24 Epic eCommerce Business Ideas for 2024 (Start Small, Win Big)

Want to start an online store but aren’t sure how? Let this article be your gateway to discovering 24 eCommerce business ideas you could pursue immediately.

There’s never been a better time to dive in, either.

The global eCommerce market is skyrocketing, with projections indicating a leap to over $8 trillion in sales by 2027, according to eMarketer.

With detailed insights and actionable strategies, I will not only inspire but also equip you to take the plunge into eCommerce for once and for all.

eCommerce Business Ideas Worth Exploring

As we explore the possibilities the eCommerce world offers, it’s essential to approach this journey with eyes wide open.

The ideas curated here will span three main categories:

• Physical products
• Digital goods
• Service-based solutions

Each category offers its unique set of opportunities and challenges, tailored to different interests.

No matter what type of business you decide to start, it needs to accomplish one thing:

All successful eCommerce business ideas solve a problem.

Now, let’s get to our first category: eCommerce store ideas for selling physical products.

eCommerce Store Ideas To Sell Physical Products

Selling physical products online brings the tangible and traditional shopping experience to the web.

Here’s a rundown of what we’re covering in this category:

Business Idea	Demand	Competition	Difficulty	Growth Prospects	Best For
Start a Dropshipping Business	High	High	Low	Medium	Entering the eCommerce space with minimal upfront investment.
Sell Books	High	Medium	Medium	Medium	Those passionate about literature and education.
Sell Handmade Items	High	Medium	Medium	High	Creative people with a passion for crafting.
Sell Toys and Games	High	High	Medium	Medium	Those with knowledge of children’s education and entertainment.
Sell Subscription Boxes	High	High	Medium	High	Creative, customer-focused individuals adept at building communities.
Start a Clothing Line	High	High	High	Medium	Creative people who live and breathe fashion.
Sell Natural Products	High	Medium	Medium	High	People with prior knowledge of sustainability and wellness.
Sell Pet Products and Food	High	High	Medium	High	Those who care deeply about pets and pet care.
Start a Meal Delivery Business	High	High	Medium	High	Experienced chefs or foodies obsessed with nutrition.
Sell Beauty and Health Products	High	High	Medium	High	People who keep up-to-date with beauty trends.
Start a Collectibles and Vintage Reselling Business	High	High	Medium	High	People who value collectibles, history, and vintage items.
Become a Fashion Reseller	High	High	Medium	High	Fashion-savvy entrepreneurs interested in sustainable and vintage fashion.
Sell or Refurbish Smart Home Products	High	High	Medium	High	People with tech knowledge and interest in innovation and sustainability.

1. Start a Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping allows you to sell products directly without holding any inventory.

It’s a streamlined approach to eCommerce, where you partner with suppliers who fulfill orders on your behalf.

Some key points to consider:

• Demand: High. The global dropshipping market market was valued at approximately $249.16 billion in 2023, with projections estimated to reach $724.26 billion by 2027.
• Competition: High. Given its low barrier to entry, dropshipping is a highly competitive space, with many entrepreneurs vying for a piece of the pie in popular niches.
• Difficulty: Medium. Success requires navigating through market saturation, establishing strong supplier relationships, and effectively targeting the right audience.
• Growth Prospects: Medium. The dropshipping market is expected to continue growing, with forecasts suggesting significant expansion.
• Best For: Dropshipping is best suited for entrepreneurs looking to enter the eCommerce space with minimal upfront investment.

Notebook Therapy is a great example of a successful dropshipping business.

The products look to be premium quality and the company is successful on social media, with 1.6 million followers on Instagram.

Though we’ll talk more about how to launch your business at the end of this article, it’s important to note several plugins exist for WordPress that can assist.

For instance, plugins like WooDropship make it easy to import products.

So long as you’re setting competitive prices to ensure a good profit margin while being attractive to customers, this is a great idea to pursue.

2. Sell Books

Selling books online is a classic eCommerce business idea that still works.

With the rise of digital reading and the continued love for physical books, this market caters to a diverse audience of readers.

Here’s some info to help in your decision-making:

• Demand: Medium. Physical book sales remain healthy, with a total of 767.36 million units sold in 2023. This demonstrates a continued high demand for physical books among readers who prefer the tactile experience of reading​​.
• Competition: Medium. While large online retailers dominate, there’s still opportunity for niche sellers and independent bookstores to thrive. Unique selections, specialized genres, or exclusive editions are just a few ideas.
• Difficulty: Medium. Challenges include managing inventory, dealing with distribution and shipping, and setting your business apart from established players.
• Growth Prospects: Medium. While the market is mature, there are opportunities for growth. Collectible editions draw attention. Niches like young fiction and non-fiction have seen significant increases, according to PublishDrive.
• Best For: Those passionate about books and reading would do well with this eCommerce business idea.

The Mysterious Bookshop has been thriving in person and online for decades.

Specializing in mystery fiction, this shop perseveres due to its niche focus, community reputation, and expansion into eCommerce.

You could create something similar with WordPress, either choosing to stock books yourself, dropship, or connect to an external marketplace.

The Book Store Starter Template along with the WP Astra theme would be a great choice for this venture.

Want to start an online shop without relying on WooCommerce? This video shows you how to launch an eCommerce business using SureCart:

3. Sell Handmade Items

Selling handmade items, such as jewelry, toys, and crafts, taps into the growing desire for personalized, unique products that tell a story.

But what does the industry look like for this idea?

• Demand: High. The global market size for handmade items (or handicrafts) was valued at $1,007.07 billion in 2023 potentially rising to $1,972.32 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights. People like personalized handmade products.
• Competition: Medium. There’s a wide variety of niches within the handmade market. While there are many artisans and crafters, the demand for unique and personalized products allows for differentiation​​.
• Difficulty: Medium. Crafters have to master their DIY skill and excel in branding, marketing, and customer engagement. The challenges include creating a distinctive brand, managing production, and navigating online sales channels.
• Growth Prospects: High. With the projected market growth and the increasing consumer demand for handmade products, potential to scale a business is high​​.
• Best For: Creatives who are passionate about their craft and eager to connect with a global audience should take up this eCommerce business idea. Selling handmade items is super rewarding, especially if you value sustainability, craftsmanship, and sharing the personal story behind a product.

An artisan shop doing well is Little Valley Goods.

Offering hand-carved items and laser engravings, the shop offers a wide range of ornaments, keychains, signs, tumblers, and more.

The hardest part of getting started with this eCommerce business idea is actually having a crafting skill in the first place.

Then, you just need to develop some business savvy to get your store off the ground.

4. Sell Toys and Games

Entering the market with kids’ toys and games taps into a timeless demand for products that entertain, educate, and engage young minds.

Here’s some info you may wish to consider before starting:

• Demand: High. The global toys and games market size reached $113.5 billion in 2023, according to IMARC Group.
• Competition: High. With a diverse range of products and many brands competing for attention, setting yourself apart is key.
• Difficulty: High. Compliance with safety standards and the ability to innovate are critical factors in this market.
• Growth Prospects: High. The toys and games market is expected to grow significantly, reaching $170.9 billion by 2032, according to IMARC Group. Emerging trends like educational toys, eco-friendly products, and digital games​ are worth pursuing.
• Best For: Those interested in children’s development and toys can make a real impact here.

Legacy Toys is a great example of an online toy shop:

The store has seven physical locations along with a robust online presence where you can purchase items to pick up locally or have them delivered.

They offer a wide range of toys, from Funko Pops to slime. You can also view the number of items in stock, which makes for a clearer shopping experience.

5. Sell Subscription Boxes

Selling subscription boxes is such a great way to deliver curated experiences directly to people’s doorsteps.

They can contain anything from gourmet foods to beauty products and appeal to any niche.

Here are some things to think about:

• Demand: High. The global subscription box market size reached a value of $31.85 billion in 2023. There’s strong demand for curated and personalized products.
• Competition: High. Tons of niches and the increasing number of entrants make it a competitive space​​.
• Difficulty: Medium. The need for constant innovation in box curation, managing customer retention, and handling logistics present challenges.
• Growth Prospects: High. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.4%, reaching $145.82 billion by 2032. There are many opportunities for businesses that can offer personalized and unique experiences to carve out a space for themselves.
• Best For: People who are creative, customer-focused, and adept at building communities around their brands could thrive with this eCommerce business idea.

One subscription box worth checking out as an example would be Mouth.

This food-based subscription service provides curated boxes with different snacks, cheeses, pickles, and more.

It proves that while picking a theme for your subscription box business is vital, you can still offer some variety with multiple boxes or subscription levels.

Such a business model could be facilitated well by using the SureMembers WordPress plugin.

You can use it to turn your product offerings into recurring subscriptions with just a few clicks.

6. Start a Clothing Line

Launching a clothing line is a great way to express creativity or set fashion trends. It also allows you to cater to diverse clothing needs.

You could specialize in one type of clothing (sports bras), a style (goth attire), or a size range (plus-size). Or you could be a generalist.

Here are some considerations:

• Demand: High. The global apparel market size was approximately $1.7 trillion in 2023, so there’s definitely a high demand for clothing.
• Competition: High. The fashion industry is highly competitive with many niches and segments to consider.
• Difficulty: High. The challenges of starting a clothing line, including design, production, branding, and distribution, are significant.
• Growth Prospects: High. The apparel market is forecasted to grow, with revenue expected to increase in the coming years. The emphasis on environmental commitment and technological advancements presents new opportunities.
• Best For: Creative individuals with a strong vision for fashion and a good understanding of trends.

Lucky Brand is a clothing company specializing in jeans. While they do sell other clothing items, jeans are the primary focus.

7. Sell Natural Products

Selling natural products, from organic skincare to eco-friendly household cleaners, taps into a growing consumer desire for sustainability and wellness.

An “organic” label on a product immediately attracts certain customers. As do words like “natural.”

Before getting started though, consider this:

• Demand: High. The demand for natural and organic products has been consistently high and surpassed $300 billion in 2023. This reflects a growing consumer preference for products that offer health benefits and are sustainable for the environment.
• Competition: Medium. There’s a lot of competition. But this also indicates a vibrant market with room for innovative products and brands.
• Difficulty: High. There are several challenges, including sourcing genuine natural and organic ingredients, meeting regulatory standards, and distinguishing your brand in a crowded marketplace.
• Growth Prospects: High. Increasing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable, health-conscious products means continued growth. The market is expected to continue expanding as more consumers seek out products that align with their values.
• Best For: People deeply committed to sustainability and wellness can approach this business idea with passion.

Patagonia is a time-tested business that has a thriving eCommerce presence. This outdoor clothing company readily sells the lifestyle of its products all throughout their website.

And they regularly share stories of how the company uses its money for ecological good.

The Love Nature Starter Template is a natural choice (if you’ll pardon the pun) to use for an online store that sells natural products.

8. Sell Pet Products and Food

Another option is to start selling pet products and pet food. If you’re an animal lover, this might be a great idea to pursue.

And there are a lot of sub-niches to explore here.

You could sell all pet products, food, pet toys, grooming supplies, or even focus on one pet type.

• Demand: High. The pet industry’s global worth is an astonishing $261 billion, demonstrating a robust demand for pet products and food.
• Competition: High. With a significant 66% of U.S. households owning a pet, the market is saturated with a wide range of products and brands, making it highly competitive​​.
• Difficulty: Medium. The need for innovation, compliance with health and safety regulations, and effective marketing presents challenges. But there’s room for newcomers with niche ideas.
• Growth Prospects: High. The pet products market is expected to top $190 billion by 2027, according to MarketsandMarkets.
• Best For: If you’re passionate about pets and have a deep understanding of pet care needs, this could be the idea for you. Eco-friendly products do really well here.

West Paw offers a really well-designed website for this niche into the mix.

The company sells dog toys and treats and uses all sorts of best practices on their site like high-quality photography, prominent reviews, and info about the company’s ethos.

9. Start a Meal Delivery Business

The meal delivery business caters to many types of customers, from overbooked professionals to health-conscious folks, to busy parents.

Meal kit deliveries offer convenience ready to eat meals right to their doorsteps.

Before starting this type of business, here’s what you need to know:

• Demand: High. The global meal kit delivery services market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3% from 2023 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. There’s strong demand for home-cooked and chef-cooked food among consumers, especially millennials​​.
• Competition: High. This quickly expanding market has a lot of people jumping in a vying for a spot. But with plenty of niches available, you could still likely make it work.
• Difficulty: Medium. You need to understand meal prep, safe food handling, logistics, and customer support to make this business idea work. It’s a niche that demands high-quality, diverse flavors, and dietary-specific options to cater to a broad audience.
• Growth Prospects: High. The meal kit delivery service market is projected to explode and reach $43.7 billion by 2030.
• Best For: People who are creative, customer-focused, and skilled in logistics could excel here. As would chefs (or those with kitchen experience) with business savvy.

Factor is a popular meal delivery service that caters to many dietary needs.

Meals are nutritionally-balanced and professionally cooked. Customers only need to select the meals they want and then heat them up at home.

10. Sell Beauty and Health Products

Another potential business idea is to sell beauty or health products.

This niche is always in demand and potential for true diversity in what you sell is exciting.

Before proceeding, be sure to weigh the following:

• Demand: High. The beauty and personal care products market size was estimated at $557.24 billion in 2023.
• Competition: High. Brands are continuously innovating to capture consumer interest here and you will too to break in and stay relevant.
• Difficulty: Medium. Entering the beauty and health products market presents challenges such as product development, compliance with health and safety regulations, and brand differentiation.
• Growth Prospects: High. With the market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2024 to 2030, opportunities are still on the table.
• Best For: Entrepreneurs with a passion for wellness and beauty, who are innovative and customer-focused can do well here.

There are so many beauty brands out there and many appeal to completely different customer segments.

For instance, some companies opt for the luxury angle like Tatcha:

Laneige is a beauty brand and currently popular with teenagers, offering skin care products and a TikTok-viral lip mask:

Of course, Thrive Causemetics, which donates a portion of all sales to charitable causes:

There are plenty of angles to take here. You just have to find a segment that hasn’t been tapped into yet.

11. Start a Collectibles and Vintage Reselling Business

Selling collectibles and vintage items offers a unique opportunity to connect the past with the present.

If you have a knack for finding rare treasures and a passion for history, this business could turn your hobbies into a profitable venture.

Here’s a few things to keep in mind before diving in though:

• Demand: High. The collectibles market hit $1 trillion in 2033, showing a strong demand for unique and rare items.
• Competition: High. Given the significant value of the collectibles market and its expected growth, the space is highly competitive, filled with both seasoned collectors.
• Difficulty: Medium. The challenges in this market revolve around sourcing unique and authentic items, differentiating what you offer, and connecting with the right audience.
• Growth Prospects: High. With the market expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2%, reaching over $1 trillion by 2033, the growth prospects here are substantial. If you can offer rare and sought-after items, you’ll find a niche for yourself​.
• Best For: If you love collectibles, history, and the stories behind vintage items, this business idea is right up your alley. If you already engage with a community of collectors and enthusiasts seeking unique pieces, you’ll be ahead of the game.

Beyond Retro is a vintage store offering clothing and accessories. Each month, they list thousands of new items that you can browse and buy.

Prominent features like chat–based help, a saved items button, and upfront shipping info contribute to this shop’s success.

12. Become a Fashion Reseller (Selling on Marketplaces)

If you’re big into fashion but don’t want to start your own clothing line, you can always make a business out of being a fashion reseller.

You have to do your best to stand out and offer a level of quality, attention to a niche audience, or price that can’t be beat.

Here’s how this niche is performing:

• Demand: High. The global secondhand market is expected to nearly double by 2027, reaching $350 billion, according to the ThredUp Resale Report. The increasing consumer interest in sustainable and affordable fashion drives strong demand for fashion resale, including both vintage and contemporary items​​.
• Competition: High. As the resale market grows, so does the number of platforms and individual resellers. It’s a competitive but lucrative market.
• Difficulty: Medium. While the market is accessible, success requires a keen eye for trends, knowledge of brand values, and efficient logistics. Challenges include sourcing desirable inventory, authenticating items (if vintage), and building a trusted brand presence.
• Growth Prospects: High. The resale market’s projected expansion means businesses that can offer personalized and unique fashion experiences will succeed.
• Best For: If you love fashion, sustainability, and eCommerce, you’ll do well with this idea.

Some people build their entire eCommerce presence on marketplaces. For fashion reselling Poshmark and Depop are popular options.

This seller, Mynx’s Closet, offers many items exclusively on Poshmark:

Of course, you could get the best of both worlds by setting up your own eCommerce and cross listing your items on marketplaces, too.

A service like Channable makes it a lot easier to do this.

13. Sell or Refurbish Smart Home Products

As homes become more connected, selling or refurbishing smart home products stands out as a forward-thinking business idea.

Here’s a bit of market research to get you started:

• Demand: High. The global smart home market size was valued at $80.21 billion back in 2022 and grew to around $93.98 billion in 2023. There’s a strong demand for smart home products, including those that can be refurbished and resold​​.
• Competition: High. Given the market’s growth projections and the rapid pace of technological innovation, this is a competitive one. People trying to set up shop in this niche face competition from established brands and new startups.
• Difficulty: Medium. Entering the smart home products market involves challenges such as staying on top of the latest tech advancements, managing inventory, and refurbishing used or outdated devices.
• Growth Prospects: High. With the market expected to reach $338.28 billion by 2030, selling or refurbishing smart home products could be lucrative for you. If you can offer innovative, energy-efficient, and user-friendly smart home solutions, you’ll be well-positioned to succeed here​​.
• Best For: Tech-savvy people with a passion for technology and sustainability would thrive with this idea. If you have prior knowledge of the latest technologies, you’ll be better off, too.

TechForLess is an online store that sells refurbished, open box, and new electronics across all categories.

But they also sell smart home products like thermostats, security cameras, Amazon Echos, and more.

eCommerce Store Ideas To Sell Digital Products

If you’d rather skip the physical products, why not go digital? Selling digital products offers the flexibility of low overhead costs.

It also taps into a global market eager for instant access to valuable resources, entertainment, and tools.

From eBooks and online courses to software and digital art, the possibilities are endless. This allows you to turn your expertise and creativity into a thriving online business.

Here’s a great primer on how to get started with selling digital products online:

And here’s a look at the digital store ideas we’ll be covering:

Business Idea	Demand	Competition	Difficulty	Growth Prospects	Best For
Become an Affiliate Marketer	High	High	Medium	High	Those with strong marketing and content creation skills.
Create Online Courses	High	Medium	Medium	High	Experts and educators passionate about sharing their knowledge.
Sell Your Photos	High	High	Medium	Medium	Talented photographers with a diverse portfolio.
Build Niche Websites	Medium	High	Medium	Medium	Content creators with a deep understanding of a specific niche.
Sell Print-On-Demand Merchandise	High	High	Medium	Medium	Creatives and designers looking to monetize their artwork.
Offer Tech Accessories	Medium	High	Medium	High	Entrepreneurs with a passion for technology and innovation.

14. Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing offers a unique path to online entrepreneurship without the need for inventory or services.

By promoting products you believe in, you can earn commissions and build a business centered around content creation and strategic partnerships.

Here’s where the market currently stands:

• Demand: Medium. The affiliate marketing industry grew to approximately $14.3 billion globally in 2023, according to Influencer MarketingHub.
• Competition: High. The industry’s growth, coupled with a low barrier to entry, has led to a highly competitive market. Success requires differentiation and a targeted approach​​.
• Difficulty: Medium. While starting in affiliate marketing can be easy, achieving significant success demands strategic content creation, audience engagement, and a deep understanding of your niche​​.
• Growth Prospects: High. With affiliate marketing spending projected to increase, there are tons of opportunities for affiliate marketers to expand and thrive​​.
• Best For: Those with strong marketing and content creation skills can do great with this eCommerce business idea. If you can analyze and adapt to market trends, you’ll do even better.

Making Sense of Cents is a top-tier affiliate site that’s been around over a decade.

It covers everything you need to know to save money, make money, and manage your money.

The design is crisp with precise categories and the site’s owner is able to promote online course alongside the affiliate links.

15. Create Online Courses

Online courses are a prime avenue for experts to share their knowledge.

Whether it’s coding, cooking, or calligraphy, creating online courses offers a platform to educate and inspire. All while building a sustainable income stream.

Here’s some data to mull over before you dive in:

• Demand: High. The e-learning market was valued at $399.3 billion back in 2022 and is anticipated to grow 14% by 2032.
• Competition: Medium. There are tons of options for hosting online courses so the market is pretty competitive. If you have something to offer, there’s still room for you.
• Difficulty: Medium. Creating valuable online courses requires expertise in the subject, understanding of effective online teaching, and technical skills for course creation and platform management.
• Growth Prospects: High. A continued global shift toward remote learning and demand for flexible, self-paced learning options, points to strong growth prospects.
• Best For: Experts and educators passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills will succeed here.

SkillJet is a great example of a site offering online courses.

It includes short-form lessons from a variety of instructors in the web design industry that make expanding your skillset manageable.

16. Sell Your Photos

For photographers looking to monetize their craft, selling photos online opens up a world of possibilities.

It’s a chance to share your vision with a wider audience, turning your passion for photography into a business.

You can target other businesses, creatives, and consumers in search of the perfect image.

But is this idea a lucrative one?

• Demand: High. The global stock photography market size was estimated at $4 billion in 2023, showcasing the significant demand for quality photographic content across various industries​​.
• Competition: High. Digital photography is everywhere so this niche is increasingly competitive.
• Difficulty: Medium. Success in this market requires photographic talent and technical skills but also an understanding of trends, effective SEO, and the ability to market your portfolio.
• Growth Prospects: Medium. The stock photography market is expected to more than double by 2033, indicating strong growth potential for photographers who find a unique niche or angle to pursue.
• Best For: Talented photographers with a diverse portfolio. Those who understand the nuances of stock photography, including licensing and market trends will do well.

Many photographers opt to sell on stock photography sites like Shutterstock and iStock.

But you’ll have more control of your images and licensing by selling from your own eCommerce site.

Take Megan Rose Photography, for instance.

She sells personal use licenses for images she takes of local horse races.

You can also buy image packages and physical prints of photos.

17. Build Niche Websites

Building niche websites allows you to carve out your corner online, targeting specific interests or communities.

It’s about creating a dedicated space where like-minded individuals can dive deep into their passions. Like race cars. Or knitting. Or stamp collecting.

The industry is doing well:

• Demand: Medium. People want specific and personalized content, so demand is uneven. It’s high across areas like eco-friendly products, health and wellness, and nutrition.
• Competition: High. As more content creators recognize the potential in niche markets, the competition continues to grow.
• Difficulty: Medium. While creating a niche website can be straightforward, the challenge lies in producing consistent, high-quality content, using effective SEO, and getting people to find your content.
• Growth Prospects: Medium. Niche websites that tap into specific consumer interests have substantial growth opportunities​​. Growth prospects really depend on the niche you’re in.
• Best For: Writers and entrepreneurs with a deep understanding of a specific subject.

Niche websites can make money from advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.

The Way to Coffee is a good example of a niche website in action.

This site offers content on all things coffee, including city guides on where to find the best brew, reviews of coffee companies, and tool reviews.

They even provide courses for those looking to start a coffee business.

18. Sell Print-On-Demand Merchandise

Selling print-on-demand (POD) merchandise means you can still sell custom physical products without the burden of inventory management.

Design and sell your creations, from T-shirts and hoodies to books and home decor, with production and shipping handled by your POD service provider.

Here’s how the industry currently stands:

• Demand: High. The print-on-demand market continues to flourish. People love personalized and custom products, so if your POD items offer custom aspects, you’ll have customer appeal straight away.
• Competition: High. Lots of people have tried this business idea. Hobbyists, serial entrepreneurs, and designers alike use POD services to launch their brands. This means you need to be super creative.
• Difficulty: Medium. Starting a POD business is super easy. There are so many platforms that handle production and shipping. But the challenge lies in creating distinctive designs and marketing them well enough to stand out.
• Growth Prospects: Medium. This market is expected to grow by $528.71 million by 2025, progressing at a CAGR of 7.99%.
• Best For: Creative people looking to monetize their artwork without the logistical challenges of traditional retail can make the most of this eCommerce business idea.

There are many platforms you choose from to set up a print-on-demand store like Printify, Printful, Redbubble, to name a few.

Many of these offer WordPress integration so you can add your POD products to your website – while fulfillment is still handled by the platform.

The Printful Integration for WooCommerce plugin is a good example.

Mid Century Style Shop offers print-on-demand products in the home decor and accessories niches.

The custom designs all fall into the “mod” or or mid-century modern aesthetic. This works because while the store offers many product types, they share this same theme.

19. Offer Tech Accessories

Offering tech accessories is another potentially lucrative opportunity. And with it, you can cater gadget enthusiasts everywhere.

From sleek phone cases to ergonomic laptop stands, tapping into this market means providing essential gadgets tech users rely on.

But is the market oversaturated?

• Demand: Medium. Consumer electronics continue to change and this drives a strong demand for tech accessories. But demand varies based on product. From protective cases to chargers, you have a range of options to choose from.
• Competition: High. There are a ton of brands and manufacturers in this space already. They offer a wide range of products to meet every conceivable need and preference.
• Difficulty: Medium. You need to have a solid understanding of the latest technology trends, develop products that meet high-quality standards, and that stand out from others.
• Growth Prospects: High. The PC accessories market, as a segment of the broader tech accessories category, is estimated to grow from $27.58 billion in 2024 to $48.90 billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence.
• Best For: If you live and breathe technology, this business idea is a sure fit.

Native Union offers a unique angle in this space. They offer “tech accessories reimagined,” with an emphasis on high-quality design and performance.

eCommerce Store Ideas To Sell Services

Selling services as “products” or through booking time slots is another way for businesses to reach their customers directly.

This model allows professionals – from consultants to yoga instructors – to offer their expertise and time in a structured, efficient manner online.

If your site is built with WordPress, you can use booking plugins like LatePoint to streamline the process.

With LatePoint, you can manage appointments, payments, and customer interactions directly within WordPress, which is pretty cool if you ask us.

Read our full LatePoint review to get the details on how this plugin measures up.

Watch this tutorial on using LatePoint and the AI website builder ZipWP:

Here’s a quick look at the service-based eCommerce business ideas we’ll be covering:

Business Idea	Demand	Competition	Difficulty	Growth Prospects	Best For
Offer Virtual Event Planning	High	High	Medium	High	Creative people with a knack for organizing.
Create a Travel or Activity Booking Website	High	Medium	Medium	High	People who’ve traveled a lot and carry expertise.
Become a Coach or Consultant	Medium	High	Medium	High	Those with special knowledge or skills to share.
Offer Writing Services	Medium	Medium	Medium	High	Skilled writers looking to start a business.
Provide Graphic Design or Web Development	High	High	Medium	Medium	Creative and tech-savvy people with an eye for design.

20. Offer Virtual Event Planning

One service-based business you can start online is a virtual event planning company.

If you have prior event planning experience, this is a great option.

Put your knowledge, skills, and connections to work and book virtual appointments from your website.

Here’s a look at current market indicators for this niche:

• Demand: High. The virtual events market size is estimated at $216.12 billion in 2024.
• Competition: High. With the market expected to reach $657.45 billion by 2029, the field is expanding fast.
• Difficulty: Medium. While technology has made it easier to host virtual events, standing out requires innovative event design and effective marketing to create memorable experiences.
• Growth Prospects: High. Growing at a CAGR of 24.92% during the forecast period (2024-2029), the virtual event planning market shows no signs of slowing down.
• Best For: Creative and tech-savvy people who know how to organize. Those great with logistics, customer engagement, and excel at learning new digital tools will do well here.

Miller Tanner Associates offers virtual event planning services for all types of events.

They offer a lot of options, including different integrations that can be used (live polls, Q&As), multi-day sessions, and even hybrid events.

21. Create a Travel or Activity Booking Website

Creating a travel or activity booking website can be your ticket to capturing the hearts of adventure seekers and leisure lovers alike.

Many people are opting for experiences over possessions these days. Which means you can offer a range of things from travel destinations to local adventures to spa weekends.

• Demand: High. The global online travel market size is predicted to reach $1.8 trillion in 2027, according to the GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook.
• Competition: Medium. Because of the profit potential, many people have flocked to this niche. But if you have something unique to offer, it’s doable.
• Difficulty: Medium. While the technology and platforms available today make it easier to launch a travel or activity booking website, success requires a deep understanding of the travel industry.
• Growth Prospects: High. With travel and tourism on the rise, those that can cater to the new consumer preferences for sustainable, personalized, and flexible travel options​​ will do well.
• Best For: Travel and technology enthusiasts will do the best here. And if you know your way around SEO and digital marketing, even better.

We already mentioned how you can use a plugin like LatePoint to add appointment booking to your WordPress site.

The Travel Agency Starter Template is a good choice for getting your site’s design pinned down quickly.

Toucan Tours offers a good example. It’s actually a cafe in Colombia that runs tours of their coffee farm, the local city, graffiti hotspots, and more.

22. Become a Coach or Consultant

Turning your expertise into a coaching or consulting business is a powerful way to make a direct impact on people’s lives.

Whether it’s life coaching, business consulting, or fitness coaching, you have the chance to guide people towards their goals and aspirations.

Here’s latest on how this business idea is performing:

• Demand: Medium. The global coaching market is consistently in demand. People are always looking for guidance on various aspects of life.
• Competition: High. With the industry’s expansion, there has been a surge in the number of coaches and consultants. To be successful, you need to have a clear offer and something to separate you from the competition.
• Difficulty: Medium. Getting started is pretty simple – just build a website with booking features. But building a reputable and sustainable practice demands expertise and the ability to create strong client relationships.
• Growth Prospects: High. The coaching market is projected to grow to $6.25 billion in 2024, according to CoachRanks.
• Best For: Those with specialized knowledge or skills looking to make a meaningful impact by guiding others can make a lot of this business idea.

Mom On Purpose is the website for mindfulness coach, Natalie, who specializes in helping moms.

23. Offer Writing Services

Writing services continue to be a valuable offering.

If you have a way with words, offering your writing services can help businesses communicate their message, engage their audience, and elevate their brand.

Writing services are typically lumped in with freelancing, economically speaking:

• Demand: Medium. The freelance and writing services market has seen significant growth, with freelancers contributing $1.27 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to an Upwork report.
• Competition: Medium. The market’s expansion has led to an increase in the number of freelance writers, making it a competitive field. Success hinges on specialization, quality, and reputation.
• Difficulty: Medium. You only need a simple website to market yourself, but you need a unique offering or angle to stand out. Solid networking skills and a top-tier portfolio are must-haves, too. Plus, AI is rapidly limiting potential.
• Growth Prospects: High. The global freelance market size reached $455 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%.
• Best For: Skilled writers passionate about crafting compelling content. Doesn’t matter the niche – whether for marketing, education, or entertainment.

Lyon Content Writing Agency is an example of writing business done right.

Their website is lovely to look at and interactive. Plus, the prominent Start a Project button leaves no guesses about how to get started.

24. Provide Graphic Design or Web Development Services

As businesses strive to stand out online, graphic design and web development services continue to be in high demand.

You can put your creative skills and technical know-how to work and bring brands to life online.

Here’s how this business idea is currently performing:

• Demand: High. The global graphic design market size was valued at $57.5 billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach $78.25 billion by 2030.
• Competition: High. With an ever-increasing number of freelancers and agencies entering the market, competition in both graphic design and web development is intense. Success requires not only skill and creativity but also effective marketing and networking.
• Difficulty: Medium. While there are numerous tools and platforms available to simplify graphic design and web development, standing out demands innovative solutions, continuous learning, and adaptation to new technologies.
• Growth Prospects: Medium. Every business needs a website and this market segment continues to grow as a result. The market’s expansion is supported by the demand for improved UX optimization and interactive content.
• Best For: If you know your way around popular web dev tools, why not make a business of it? Offering these services is ideal for those who excel in visual communication, user interface design, and coding.

Buzzworthy Studio has done a good job of setting themselves apart from the competition.

Their highly-interactive website makes it easy to view past projects, get a sense of their personality, and get in touch.

So You’ve Got an eCommerce Business Idea – What’s Next?

Starting your own eCommerce business is a big leap, and an exciting one!

Once you’ve landed on that brilliant idea, what comes next is all about making it real and getting it in front of the right people.

Conduct Market Research

First things first. You need to understand who you’re selling to and what the competition looks like.

Dig into who your potential customers are and what they’re into.

You can use tools like Google Trends to see what’s hot right now.

Define Your Target Audience

Really get to know your future customers. What do they like? What do they need? Answering these questions will help you tailor your products and your message just for them.

Develop Your Business Plan

Now, it’s time to put the details you’ve gathered down on paper. Map out how you’re going to make your business work.

This includes figuring out what you’re going to sell, how you’re going to sell it, and how you’re going to keep your finances in check.

For those in the U.S. the SBA website offers a great guide on writing a business plan.

Pick an eCommerce Business Name

This is a big one. Your business name is like the front door to your brand.

You want something that sticks, something memorable, but also something that says a little about who you are and what you do.

There are tools out there, like Shopify’s Business Name Generator, that can help spark some ideas.

Choose the Right eCommerce Platform

The eCommerce platform you select sets the stage for every other aspect of your business.

Pick one that fits what you’re trying to do, whether it’s selling handcrafted goods or digital products.

Using SureCart is a great choice. It integrates with WordPress and you can use it alongside SureMembers to create membership sites for subscription or service-based businesses.

Plan Your Marketing Strategy

How are you going to get the word out? SEO, social media, email marketing? Probably all of the above.

Start planning your strategy to reach your audience where they hang out.

Launch Your Store

It’s go-time. Launch your website and start selling. Remember, first impressions matter, so make sure your site looks good and works smoothly.

How Do I Create My eCommerce Store?

For a step-by-step guide, check out our in-depth guide on how to create an online store from scratch using WordPress.

It’s full of useful tips to help you get your store up and running.

It covers things like:

• Getting a domain name and web hosting
• Installing WordPress
• Ensuring proper website security
• Selecting a WordPress theme (like Astra)
• Setting up WooCommerce
• Adding your first products
• Recommended plugins (like CartFlows).

Take Your eCommerce Business Idea and See It Through

You’ve got the idea; now it’s time to make it happen.

Turning your eCommerce dream into reality might seem daunting, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach.

Start small, take it step by step, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Remember, SureCart is a great shopping cart option. And the AsAccording to usertra theme can set the right tone for your store’s design.

Every big success starts with the decision to try. So go ahead, dive in, and see your business idea come to life.

Who knows where this journey might take you?

FAQs About Pursuing eCommerce Business Ideas

What is the most profitable eCommerce business?

The most profitable eCommerce business can vary widely depending on market trends, consumer preferences, and how well the business is executed. Areas like health and wellness products, eco-friendly items, and tech gadgets have shown the most growth in recent years.

What type of company is best for eCommerce?

The best type of company for eCommerce often depends on the business model and objectives.

LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) are popular among eCommerce store owners in the U.S. due to their flexibility, protection of personal assets, and tax benefits.

This structure keeps your personal and business finances separate while offering the ease of pass-through taxation.

Is it difficult to get started with eCommerce?

Starting an eCommerce business has become more accessible than ever thanks to platforms like WooCommerce and SureCart. While it requires dedication and effort, especially in market research, the barriers to entry are relatively low. Success in eCommerce comes down to understanding your target market, offering products or services that meet their needs, and finding ways to promote your business effectively.