Often, the hardest part about running a business is finding the right idea—one that fits in with your day job, allows you to work from home, or monetizes a skill you already have. If you’re an entrepreneur in a creative lull, this guide shares 18 ecommerce business ideas that generate profit fast.

18 Profitable Ecommerce Business Ideas

 

  1. Start a dropshipping business.
  2. Start a private label beauty products.
  3. Sell handmade items.
  4. Create merchandise.
  5. Sell subscription boxes.
  6. Create online courses.
  7. Start a clothing line.
  8. Flip children’s toys.
  9. Sell on marketplaces.
  10. Sell books.
  11. Sell your photos.
  12. Create organic and natural products.
  13. Sell customized pet products.
  14. Refurbish smart home products.
  15. Sell your services.
  16. Become an affiliate marketer.
  17. Start a 3D-printed accessories store.
  18. Sell VR and AR educational tools.

1. Start a dropshipping business.

If you’re looking for a low-investment small business idea, dropshipping can be a safe bet.
Dropshipping is an order fulfillment method that doesn’t need you to buy, store, or ship inventory. You’ll work with a dropshipping supplier who takes those responsibilities off your plate, meaning you only pay for products once you sell them.

2. Start private labeling beauty products.

Starting a private labeling beauty products business and setting it up in Shopify involves several steps, from product development to setting up your online store. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

3. Research and Plan

1. Market Research: Identify trends, popular ingredients, and consumer demands in the beauty industry.
2. Niche Selection: Choose a specific niche (e.g., skincare, haircare, cosmetics, organic products).
3. Target Audience: Define your target market, including demographics and buying behaviors.

4. Find a Reliable Manufacturer

1. Research Manufacturers: Look for manufacturers that specialize in beauty products and 2. offer private labeling services. Use directories like ThomasNet, Alibaba, or local trade shows.
3. Evaluate Quality: Request samples to evaluate the quality of their products. Look for 4. certifications such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and ISO standards.
4. Check Compliance: Ensure the manufacturer complies with regulatory standards in your target market (e.g., FDA regulations for the USA, EU Cosmetics Regulation).

5. Develop Your Product Line

1. Product Selection: Choose the products you want to include in your line. Consider starting with a few key items and expanding later.
2. Formulation Customization: Work with the manufacturer to customize formulations if needed. Focus on unique ingredients or benefits that set your products apart.
3. Packaging Design: Design attractive and functional packaging. Consider factors like material, size, and labeling. Hire a professional designer if needed.

6. Branding and Labeling

1. Brand Identity: Create a strong brand identity, including a logo, brand colors, and a brand voice.
2. Label Design: Ensure your labels include all necessary information, such as ingredients, usage instructions, net weight, and manufacturer details. Use high-quality printing and materials.
3. Compliance: Make sure your labels meet regulatory requirements, including allergen warnings, expiration dates, and claims (e.g., “organic,” “cruelty-free”).

5. Business Setup

  1. Register Your Business: Choose a business name and register it. Obtain necessary business licenses and permits.
    Legal Structure: Decide on a legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) and register it.
    Insurance: Get business insurance, including product liability insurance, to protect your business.

6. Pricing and Inventory Management

1. Pricing Strategy: Set competitive prices based on production costs, market demand, and competitor pricing.
2. Inventory Management: Plan your inventory levels to meet demand without overstocking. Use inventory management software to track stock and reorder products timely.

7. Set Up Your Shopify Store

1. Sign Up for Shopify: Go to Shopify and sign up for an account.
2. Choose a Plan: Select a plan that suits your business needs. You can start with a basic plan and upgrade as your business grows.

8: Design Your Shopify Store

1. Choose a Theme: Select a professional and responsive theme from the Shopify Theme Store. Customize it to match your brand’s look and feel.
Add Your Products:
2. Go to Products > Add product.
Enter product details, including title, description, images, pricing, and inventory.
Use high-quality images and detailed descriptions to highlight product benefits and features.
3. Organize Products:
Create collections to group related products (e.g., Skincare, Haircare, New Arrivals).
Use tags for easy search and filtering.

9: Set Up Payment and Shipping

  1. Payment Gateways: Set up payment gateways to accept various payment methods (e.g., credit cards, PayPal).
    • Go to Settings > Payments to configure payment options.
  2. Shipping Settings: Configure shipping rates and options based on your target market.
    • Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.

10: Legal Pages and Policies

1. Create Legal Pages: Add important legal pages such as Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Return Policy.
2. Go to Online Store > Pages to create these pages.
Footer Links: Add links to these pages in your store’s footer for easy access.