How To Find Good eCommerce Products To Sell

Introduction.

Starting an eCommerce business sounds exciting, but it comes with one big challenge—choosing the right products to sell.

Picking the wrong items can mean poor sales, wasted time, and frustration. But with a little planning, research, and creativity, finding winning products becomes much easier.

In this article, I’ll break down practical steps to discover profitable products for your online store. I’ll also share tips to spot trends, avoid overly competitive niches, and connect with your target customers.

Let’s get started!

Why Finding the Right Products is So Important

The success of an eCommerce business often depends on the products being sold. Great products attract customers, generate repeat business, and help build a brand.

On the other hand, choosing items with low demand or fierce competition can lead to lost sales and unnecessary expenses.

For example, research shows that global eCommerce sales are expected to reach over $6 trillion by 2024, with no sign of slowing down.

Yet, the competition is also growing, with millions of stores worldwide. Finding a niche or standout products can help you stand out in this crowded market.

How Do I Find Great eCommerce Products?

1. Understand Your Target Audience

The first step in finding good products is knowing who you’re selling to. Ask yourself:

Who is my ideal customer?
What problems do they need to solve?
What types of products excite them?

For example, if your target audience is parents, you might focus on practical baby items or educational toys. If it’s young professionals, look at trendy gadgets or fitness gear.

2. Look for Gaps in the Market

Find areas where demand is high but supply is low. This can mean looking for:

Niche markets: Products tailored to a specific group, like vegan skincare or eco-friendly tech.
Unique items: Custom, handmade, or rare products that can’t be found in big-box stores.

Use tools like Google Trends, Amazon Best Sellers, or social media platforms to track what’s popular.

3. Research Product Trends

Trends can help you catch new waves of interest before the market gets saturated. Some ways to spot trends:

Follow influencers: They often promote new products early.
Check Pinterest or TikTok: Viral products often show up here first.
Use tools like Trend Hunter or BuzzSumo to monitor emerging ideas.

4. Test the Competition

Before committing to a product, see who else is selling it and how. Check:

Reviews on Amazon or eBay: What do customers love or hate about similar products?
Competitors’ pricing: Can you offer better value or quality?
Ad campaigns: Are competitors running ads, and are they successful?

5. Leverage Your Passion and Expertise

Selling products you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in can make running your business more enjoyable and authentic. For example, if you love cooking, selling specialty kitchen gadgets or spices might be a natural fit.

6. Ensure the Product is Practical

A product might be exciting, but is it practical to sell? Ask yourself:

Is it lightweight and easy to ship?
Does it have long-term demand, or is it just a fad?
Is the profit margin high enough to cover costs?

7. Source Products Carefully

Once you have an idea of what to sell, think about how to get the products. Common options include:

Dropshipping: Partner with suppliers to ship items directly to customers.
Wholesaling: Buy products in bulk and store them yourself.
Manufacturing: Create custom products if you have the resources.

Platforms like AliExpress, Alibaba, or Printful can help with sourcing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing Too Many Products: Start small. Focusing on a few strong items is better than spreading yourself too thin.
Ignoring Customer Feedback: Always listen to your audience. Their insights can help you refine your offerings.
Underestimating Marketing: Even great products need strong marketing to succeed. Plan for ads, social media, and promotions.

FAQs

How do I know if a product is profitable?

Calculate the profit margin by subtracting all costs (manufacturing, shipping, marketing) from the selling price. Aim for at least a 30-50% margin.

What’s the best way to test new products?

Run small ad campaigns or list the products on platforms like eBay or Etsy. Monitor the response before committing fully.

Can I compete with big brands?

Yes, by offering something unique. Focus on niche markets or build strong customer relationships.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right products to sell in your eCommerce store takes time, research, and creativity. But with the right approach, you can discover items that resonate with your audience and grow your business.

Now, I’d like to hear from you: What strategies have worked for you in finding successful eCommerce products?