e-commerce idea.
What are the most popular subscription box services that are availed online?
- Beauty Products
- Health and Fitness Products
- Wine
- Toys
- Books
When it comes to this type of online business, even the packaging or the box itself is important. Create a box that best represents the value and quality of the products you’re selling.
20. Customized Products and Services
If you’re constantly in creative mode, then offer customized products or services online.
What are the most commonly customized products and services offered online?
- Giveaways
- Shoes
- Clothes
- Personal Fitness Training
- Digital Marketing
The key to running a successful e-commerce business selling customized products and services is to have a compelling UVP – Unique Value Proposition. Consumers must easily see why your business is different from the competition.
Turn Your eCommerce Business Ideas into Reality
It might seem like things are back to normal – and maybe they are. However, what remains certain is that the Internet has opened a sea of opportunities for you to start an e-commerce business.
And as we mentioned earlier… it’s not too late!
Go over our list of 20 e-commerce business ideas and pick out the ones that excite you. Then, conduct market studies to find out which idea is the most feasible. Talk to an accountant and run the numbers to come up with a budget and identify your profit targets as well as exit strategies.
Remember that to run a successful e-commerce business, you must invest in an e-commerce website. Make sure you earmarked funding for a Shopify developer in the budget.
The great thing about having an e-commerce business is that you can run it while still holding your regular 9-to-5 job. With hard work, persistence, and patience, the e-commerce business might become your full-time career.