If your interest lies in starting an ecommerce business, then it is likely that you have already considered the idea of creating items to be sold online.
Creating items by hand can offer a range of advantages (as well as drawbacks) and can be a favorable option for smaller enterprises and aspiring entrepreneurs initiating their online commerce venture.
In this article, we will examine some of the top items that can be created and sold online to earn additional money in 2023.
Making things to sell online: Considerations
Before embarking on the journey of selling products online, it is advised to contemplate the following questions.
In what areas do you possess expertise in creating?
The first step is to have knowledge of how to create the item you are interested in. Ideally, you should already have prior experience in doing so. Reflect on your existing skills and, if necessary, conduct thorough research to update your knowledge before beginning the process.
What do you possess knowledge about?
In addition to possessing the skill of manufacturing the product, it is essential to have comprehensive understanding of the components involved. For instance, if one knows how to produce soap but lacks knowledge about the suitable combination of ingredients and scents, as well as the advantages offered by specific ingredients, it will be challenging to develop a marketable product.
What can be easily posted?
If you’re considering selling your handmade products online, you should consider the shipment process to customers. For instance, if you aim to sell your woodcraft items, it would be simpler to ship small wooden ornaments and toys compared to bulky dining tables or cabinets.
“What are people currently seeking?”
Before starting your ecommerce business, it is essential to ensure there is a demand for your products. While being capable of creating exceptional products is commendable, it will be futile if there is no desire from buyers, leading to accumulation of unsold goods in your spare bedroom. Therefore, conducting market research prior to embarking on your venture is crucial in order to comprehend the demand for your intended offerings.
The best items to create and sell on the internet.
1. Printed T-shirts
To create and sell t-shirts online, printed ones are the ideal choice and the process of making them is extremely simple. Initially, you must select your design (which is the enjoyable aspect). You have the option of choosing from various options like trendy graphics, impactful slogans, inspiring quotes, or personalized elements.
After you have finished creating your designs, you have two options. You can either familiarize yourself with screen printing and personally print the t-shirts, or you can take a shortcut (confidentially) and utilize a print-on-demand company like Printful to handle your orders.
If you already have a well-known brand, making and selling printed t-shirts online can be a straightforward process. For instance, if you own a gym or fitness brand, creating printed t-shirts could be a natural progression to grow your ecommerce empire. Additionally, you can include your logos or straplines on the t-shirts, which will also serve as free advertising.
2. Candles
If you have no previous skills in candle making, you can still easily explore the craft method of making candles to sell online. Online tutorials are readily available, and the basic melt-and-pour methods are simple to understand.
There is a wide variety of niches within the candles industry, including scented candles, holistic candles, celebration candles, holiday candles, and others. If you plan on selling candles online, it is important to consider ways in which you can differentiate yourself from other candle retailers. This may involve selecting unique scent combinations or creating standout packaging.
3. Handmade jewelry
Handmade jewelry is a favored option among individuals looking to create items for online selling, and it can cater to different markets based on skill level. The range of handmade jewelry choices is extensive, ranging from basic beaded necklaces to intricate silversmith collections. It is no surprise that handmade jewelry is highly sought-after, as who wouldn’t appreciate a new addition to their jewelry collection?
In order to achieve success in selling handmade jewelry online, it is crucial to identify your niche and promote it vigorously. Considering the abundance of competition in the market, it is essential to determine the unique qualities that will distinguish you from others.
When presenting your handmade jewelry, it is crucial to emphasize your unique skills and craftsmanship as they distinguish your creations from others. It is important to target the appropriate audience for your jewelry. For instance, younger individuals may be more inclined towards beaded or woven bracelets, whereas older individuals or those seeking a special present might be attracted to high-quality silver and gold pieces.
4. Vape and smoking accessories
By 2027, the vape market is expected to reach USD 67 billion, indicating its current booming state.
Even though we don’t know the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes, a lot of smokers switch to vaping, which can be considered a healthier option that has brought about a revolution in the tobacco industry. Vaping has not only become a trendy device but has also given rise to new subcultures where members exchange vaping tips and insider information.
What do we get when we combine a wide variety of e-cigarette and e-pipe designs with an extensive selection of liquid brands and flavors that satisfy all preferences? We get yet another highly popular product sold online.
5. Shapewear
Weight loss pills are not trustworthy and strongly indicate being an online scam. We advise against selling such products. Conversely, shapewear bodysuits, leggings, and leotards are highly recommended. They are immensely popular products and offer a more straightforward and efficient solution to the same problem.
Does shapewear sell? The story of Sara Blakely and Spanx illustrates the immense potential of shapewear products by falling under the category of items that assist in concealing our imperfections.
6. Smartphone accessories and add-ons
Phone accessories are unquestionably popular items for online selling. Purchasing a fresh cellphone case, a screen protector, earphones, or a charger is so routine that it resembles grocery shopping.
With a wide range of sizes/models/personalization options available, local stores are unable to carry all of them. As a result, customers are aware that they need to browse online in order to find the ideal accessories for their phones.
The majority of the world population, who are mobile phone users, spend around $50-60 annually on phone accessories. It is quite simple to obtain a share of this large market.
7. Clothes
Not all of us use perfume, however, unless one intends to make a radical statement, we all wear clothes. Additionally, we frequently purchase a significant number of clothes that we do not even wear.
It is widely known that selling clothes online can be challenging due to high competition and difficulty in attracting customers. However, it is worth noting that a large majority of thriving online stores specialize in selling clothing products.
The niche in eCommerce is highly competitive, as indicated by the statistics above. Therefore, it is important to avoid focusing on well-known brands or ordinary clothing that can be purchased from any retailer.
In order to attract customers to your store instead of others, it is important to provide distinctive products. Are you seeking various specialized ideas for products to offer? Consider options such as cycling sportswear, maternity dresses, or trendy baggy clothes for children – all of which appear to be more preferable choices for online selling.
Advertising on Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads allows you to reach your desired audience with a few simple clicks. Once you identify your target market and commence advertising, success can come effortlessly, like catching fish in a barrel.
8. Jigsaw puzzles and board games
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are increasing their indoor time, leading to a revived fascination with traditional games and jigsaws. Online sales for puzzles and board games have proven to be highly popular in 2022.
Even prior to the implementation of the lockdown, there was already a noticeable resurgence in the popularity of board games. However, the industry has now experienced a significant surge. Games Workshop Group PLC, the company responsible for manufacturing renowned tabletop games, saw a substantial 143% increase in their stock price over the course of several months.
Seventy percent of the most popular products of this type sold online are the good old classics.
- Chess
- Scrabble
- Monopoly
- Ludo
Due to the presence of numerous dedicated enthusiasts, it is simple to generate valuable content for your website or YouTube channel centered around puzzles and games. This can be accomplished by producing unboxing videos, providing explanations of the rules, or crafting reviews. These efforts will effectively draw in a significant number of viewers and visitors who may potentially convert into customers.
9. Art supplies
Despite the Covid pandemic, art supplies are experiencing the highest demand in years due to two significant factors, resulting in an anticipated growth rate of 4.5% in the art supplies market.
As children remain at home, their parents make efforts to keep them engaged. However, it is noteworthy that numerous adults now have a favorable chance to discover their skills, resulting in an increased demand for top-rated art supplies.
Art supplies that are highly sought-after for online sales include brush sets, paint pens, canvas panels, and pencil kits. Customers typically prefer to purchase these items in bulk, intending to stock up for several months to ensure they have enough to keep themselves occupied.
10. Furniture
If you already possess skills, creating one-of-a-kind furniture to sell online is a favorable choice. You have complete freedom in deciding what to produce, whether it’s tables, shelves, chairs, or cabinets. Although the market already encompasses numerous furniture companies, your handcrafted pieces will offer a distinctive appeal, making them highly marketable.
Due to their typically large size, it may be worthwhile to customize your furniture items, producing them once a customer has placed an order. By following this approach, you can avoid the need to incur costs for storage space while waiting for orders.
When you price your furniture, make sure you offer a competitive rate that takes into account the materials, time and skill required, packaging expenses, and delivery costs.
