So you are considering Shopify to be the medium for your dropshipping hustle. The diversity of which products you can display on your online store can be a double-edged sword. The possibilities are limitless, but can also cause you the paradox of choice, where you don’t know what to sell on Shopify.
But fear not, because we are here to help you pick the best niches to dive in. You’d be surprised to find out how vast your opportunities span. But refrain from being too greedy, a diluted online store is not very appealing.
If you're still stuck on your business idea, use this idea generator tool for an extra hand. Or you can check out our Profit Margin Calculator to determine the product's price.
Outline
- So What Not To Sell On Shopify?
- Child exploitation
- Harassment, bullying, defamation of others
- Hateful content
- Illegal activities
- Intellectual property
- Malicious and deceptive practices
- Personal, confidential, and protected health information
- Restricted items
- Self-harm
- Spam
- Terrorist organizations
- What To Sell On Shopify - Top Dropshipping Product Ideas For 2024
- Health And Fitness
- Productivity Products
- Food Products
- Kitchen Accessories And Ingredients
- Home Decor And Furniture
- Gaming Products
- Phone Accessories
- Travel Accessories
- Health And Safety Products
- Sustainable Products
- Fashion Products
- Electronic Products
- CBD
- E-Cigarette
- Baby Care Products
- Pet Products
- Services
- Digital Products
- Vehicles And Vehicle Accessories
- Hobby Products
- How To Sell On Shopify?
I. So What Not To Sell On Shopify?
Being a global brand, Shopify has morals to adhere to. While the platform does try its best to accommodate your online store, there are some things you simply should not participate in.
This section is actually specifying what you cannot sell on Shopify. Should your business profit from the following activities, Shopify will not let sleeping dogs lie:
01. Child exploitation
Stray away from offering goods, services, or materials that exploit or abuse children. This is just basic human decency.
02. Harassment, bullying, defamation of others
Shopify will not let you benefit from defaming or harassing, let alone threatening a specific individual.
03. Hateful content
In short, do not discriminate. Business should be free of hateful ideologies.
04. Illegal activities
Just like any regular business, you should comply with the laws or the jurisdictions in which you operate.
05. Intellectual property
Simply just don’t sell online anything that infringes on the copyright or trademarks of others.
06. Malicious and deceptive practices
Don’t be a scammer.
07. Personal, confidential, and protected health information
You are prohibited from capitalizing on the exchange, collection, and processing of any protected health, as well as any other personal information.
08. Restricted items
According to Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy, restricted items contain certain firearms and certain firearm parts. Should you be interested in selling items in this category, refer to the policy for more information.
9. Self-harm
Internet users consist of many impressionable young people, so please don’t promote self-harm.
10. Spam
You must not transmit unsolicited commercial electronic messages.
11. Terrorist organizations
Well, you simply should not risk getting apprehended by your government.
II. What To Sell On Shopify - Top Dropshipping Product Ideas For 2024
Now that we have agreed on the “No’s” of dropshipping, let’s find out what to sell on Shopify. We will list the 20 most profitable niches and the best-sellers in each. You can either follow the great or look at the big picture and choose the less beaten path. Please keep in mind that we simply try to provide you with inspiration, not instructions on what to do.
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- What Business Should Teenagers Start And How Should They Do It?
- Shopify Markets: The Secret Weapon To Bring Your Business To International Market
01. Health And Fitness
With such emphasis placed on well-being, consumers are looking for alternatives to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Global Market Insights has speculated the size of the fitness equipment market to grow by over 11% by 2027.
Photo by Anastase Maragos on Unsplash
So, what to sell on Shopify to promote fitness? Well, people need at least 3 things to stay healthy: exercise, a good diet, and equipment. With that in mind, here are a few options:
- Yoga mat
- Home gym equipment
- Fitness courses
- Clean meals and supplements
- Massage chairs/ wands
- Gym apparel
02. Productivity Products
Keep in mind that you can either specialize in B2B or B2C sales. Both businesses and individuals need office and productivity products. Whether the work-from-home wave still lingers on or not, people will want certain stuff to help them feel comfortable doing paperwork.
Even though a cubicle seems like a limited and stuffy place, you can choose to sell items that make it less so, or think outside the box and sell goods for people working in different environments:
- Paper
- Janitorial supplies
- Ergonomic chairs
- Laptop stands
- Keyboards, and mice
- Desk decorations like picture frames, toys
- Stress balls
- Ink cartridges
03. Food Products
Everybody needs food to survive and feel alive. And considering the increasing working hours and responsibility that we all have to go through, many of us simply don’t have time to prepare meals.
Even if we manage to set aside time to cook and pack lunch, don’t we all need a little relief with some delicious snacks? The value of the US packaged food market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2021 to 2028 according to Grand View Research.
Source: Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash
This is simply too big of a catch to let go to waste. It should be the first answer to the question “What to sell on Shopify?”. So here are a few dishes you can provide for consumers:
- Packaged snacks
- Clean meals
- Bread, cookies, cakes
- Fruits and vegetables
- Coffee and tea
- Cereals
- Oriental dishes like kimchi, gimbap, etc.
- Instant noodles
04. Kitchen Accessories And Ingredients
And of course, you have to accommodate the needs of those who love and have time to cook. Since the lockdown of 2020 and 2021, people staying at home have had more free time than they know what to do with it. So they turned to experiment with different hobbies, the most popular of which is cooking.
If you have difficulty with figuring out what to sell on Shopify, sell passion. The lockdown has helped many people rediscover their love for home-cooked meals, use that to your advantage. Here are a few suggestions of what you could sell:
- Raw ingredients - meat and vegetable
- Spices
- Kitchen gadgets, preferably made of sustainable materials
- Air fryers
- Recipes and cooking books
- Fridges and other electronic appliances
- Dishwashers
- Aprons and gloves
05. Home Decor And Furniture
“The home improvement services market size was valued at $316.8 billion in 2020, and is expected to reach $585.3 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2030”. If these statistics don’t give you a big motivation to dabble in the market, you are missing out.
As people are spending more time indoors, they are more inclined to make their living space more beautiful. Operating a dropshipping business in furniture and decor is a great way to achieve a high conversion rate. Here are a few specific suggestions from us:
- Sofas
- Tables
- Beds
- Pottery and indoor plants
- Bookshelves
- Lighting, especially LED light strips
- Fans
- Speakers, TV, and other electronics
- Paintings and picture frames
Example: Kids Dream Sleeping Bed Tent - Source: Ecomhunt.
06. Gaming Products
eSports is gaining traction all over the world, as evident from all the new leagues and competitions with millions of dollars in prize. Moreover, the global video game market was valued at 178.37 billion USD in 2021 and is expected to be worth over 268 billion USD in 2025 due to Statista. That is more than 50% in growth!
If you aren’t investing in this multi-billion dollar industry, you are missing out big time! Streamers are popping up more and more, and casual gaming is becoming more of a hobby for those staying at home. So you’d better cater to this extremely potential market, and start selling a few of the following items:
- Gaming mouses and keyboards
- Monitors and monitor stands
- Gaming chairs
- Gaming PCs, especially custom-built set-ups
- Gaming laptops
- Video games
- Consoles
- Mousepads and desk pads
Example: Extended LED Mouse Pad - Source: Ecomhunt.
07. Phone Accessories
And while we are on the topic of tech products, why not tackle smartphones - the product that is owned by more than 6 billion consumers worldwide?
Considering the increasing use of social media, and the fact that smartphones are becoming more and more of a crucial part of our daily lives, you should give the consumers the means to integrate their phones into their day-to-day tasks.
So, what to sell on Shopify to accommodate smartphone uses?
- Phone cases
- Screen protectors
- Chargers, wired and wireless
- Headphones and earbuds
- Car mounts and car chargers
- Selfie sticks and ring lights for influencers
Example: Phone pad for car - Source: Ecomhunt.
08. Travel Accessories
With international borders opening and quarantine regulations loosening, commercial flights are once again soaring in the sky. Since travel enthusiasts are dying to experience the world once more, this market will surely regain its popularity soon.
Don’t be discouraged by the plummet of the market caused by the global pandemic. We will soon achieve a new equilibrium, and consumers will rack over the web buying neck pillows and fanny packs again. And if you can, be among the pioneers welcoming them back to the wonders of experiencing new cultures.
So here are a few things you can add to your online store to facilitate the return of traveling.
- Neck pillows
- Fanny packs
- Travel suitcases
- Handbags
- Sunglasses
- Face masks
- Bikinis
- Backpacks
- Hiking accessories
Example: Carry-on Luggage Strap - Source: Ecomhunt.
09. Health And Safety Products
Of course, travelers need to stay safe, from both the pandemic and dangerous activities they might participate in. Health-wise, the ongoing pandemic has been a wake-up call for people to be more mindful about protecting themselves and their loved ones.
Thus, masks and hand sanitizers will keep selling out like crazy, and it is never too late to jump on board.
So without further ado, here are a few ideas for what to sell on Shopify to provide protection for consumers.
- Face masks and hand sanitizers
- Disposable gloves
- Supplements
- Home disinfectants
- First aid kits
- Electric massagers
Example: Neck Massager - Source: Ecomhunt.
10. Sustainable Products
As the world slowly returns to a normal state, environmental problems will once again reclaim the spotlight. Factories will reopen, cars will start roaming the roads, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) will start leaving behind plastic bottles. Environmentalists will be looking intently for more sustainable products to integrate into their lives to relieve Mother Earth of the burden.
If that speculation is not enough to convince you, studies have concluded more than a third of the population is willing to pay more for sustainable products or services. Specifically, those willing to pay more would gladly accept a 25% premium on average.
So what can your online business sell to protect the environment?
- Wood projects that sell
- Metal/glass water bottles
- Bamboo straws and kitchenware
- Bamboo toothbrushes
- Metal and glass lunch boxes
- Tote bags made of sustainable materials
- Biodegradable garbage bags
- Organic soaps and shampoo
- Upcycled home decor, especially if you are a partisan
- Recycled apparel
Example: Stainless steel tea diffuser - Source: Ecomhunt.
11. Fashion Products
This niche market is never going out of fashion, pun intended. People want to make statements about themselves, or just plainly need an outfit for an occasion, regardless of where they are.
And don’t limit yourself to just plain clothes, there are so many items a consumer could brand themselves with. There is always at least one fashion item to throw on every part of the human body, from head to toe. The possibilities are endless, so choose your weapon:
- Hats and caps
- Glasses and frames
- Earrings and piercings
- Print-on-demand T-shirts
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Lingeries and shapewear
- Shirts and dresses
- Sneakers, boots, and heels
- Underwear
- Temporary tattoos
- Wigs
- Cosplay and Halloween outfits
12. Electronic Products
Another hot-selling product that is not going anywhere is electronics. We live in a digital age where our lives are so connected to technology that it is increasingly more difficult to imagine going through a day without it.
We are not plainly talking about computers and smartphones, which we already covered above. There are pieces of tech you can wear on your body, as well as brandish your living space with. For a better picture of the market’s potential, American smart home device owners spent an average of $1,172 on their smart-tech household electronics.
So here are a few product ideas for electronic goods.
- Smart outlet plugs
- Smart lights
- Smart speakers
- Smart locks
- Security cameras and smart doorbells
- Baby monitors
- TVs and remotes
- Electronic scales
- Washing machines
- Electronic thermostats
- Smartwatches
- Tablets
Example: HD mini wireless security camera - Source: Blue-US.
You can read more about Top 50 Shopify Electronics Stores for more inspiration!
13. CBD
Considering the legalization of CBD in the US and the awareness of its health benefits, there is sure to be high demand for related products.
CBD’s sales in the US alone is expected to reach around 1.8 billion USD by 2022. This is definitely something your online store should feature. So what CBD-based products are available for selling?
- CBD oils and tinctures
- CBD gummies
- CBD-based cream and lotions
- CBD-based snacks
14. E-Cigarette
While there are still many debates around this item, many studies have shown that e-cigarettes are a better choice than traditional cigarettes in regards to their effects on health. Many long-term smokers have lauded e-cigarettes for helping them with their nicotine addiction by offering a healthier substitute.
But be careful with this product line. It is best you choose a credible supplier and please do not sell e-cigarettes to people under 18. Don’t condone vaping for impressionable youngsters!
That being said, there are a few items you can be selling:
- Pod systems
- E-juices
- Batteries
- Vaping cotton
15. Baby Care Products
The market revenue for baby care products is projected to touch 11.1 billion USD by 2025. And parents will always want the best for their kids, so the demand for this niche will never die out, at least until an evil government forbids citizens from having kids.
Other than baby care products, protection for infants and toddlers are also a big concern for parents. Thus, there is a myriad of goods you can feature on your Shopify online store to meet their demands.
- Baby monitors
- Car seats
- Baby strollers
- Diapers and baby clothes
- Baby cot beds
- Baby powder and oil
- Baby carriers
- Baby toys
Example: Nursing pillow - Source: Ecomhunt.
16. Pet Products
A lot of people prefer taking care of pets to babies, while some do both. And since we can all agree pet lovers are wonderful people, you should provide them with the means to take care of these adorable fellas.
Did you know that dogs are the biggest influence driving first-home purchases among millennials? What’s more, 45% of American pet owners spend the same amount of money or even more on their pets as they do on their own.
If you still have any difficulty coming up with what to sell on Shopify, look no further than your four (or six, eight, or even zero)-legged best friend. Here are some product ideas for this niche market.
- Pet beds
- Pet foods
- Pet clothing
- Pet toys
- Containers for small pets
- Leashes
Example: Multi-functional pet grooming bath bag - Source: Mainstream DIY.
17. Services
Why only limit yourself to physical products? You can offer consumers a lot more, especially if you have a specialty in any specific field, or you have a brick-and-mortar shop that offers services.
Related article: How To Sell Services On Shopify: 5 Steps To Building A Store
For example, a barber cannot give haircuts online, so what he does is make a website to let customers book appointments. And a personal trainer who cannot tend to hundreds of customers can film tutorials and sell them as online courses.
So what intangible goods can be sold in your eCommerce store?
- Service appointments
- Rentals
- Donations
- Consultations
- Memberships
18. Digital Products
This mostly applies to the original content creators out there who want to make more money from their work. Of course, you can also be a distributor working with many artists to promote their products.
Digital products can come in many forms. You can be a print-on-demand business, fulfill custom demands, or sell the rights to your art. Should you be a popular artist with an established fan base and thinking of hosting an event, digital tickets count too.
So here are a few digital products you can sell on your online store.
- Classes and workshops
- Online courses
- Event tickets
- Digital gift cards
- Stock photos
- Digital art
19. Vehicles And Vehicle Accessories
Commuting to work is an indispensable part of many people’s lives. During their free time, consumers also choose to cycle to be healthy, while some take an interest in motorbikes and cars. If we are being detailed and count whatever comes with wheels as vehicles, then you can include skateboards and roller skates as well.
That is why vehicle accessories, especially cars’, are never going out of business anytime soon. Everyone loves to personalize their belongings, don’t they? So here are a few things you can feature on your product page.
- Bikes
- Bike locks
- Car mats
- Car fresheners
- Car seat covers
- Tire inflators
- Vehicle cleaning supplies
20. Hobby Products
This is a somewhat general category, for there are so many hobbies out there. Except for collecting, most hobbies will require some purchases. Work is stressful, so many people will turn to do something fun to relax and feel a sense of control over life.
DIY Garden path floor mould for gardeners - Source: Ecomhunt.
There is no limit at all to what someone might like to do in their free time. You can be creative with this niche, but here are some suggestions anyway.
- DIY craft supplies
- LEGO sets
- Painting supplies
- Gardening supplies
- Knitting supplies
- Play-doh
- Cameras, tripods, and lights
III. How To Sell On Shopify
Figuring out what to sell on Shopify is the first step to starting your eCommerce journey. A business simply cannot exist without an idea. But kickstarting your business is no easy task. You will need to devote a lot of time and hard work to make your dream possible.
So in light of future struggles, we will do our best to list out what you need to do to sell on Shopify.
01. Conduct Market Research
Now that you know what particular industry to dive in, you need to carry out further research to find out the exact product lines to dropship. Furthermore, you have to know your target audience. Be slow and steady with this step, or else your business will not have a pillar to stand still on.
Here are a few bullet points for what to do when conducting market research:
- Analyze your niche market
- Identify gaps in the market
- Identify potential customers and suppliers
- Understand your target audience, namely their needs and pain points
- Identity competition - what they sell, and their pricing strategy
- Run a product test
There are two simple yet powerful tools that you can use to spy the market and find “winning products” to add to your armada. Peeksta and Ecomhunt are two brilliant examples of services that will curate daily lists of high-quality, best-selling dropshipped products. Peeksta, especially, even offers marketing functionalities when you are further in the dropshipping journey.
Do market research and find potential suppliers with ease - Source: Peeksta.
02. Source Your Products
In essence, this is finding affordable and credible manufacturers or suppliers.
If you have the means to, contact your local stores or suppliers, or even wholesale distributors. Look up their businesses online and compare options. Decide which one works best with your business before making an investment.
On the other hand, if you are starting out with little to no capital, consider dropshipping. You can source products from global marketplaces such as AliExpress or CJDropshipping, which is available on the Shopify App Store.
Should you be going with the more economical choice - dropshipping, remember to check out this wonderful import tools: DSers-AliExpress Dropshipping. It will help you place hundreds or orders from AliExpress in just seconds, consequently automating your dropshipping business!
Both DSers and CJDropshipping are available on the Shopify App Store.
03. Create Your Brand
Advertising is always easier when your brand is established. Here are a few things you should do before thinking of promoting your products.
- Come up with a brand name
- Figure out your cause or mission, if there is one
- Design a logo
- Choose your brand’s voice/personality
- Buy a domain name to help your site rank better
Check out Shop Name Ideas generator.
If you are having a hard time coming up with a domain name, Shopify offers a free business name generator. And in case you run into any other obstacles, Shopify Tools will do the trick. You can expect to find tools to help you create logos, slogans, QR and barcode generators, etc. Give it a chance, you won’t regret it!
Shopify Tools offers an abundance of helpers for your online store.
04. Figure Out The Logistics
This step mainly deals with pricing and shipping, or in short, fulfilling your orders.
The market research will help you devise a suitable strategy, but you must also consider the profit margin you gain for every product you sell. Sketch out long-term financial goals and the plans to achieve them.
For shipping, you have a few options to choose from: fulfill orders yourself, dropship, or partner with a third-party shipping service that will do everything for you. Consider carefully your business needs, budget, and product types.
05. Marketing
And now, the juicy part where you actually get to convert your own store visitors to customers!
Promoting your business is of utmost importance if you want to have a successful eCommerce business. For ads, definitely go for social media and search engine optimization (SEO) ads. Play it safe by starting ad campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, and learn your way around Google Ads.
Something else you can do to keep on promoting your business is through affiliates. Giants in the eCommerce world like Amazon have a robust network of affiliates. Since you surely don’t have the abnormal amount of money to get on their level, you can start out small by contacting your customers and asking them to be your brand ambassadors. Word-of-mouth marketing is a lot more effective than you might think!
Related Article: Best Dropshipping Apps To Help Your Business Excel
IV. In a Nutshell
We hope our list has helped you decide on what to sell on Shopify. The road ahead is still long and winding, so you will need a lot more research and resources to achieve the successful Shopify store you envisioned.
Check out our blog for more in-depth and specific analyses as well as tutorials on every little part of your eCommerce journey!
