
It isn’t the business but the idea itself that turns a business from rust to gold.
Launching an ecommerce business becomes a comparatively smoother process when you know what idea to pursue! And, most importantly, what products to sell!
To answer this question, we scoured the web and compared different ecommerce business ideas that have proven to be a success in the online market based on their disruptiveness, current trends, and success rates.
So, here we are with a list of the most profitable ecommerce business ideas worth your time and investment with great opportunities in 2024 (and beyond!).
- Sell Handmade Products – Niche Example
- Personalized Gifts – Niche Example
- Fashion/Jewelry Product Market – Niche Example
- Smart Home Products and Accessories – Business Idea
- AR/VR Headsets, Apps, and Accessories Store – Business Idea
- Vape Hardware, Flavors, and Liquids – Niche Examples
- Online Learning Platforms – Startup Business Idea
- 3D Assets Stores – Business Idea
- Electric Scooters, Skateboards, and Hoverboards – Niche Example
- Online Grocery and Foods – Ecommerce Business Ideas
- Niche Subscription Boxes – Niche Example
- Enamel Pins – Ecommerce Product Idea
- Selfie Drones – Niche Example
- Smart Watches – ecommerce Product Idea
- Dash Cam – Business Idea
- Video Doorbells – Business Idea
- Baby Rompers – Ecommerce Product Idea
- Face Masks – Ecommerce Product Idea
- Kitchen and Dining Mats – Ecommerce Product Idea
- Personal Safety Equipment – Ecommerce Product Idea
- Digital Marketing – Business Idea
- Online Fitness Coaching – Niche example
- Natural Products – Business Idea
- Pet Foods – Business Idea
- Wedding Goods – Business Idea
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#1: Sell Handmade Products – Niche Example
Selling handmade products is probably one of the best ecommerce businesses out there. After all, the global handicraft market size is expected to reach US$ 387.07 billion in 2024, according to Future Market Insights.
To get started in this growing market, try crafting a variety of unique handmade items. From charming animal-themed necklaces and trendy earrings to cool friendship bracelets and custom canvas paintings, there are plenty of possibilities. You can then expand your range with digital art prints, coloring books, personalized pillowcases, scented candles, and pet supplies.
Nina’s Bees is a great example of a brand selling handmade and natural soap bars.
Source: Nina’s Bees
#2: Personalized Gifts – Niche Example
The personalized gift market is thriving. You can tap into this lucrative industry by crafting expressive personalized t-shirts.
And let’s not forget the sentimental appeal of customized phone cases. Offer your customers the chance to personalize their devices with cherished photos, meaningful messages, or initials.
But why stop there?
You can also sell custom home decor, such as personalized mugs or decorative accessories. Or venture into personalized jewelry, where sparkling pieces can be customized with initials, birthstones, or even unique designs. Also another popular option can be, custom canvas prints to make your precious moments memorable.
Card Factory plc is a retailer of greeting cards and gifts, a perfect example of an e-commerce business selling customized gifts.
Source: Card Factory
#3: Niche Fashion/Jewelry Product Market – Niche Example
Niche products will always remain one of the best ecommerce businesses out there. Having said that, the year 2022 saw more niche ecommerce stores popping up. The local ecommerce niche segmentation will surge because of the introduction of technologies like beacons, robot-managed warehouses, and drone delivery systems.
It is crucial to start planning niche ecommerce sites that introduce a specific style of jewelry or appeal to a wider audience. Take the example of Onychek, a fashion website that offers tribal-inspired designs from Africa to the world.
Source: Miani Venetian Jewelry – ETSY
#4: Smart Home Products and Accessories – Business Idea
Despite the rise in the demand for smart products, not many ecommerce stores are selling these products. During the last year alone, at least 40 percent of millennials in America used a smart home speaker.
This is one of the innovative ecommerce ideas that is predicted to have a market size of $99.41 billion by 2025 in the United States alone. Now is the time to plan your online presence in this exciting niche. To manage customer interactions in this expanding market, consider implementing a robust cloud contact center that can handle the diverse needs of consumers.
Source: Pcmag
#5: AR/VR Headsets, Apps, and Accessories Store – Business Idea
It is unfortunate that Augmented / Virtual Reality (AR/VR) took this long to become available to the masses. But, now, the demand has gone up considerably after initial user adoption.
This means more companies will invest and develop AR/VR apps in the coming months as the growth of VR/AR crossed over the $13.8 billion sales mark by the end of 2022 and is expected to grow by $50.9 billion by 2026. This niche offers you a chance to become an early advocate of an exciting technology that will soon become an important ecommerce business.
Source: Pcmag
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#6: Vape Hardware, Flavors, and Liquids – Niche Examples
The vaping industry is fast becoming a highly lucrative business idea as vaping becomes a mainstream hobby. Although thousands of vaping-focused ecommerce stores are already active, there is still a gap in the lineup of stores that can cater exclusively to local communities.
Source: vapewholesaleusa
#7: Online Learning Platforms – Startup Business Idea
Before you say, ‘There are already many education portals available…,’ just keep in mind that where there is demand, there are no caps or entry restrictions. Online learning platforms are still evolving, providing a great niche for your business.
One thing to note is the increasing number of students who will be looking for unconventional ways of accessing educational resources. At this point, the field is wide open, and you have your pick of academic, vocational, and other sub-niches. If you are lacking ideas, it might be a wise idea to talk to some ecommerce consultants.
Source: courses
#8: 3D Assets Stores – Business Idea
Three years ago, Unity – a 3D cross-platform game engine – launched its own asset store. Today, 3D assets have become a hot commodity, with an increase in the trade of 3D assets for games and AR/VR apps.
The good thing is that you can launch your own 3D assets store by adding assets from third-party developers or (preferably) by making your own. You can put the assets up for sale or a monthly or yearly subscription.
Source: assetstore
#9: Electric Scooters, Skateboards, and Hoverboards – Niche Example
Electric scooters and skateboards have now become mainstream. This is a great opportunity to enter this market with a huge number of enthusiasts who are in search of high-quality products and accessories.
An important obstacle in this niche is the logistics of getting the products from the manufacturers to the customers. Dropshipping offers a great way to lower the cost of setting up the business in the niche.
Source: alibaba
#10: Online Grocery and Foods – Ecommerce Business Ideas
The profitability of the industry, like the online grocery niche, depends upon vendor relations and a relentless drive to increase the customer base. However, given the wide range of products and the equally huge target market, this niche will continue to be a great ecommerce startup idea in the coming years.
Local sourcing is a rising trend that benefits both your business and local stakeholders. You can start small with just the local produce and products at your store. As the profits increase, you can decide to scale up the business to make it the most profitable ecommerce business for yourself.
Source: Walmart
#11: Niche Subscription Boxes – Niche Example
In the last three years alone, the subscription boxes selling websites have seen a whopping 800% increase in their sales. Even in areas with established players, you have a chance to make an impact because of the simple fact that people crave novelty. Subscription boxes add this factor to the lives of many people who often opt for multiple subscriptions in different niches.
Source: htmlpro
#12: Enamel Pins – Ecommerce Product Idea
If you can connect with a lapel pin manufacturer, setting up an enamel pin business will be worth it in 2024. Custom-made enamel pins are fast becoming a huge business, and you can go in either a particular design offering or serve the customers as they come to your store. You can also sell them easily on multi-vendor marketplaces.
Check out how the interest in enamel pins has risen over the years.
Source: Mutts
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#13: Selfie Drones – Ecommerce Product Idea
Selfie drones are one of the best ecommerce products that have become a growing trend. From drones that deliver packages to farmers who keep an eye on their crops to videographers – capturing aerial shots, the demand for this product is growing with each passing day.
Selfie drones allow individuals to easily capture pictures from different angles without the need for a selfie stick. According to a recent report by MarketWatch, the global selfie drone market is anticipated to record a modest CAGR (Common Annual Growth Rate) during the forecast period, i.e., 2020-2028.
Source: DJI
#14: Smartwatches – Ecommerce Product Idea
In 2018, the smartwatch sales figures hit the 141 million unit mark globally. The smartwatch industry has almost grown to an astonishing $19 billion in sales internationally.
According to Allied Market Research, the global smartwatch market was valued at $20.64 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $96.31 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 19.6% from 2020 to 2027. Whether you use it to track your footsteps or plan your day, innovation is the name of the game for smartwatches – which is why the demand will also increase in the following year.
It’s safe to say that this particular startup idea has great potential and can be your winning product for 2024 and years ahead.
Source: Apple
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#15: Dash Cam – Business Idea
Launching a dash cam business is a great idea, and it will continue to prosper because these dash cams are practical and come with a viral element. In 2014, dash cam sales increased by 918% in the UK. Furthermore, many insurance companies also tend to accept dashcam videos as legitimate proof of claims.
According to Grand View Research, the global dashboard camera market size was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.9% in terms of revenue from 2021 to 2028.
Source: Amazon
#16: Video Doorbells – Business Idea
Video doorbells have been garnering popularity in recent times and have become a trending business idea. With the rise of video phone calls, it makes sense that people will also want to see who’s at their door on a screen. It works great as a security device and will perform wonders if it also offers high-quality night vision.
Source: Nest
#17: Baby Rompers – Ecommerce Product Idea
Baby rompers are cute. Everybody loves them, which is why they prove to be a great product, as they’ve proven to show strong search volume. If you have an online store that covers the infant/baby cloth niche, you can add baby rompers within your trending product category.
Also you can easily sell maternity products as well. To spice things up, feel free to sell baby toys or children’s clothing. Adding variety will allow your ecommerce store to become a one-stop-shop for parents.
Source: Fashionown
#18. Face Masks – Ecommerce Product Idea
Face masks are the new norm, and selling them is an excellent ecommerce business idea, so don’t miss out on this burgeoning industry. As more and more people look for trendy and fashionable designs to stand out from the crowd, you can quickly sell a lot of masks during this time.
That said, remember that the key purpose of a face mask is to offer protection, so you need to make sure that you use high-quality materials. Do not compromise on safety for fashion!
Source: The Guardian
#19. Kitchen and Dining Mats – Ecommerce Product Idea
This may not seem like an obvious avenue to go down, but once you understand the demand for kitchen and dining mats, you’re going to want a piece of the pie.
From simple plastic mats to textured fabric mats, there is no shortage of designs available to you. You can easily get into the industry by selling your product online. And once you introduce something that generates a loyal following, you can then expand further with other products!
Source: Amazon
#20. Personal Safety Equipment
Face masks aren’t the only trending piece of personal safety equipment when it comes to ecommerce business ideas. More and more people are looking for face shields, latex gloves, and other safety wearables to protect themselves. This is a serious opportunity, so if you can find a reliable supplier, you should definitely throw your hat in the ring!
Source: Amazon
#21. Digital Marketing
This is not exactly a product; you are selling a service. Digital marketing is in incredible demand, and more and more people are looking for services in this sector. If you have skills related to SEO or anything that lies within the digital marketing domain, you can start using them right away.
It’s a fantastic way to make more money on the side, and you can also eventually gain some long-term clients. Now more than ever, businesses need digital marketing experts to promote their sites, and you can always profit from it!
Source: Tastefulspace
#22. Online Fitness Coaching
One of the best things you can do right now is to offer online fitness coaching classes using any Kajabi alternatives. It’s an excellent ecommerce business idea! Gyms are closed around the globe, so this is an ideal time for you to capitalize on this opportunity, create an online learning platform, and start offering online fitness coaching lessons!
Many private tutors have already begun to offer these classes, and you can take advantage of this, too. You can also send out newsletters created using email newsletter templates to your potential subscribers to make an announcement about your online classes. Start off by offering home workouts and gaining a few followers before you eventually start marketing your business in earnest.
Source: Bccourier
#23. Natural Products – Business Idea
Source: Allure
Consumers have become more conscious about their life choices, and hence, they have become increasingly interested in natural, organic products.
In order to help them live an all-natural and environmentally friendly lifestyle, you can start selling natural products online. This trend is not going to fade away anytime soon. So, if you want to make profits, start selling daily items for cleaning, beauty, and personal hygiene made using clean and safe ingredients.
The global market for natural cosmetics is estimated to grow from $36 billion to $54 billion in 2027. Even natural and organic food items have been gaining a lot of popularity. In 2018, the organic market in the United States grew to $52.5 billion – a growth of 6.3%. Hence, this ecommerce business idea is the perfect way for you to make profits online.
#24. Pet Foods – Business Idea
Source: DIY Natural
People in the United States love spending on their pets. According to a report, the pet food industry is projected to reach USD 127.21 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 4.60% during the forecast period (2020-2027). This data just speaks for pet food alone.
The pet care industry grew to $103.6 billion in 2021. Hence, since you are looking for a strong and profitable ecommerce business idea, there is a lot of opportunity to tap into a pet goods niche and sell related products.
You can profit from selling carefully selected treats, cushy beds, toys, and more. You can source durable toys for tough chewers, supportive beds, joint supplements for dogs, training hoops for your pet’s fitness, and decorated jackets to keep pets warm.
You can also create new products to meet a pet’s or pet owner’s pain point. Target the niche that is underserved and make profits by standing out from the pack.
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#25. Wedding Goods – Business Idea
Source: koyalwholesale
Break into the wedding niche by selling wedding products like unique guest books, fresh or silk cut flowers, handmade wedding gowns, centerpieces, table cloths, candles, veils and hair accessories, jewelry, bow ties and suits, custom cakes, etc.
You can even sell gift boxes for brides and bridesmaids as well as hand-carved, custom boxes. The global market size reached $43.5 billion by 2022 in the United States.
This is an incredibly profitable ecommerce business idea, and if you choose to get into this niche, make sure to use Instagram and Pinterest to market your ecommerce business. Attending local wedding events will also help you connect with other vendors and help you promote your products.
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If you are motivated and ambitious about starting your own ecommerce business, you first need to shortlist a profitable ecommerce business idea. The 23 profitable ecommerce business ideas above will help you decide what you want to sell. Though, research and planning are key to making any business idea work.
However, when it comes to selling online, what’s most important is to have a strong ecommerce platform. Choosing Cloudways Ecommerce Starter Bundle will help you build your store with a one-click installation. The starter bundle will automatically install the 10 best plugins on your store, and you won’t have to pick and choose which plugins you need to extend your store’s functionality.
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Q1. What ecommerce business is most profitable?
Several profitable ecommerce niches include plants and garden products, electronics and IoT devices, mental health and wellbeing products, wedding products and services, pet foods and products, women’s health products, educational materials and courses, and baby and children’s products.
Q2. Is E-commerce really profitable?
Absolutely, E-commerce is indeed profitable. The current projections indicate a consistent annual growth of 9.83% in online retail sales, underscoring the ongoing and lucrative nature of E-commerce.
Q3. What is the best online business to start in 2024?
A specific online business to consider starting in 2024 is a niche E-commerce store specializing in sustainable and eco-friendly products.
Sajjad Shahid
Sajjad is an Ecommerce Community Manager at Cloudways. He loves helping out Ecommerce store owners, merchants and marketers in establishing their businesses and startups. Sajjad enjoys playing table tennis and cricket over the weekend.