Either as a replacement to your 9-to-5 or a side hustle, selling consumable products online has the potential to be highly profitable. The main concern, though, is working out which consumable products offer the highest possible return on your investment of time and money.
Here’s the dilemma:
You need to find a consumable product that a decent number of people will want to buy online. But you also want to discover a niche not already overcrowded with other sellers who represent stiff competition.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
In this blog post, we’ll show you:
- The best consumable products to sell online
- Different ways to source consumable products
- The best platforms to sell your consumable products online
Although we will not tell you exactly what to sell, we’ll give you valuable information to confidently decide which consumable products are right for you, which suppliers are reliable, and which platforms are great for selling.
After all, how to sell online is not as difficult as you might think.
What is a consumable product?
Before running into details, we should understand clearly about consumable products.
According to Investopedia, consumable products (or consumables) are used by individuals and businesses that must be regularly replaced as they wear out or are used up. They can also be the components of an end product that is used up or permanently altered in the manufacturing process, such as basic chemicals or semiconductor wafers.
The market for consumable products tends to be consistent and can be worth investing in, even during periods of high economic uncertainty, as the need for those products can’t be put off by consumers.
Office supplies like paper, paperclips, pens, pencils, stables, and toner and ink are classic examples of consumables. They’re regularly used up or changed, and offices must maintain a steady supply of these products to function. Conversely, appliances are not placed in this class but are considered durable goods. They’re designed to be used for an extended period of time.
33 best consumable products to sell online
Food & drinks
1. Coffee
Undoubtedly, coffee is an essential part of our morning routine, so it should come as no surprise that the industry is predicted to reach revenues of $155.64 billion by 2026.
There is also a small-business advantage for first-time merchants who decide to sell coffee online. Since coffee is a widely available product, customers tend to value exclusivity, meaning they are more receptive to new brands.
Coffee beans are also widely available from dropshippers, which means overhead costs can be kept low. And when your product comes from a third party, you can focus on branding your product rather than developing it.
Note: If you’re looking for a trustworthy coffee dropshipping supplier, Dripshipper should be your first choice. With their USA-based facilities, Dripshipper can fulfill your orders within the USA in just 3 days. You can create coffee products with your own logo on them, launch your website, and Dripshipper will handle everything else for you! With Dripshipper, dropshipping coffee turns out to be a breeze.
2. Matcha tea
Matcha, a highly concentrated Japanese green tea powder, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to have been a secret weapon of samurai warriors.
While matcha tea is traditionally made into hot or cold drinks, this organic ingredient is also used in savory and sweet recipes, including doughnuts, cakes, salad dressings, and cocktails. Matcha tea powder also gains popularity within the cosmetic industry thanks to its high antioxidant content.
Popular among the plant-based and health-conscious community, the global matcha tea market is expected to achieve $5.5 billion by 2026 and expand at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8% from 2021 to 2026.
Demand for matcha tea has substantially increased over the past few years, and it still isn’t as easily available as you might think. That makes it a fantastic product to sell online. You can quickly get a large supply and then start selling it online.
Note: Jade Leaf Matcha specializes in organic, high-quality matcha at wholesale prices. The company directly imports its bulk powder from small, independent farmers in Japan, thus making sure that the traditions and customs of matcha tea are always kept intact and honored.
Jade Leaf Matcha also has its own brand of matcha products. They are widely considered to be premium items - not only do they have the coveted Amazon’s Choice designation, but they are also one of the bestselling and top-rated products on Amazon, eBay, and Target.
3. Pasta
With Italian food so popular in the US, showcasing top-quality pasta products will get you the significant online traffic and an expanding customer base that your business deserves.
Pasta
Many customers take their pasta selections seriously when looking for ingredients to make their favorite pasta dish. This creates a great niche for online food sellers interested in branding their website as a top online portal for outstanding food products, including items like pasta.
Note: New Jersey-based Severino Pasta Company provides huge varieties of artisanal pasta from spaghetti to gnocchi. All of their pasta products are made by hand, so we are talking the freshest of the fresh. The company also maintains a contract with Wholefoods for their amazing pasta lines.
4. Herbs
Herbs
There is a common saying: Variety is the spice of life. People love variety in their food and have particular tastes for what they like to eat.
Herbs give flavor, fragrance, and variety to our food - without them, meals would be bland and forgettable. As a result, herbs are a popular product, so you might want to consider selling them online.
Moreover, consumers use herbs regularly, meaning they will have to frequently buy more to stock up on supplies. If you pick the right products from the best supplier, you can turn a tidy profit with some regular customers.
Note: For nearly 45 years, Pacific Botanicals has become a leader in organic medicinal herb production through an uncompromising and passionate dedication to quality. Its farm in Oregon’s Applegate Valley employs organic growing methods, saving seed from its own plants, feeding the soil with organic nutrients, and then harvesting herbs at the peak of health.
For those herbs it doesn’t grow on its farm, Pacific Botanicals turns to its network of worldwide certified organic farms and suppliers that understand its stringent quality requirements.
5. Vegan food
As a smart online seller on the lookout for new opportunities, it makes sense that vegan food has caught your attention. However, plant-based products landed on your radar; we want to tell you that your instincts are right.
Over the last few years, veganism has increased significantly. And it is not just people who identify as vegan or vegetarian who choose more plant-based products, flexitarian diets (where people include some meat-free meals in their weekly food plan) are gaining in popularity as well.
You may call this a food trend, but it actually shows no signs of slowing: vegan products are definitely here to stay. It is a lifestyle movement that continues to grow into the foreseeable future.
Note: GreenDropShip is located in the USA with thousands of natural and organic products, including many kinds of wholesale vegan food products. It is both a dropshipping supplier and wholesaler, which means they offer both dropshipping services along with the ability to buy in bulk.
Some vegan food products of GreenDropShip include vegan meat, egg, dairy alternatives, and vegan snacks. They’ve got a selection of top-quality items that your target audience will love!
6. Chocolate
Why is chocolate a good choice for your online store? Because it consistently sells, especially online. As a matter of fact, the online chocolate market is stronger than ever!
According to the 2021 report from Mordor Intelligence, the global chocolate market is expected to witness a growth rate of 4.5% from 2021 to 2026. That is an impressive amount of growth, which means that chocolate is a highly viable consumable product for your store.
This same report found that 40% of all chocolate consumers have shopped online for chocolate. Moreover, over 70% of premium and gourmet chocolate consumers have bought chocolate online.
Note: GreenDropShip is also an excellent supplier of chocolate products. The brand offers a wide variety of natural, organic, and fair-trade chocolate brands. As we said earlier, GreenDropShip gives you the chance to buy in bulk at wholesale prices or use their dropshipping program.
Beauty products
7. Waterproof mascara
Dropshipping cosmetics is the first thought that appears in many store owners’ minds. That’s because cosmetics is an evergreen market. As one of the necessities of daily makeup items, mascara is used to lengthen and thicken eyelashes. There are various types of mascara, like washable and waterproof.
The coming summer makes customers consider more when choosing cosmetics. Sweat and rain are inevitable during the season. People tend to choose durable and high-quality products to keep their makeup clean. So, waterproof is an attractive selling point.
Waterproof mascara contains a lower water content in its materials, enabling it to withstand tears, rain, and sweat. It meets the needs of consumers who want to maintain their make-up.
Note: Beauty Joint is a USA cosmetic distributor that provides dropshipping services. It has eleven main product categories: cover eyes, face, lips, nails, body, makeup brushes, etc. You can also find waterproof mascaras there.
For shipping methods, it offers four options, for instance, Standard, USPS Priority Mail, and USPS Priority Express Mail. International shipping is available. If you use USPS Priority, packages can be shipped within 3 to 10 days.
8. Moisturizing body lotion
Skincare products like body lotions can bring several benefits, including replenishing skin moisture and forming a barrier. Although people use body lotion more often in winter, it’s also a daily product for dry skin people. It’s undoubted that this product is marketable all year around.
Because body lotion is in direct contact with the skin, its ingredients are critical when it comes to selling. Some natural ingredients are often added to organic body lotions, like shea butter, calendula, and squalane. However, some aren’t friendly to the skin, like alcohol and artificial fragrances. They may cause allergy, dryness, or sensitivity. If you want to sell body lotion online, you need to pay attention to its ingredients.
Note: Established in Alabama in 2000, Wholesale Natural Body Care provides the Private Label Masters, a private label program that lets you order body lotion in bulk that is unmarked, unbranded, and sometimes even unscented.
All of its beauty products are paraben-free, gluten-free, 100% natural, and sometimes vegan. Most resellers who choose unscented products are probably looking to add fragrance themselves - often with essential oils - in order to create a unique, independently branded beauty product.
9. Hair extensions
People wear hair extensions to achieve styles and textures that they cannot with their natural hair or protect their hair from the effects of regular styling. The demand for hair extensions is high. This creates a lucrative opportunity for people interested in running an online business.
Note: Based in Seattle, Light In The Box is a reputable dropshipping supplier/wholesaler with many hair extension products. The brand has 24/7 customer support and can ship to more than 170 different countries. In addition, they offer a great collection of other beauty products, like cosmetics tools, skincare, makeup brushes, nail care, shaving/grooming, oral care, and foot health.
10. Gel nail polish kit
It is not recent that nails have become a part of fashion. Many women actually get into this fever. The exquisite patterns make nail art, like magic at the fingertips.
Gel nails have various colors and patterns. People can stick rhinestones and flakes on them. Dazzling options are considered the key to success. Online store owners can take it as an advantage. Moreover, the nail kit is also a plus, allowing customers to have interesting manicures. The sales of nail lamps remarkably grow along with the trend. So, selling similar nail products is a nice try.
Note: Candied Nails is an Arizona-located supplier and wholesaler specializing in press-on nails and nail care. The brand provides an impressive selection in every possible color, pattern, or theme.
Candied Nails offers both a wholesale and dropshipping program - they even offer blind dropshipping with your branding on the packages. Their wholesale prices are much lower if you buy in bulk, so contact them with your quantity and how often you’ll be buying to get a quote.
11. Fragrances, perfumes & colognes
Fragrances, including women’s perfumes along with men’s cologne, are another vital part of the beauty product marketplace. A recent study found that the global fragrances and perfumes market is expected to reach nearly $57 billion by 2026.
Unlike many beauty products, most of us remain loyal to our favorite fragrance and buy our signature scent on repeat. That’s why you can find the same perfumes in the top seller lists year after year.
Note: FragranceNet is a US-based wholesaler/supplier specializing in fragrances for men and women. The company carries over 17,000 brand-name products without any imitations or knock-offs. Besides, it also has a dropshipping program.
Apparel & accessories
12. T-shirts
T-shirts have actually withstood the test of time among all apparel items.
The reason?
A T-shirt is an inevitable part of anyone’s wardrobe and becomes the base of streetwear style that was thriving in 2021. That said, out of all the items to sell, the T-shirt is something that people will expect to see on your online shelf.
However, due to the oversaturated T-shirt industry, you will need to find effective ways to make your tees outstanding. Selling high-quality, premium T-shirts can impact the customers’ experience with your brand positively and make them want to return for more.
To find and sell T-shirts online that could fit into the “premium product” niche, you should pay attention to the tee’s material. Consider adding embroidered details for the design. Embroidery is currently very trendy and is often associated with luxury and class.
Note: Printful can help you with that. As one of the cheapest print-on-demand dropshipping companies in the USA, Printful helps you manufacture clothes with your own design and artwork. Then, they’ll deliver to you or blind dropship to your customers anywhere in the world.
13. Hoodies
Originally a garment designed to keep workers warm in chilly New York warehouses, hoodies are now a wardrobe essential found in most closets. Hoodies appear in our list as these items remain in high demand all year round. Casual day out, workout at the gym, or a cozy evening in - hoodies can be marketed to fit almost any occasion.
Note: Printful also offers a wide range of hoodies for you to customize. Besides, it provides various printing options, such as cut-and-sew, direct-to-garment, sublimation, and embroidery. You can also include custom tags to your products and add stickers and inserts in your product packaging.
14. Sportswear
With sportswear and athleisure being the new norm for everyday fashion, items such as leggings, joggers, and sweatshirts are sold online more than ever nowadays.
Note: U-GO Sports has been operating in the wholesale industry since 1994. It’s one of, if not the, biggest wholesale sportswear suppliers in the UK. The brand supplies big-name brands like Puma, Adidas, Reebok, Nike, and the list goes on. It has a reputation for excellent customer support, on-time delivery, and quality products.
15. Tote bags
Bags have always served one of the most useful purposes of all - carrying around necessities. For that reason alone, bags never cease to be trendy, and they’re sold throughout the year.
While bags are a practical item, the design aspect draws customers to buy multiple variations and styles. To offer customers a casual and affordable bag option, try tote bags. They are easy to design and work well with simple designs, embroidered quotes, or colorful patterns.
Note: Tote Bag Factory is a wholesale company that offers various tote bags, such as cotton tote bags, polyester tote bags, non-woven tote bags, and burlap jute tote bags. There are no minimum quantities, and free shipping is applied for purchases over $200 within the US.
16. Hats
You can never go wrong by including hats in your online store. Thanks to their versatility and various seasonal options, they are a trending product to sell all year round.
Headwear is also an amazing fashion element that can be styled to fit any occasion or niche. You can choose whichever suits your collection best, from winter beanies to summer dad hats and visors.
Hats
Note: Custom Cat is a trustworthy hat dropshipper located in the USA. With more than 20 years of experience and impressive production facilities in Detroit Michigan, it can process up to 40K+ items daily.
17. Kerchief
Will you ask whether a kerchief is still in fashion currently? The answer is yes, it is!
Not many accessories are as old as fashion itself, but they are still demanded. And kerchiefs are, definitely, one of them. They have extremely low initial prices, easy to ship, and are impossible to break.
Note: You can find a lot of kerchiefs on AliExpress. This is a well-known and popular wholesale supplier for businesses worldwide. They are known for having a huge range of products - apparel and beyond - at affordable prices.
Stationery
18. Pens and pencils
Next on what’s trending in consumable products, pens and pencils have been cropping up recently. Over the last years, new and innovative multipurpose writing instruments have played an essential role in expanding the scope of these products. Manufacturers are coming up with various new offerings, like different color inks, stylus pens, and pencils in various sizes.
Pens and pencils can become a profitable business to start online. Also, there are many pen types available to sell, giving you lots of new opportunities to expand your line.
Note: Nihaojewelry offers cute pens and pencils at affordable prices. They also have stickers and bags that feature lovely cartoon characters. The best thing is that it has no minimum order limit. You can buy different types of stationery in bulk at a lower price, hence reducing the risk of inventory accumulation.
19. Embellished sticky notes
For those who are often forgetting to add things to their to-do lists or need to make notes on their documents, sticky notes are a stationery must-have item. If you want your products more attractive, why not make them cute?
Note: One of the best things about Faire is that they only source made-in-USA products. You can find a lot of sticky notes there. The company is also committed to helping independent brands and small businesses to have a venue to sell their products.
20. Washi tape
In recent years, washi tape, or masking tape in Japan, has conquered the hearts of DIY enthusiasts all over the world. The reason for the colorful tape’s success is simple but ingenious: it can stick to almost every surface. It can be creatively and freely combined, and you’re able to peel it off if something went wrong or if you want a new design.
Note: You can find a lot of washi tapes on Etsy. This online marketplace offers a variety of stationery products for you to choose from. Besides, don’t worry about its safety. Even though you buy from individual suppliers, you’re protected by Etsy’s policies in case of non-delivery, for instance.
21. Desk organizer
Anyone who already has a fair share of stationery knows that it can get messy quickly. Highlighters, toss pens, and paper goods into a drawer, and you will be lucky if you can ever find what you need. That’s why a great organizer has the potential to sell online.
Note: Etsy is also a great choice when you’re looking for desk organizer suppliers. Just buy and enjoy without fear!
22. Subscription boxes
A subscription box is a way to go for the most dedicated stationery lovers. Subscription businesses offer online customers a personalized, convenient, and lower-cost way to buy what they want and need on a recurring basis.
Meanwhile, this turns one-time customers into repeat (and often lifelong) shoppers. And with predictable monthly recurring revenue coming in, you can accurately forecast future growth and scale.
Note: Fantastapack is a well-known company for delivering high-quality custom boxes and packaging. They have worked with big companies like Google, Snapchat, Netflix, and Zappos, so you know they can get the job done well.
If you are unsure about your box type and material, they will send you a sample kit with some ideas. You can design your box through its online art studio or upload your original artwork. Then, you’ll fill out an online quote form with the specifications of your box and send it off for your quote.
Supplements & Vitamins
Selling supplements & vitamins can be a lucrative income stream. The key is to walk on the right side of legal in terms of product descriptions, claims, as well as product standards.
23. Ashwagandha supplements
Ashwagandha is an increasingly common adaptogen - a category of herbs that help the body deal with stress. Studies suggest that it also has anti-cancer properties. It comes in multiple forms, from pills to gummies and powder.
To market this “super herb” for your store, create informative content on its proven benefits while collaborating with health and wellness social media influencers to promote it.
Note: Vitacost is one of the largest online suppliers carrying thousands of supplements, vitamins, diet, and beauty products. In 2017, Vitacost received two awards from the ConsumerLab survey for Top-rated Supplement Brands on overall consumer satisfaction and Top-rated Supplement Merchants on overall consumer satisfaction.
24. Collagen supplements
As the primary protein found in the skin, collagen plays an essential part in the human body. If you desire to keep your skin, hair, and muscles healthy, then taking collagen supplements can definitely help.
In fact, collagen supplements have become exceptionally popular to buy online. Customers are always on the lookout for supplements that enhance the skin and bring out their natural beauty.
Note: When it comes to dropshipping collagen supplements, GreenDropShip is also the premier option for you. It’s based in the USA with thousands of natural and organic products, including all kinds of collagen supplements. The company offers both dropshipping services and the ability to buy in bulk, so you can choose any model you want.
25. Fitness supplements
Dropshipping fitness supplements can be an excellent opportunity for your online store. These are popular products with a lot of devoted customers and high-profit margins, so it makes good sense to offer them to consumers.
Some reasons why you should dropship fitness supplements include:
- They are highly profitable; their profit margins range between 60-70%.
- You’ll get regular customers because fitness supplements are used every day.
- They have a low return rate.
- They are light and easy to ship.
Note: Based in the UK, Power Body is both a wholesale distributor and a dropshipping supplier, making itself an excellent resource for online retailers. The brand has an exceptional selection, with more than 8,000 health and wellness products to choose from.
26. Multivitamins
71% of vitamin and supplement consumers take a daily multivitamin, making it the most commonly used vitamin of all. Supporting a nutritious diet along with a high-quality multivitamin can help health-conscious consumers ensure that their bodies have what they need to optimally function.
Note: iHerb offers vitamins listed alphabetically by brand, by substance, or by health topic. For those with particular dietary needs, products can also be searched with helpful filters like gluten-free, cruelty-free, organic, kosher, and vegan.
27. Children’s vitamins
Many parents give their children a multivitamin to ensure they meet their nutritional needs, boost immunity, and improve their overall health. However, proper dosing and formulations are vital when it comes to children. Too much of any vitamin can be really harmful and cause side effects, especially with smaller bodies.
That is why it’s crucial to choose a vitamin formulated specifically for children that comes from a reputable brand.
Note: iHerb is also a top-notch choice if you’re looking for high-quality children’s vitamins.
Hobby & lifestyle
28. Water bottles
Reusable water bottles have become one of the best trending products to sell online. Many environmental concerns over single-use plastics have motivated more consumers to use them as part of their lifestyle.
A lot of innovative products have come out on the market, like the smart water bottle and collapsible cup. It’s best to choose an item that is not popular in your area yet so that you can become the go-to supplier of the product.
The target audience for these products is the sustainability community. You can publish different educational content on the harms of single-use packaging for marketing purposes.
Note: Global Sources offers a wide range of reusable water bottles for you to choose from.
29. Board games
People are looking for ways to pass the time at home without staring at digital screens. That causes the rise in the popularity of board games.
Joining communities is a great way to promote board game E-commerce stores. Take part in the forums and mention your own products when necessary.
Note: You can find many board games from wholesale suppliers like Empire Discount or antique ones from eBay.
30. Crochet kits
Crocheting is one of the hobbies that many people turn to while staying inside their homes. Not only is it an outlet to express one’s creativity but also has various health benefits. For instance, some people find crocheting helpful for relieving anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
An excellent way to promote crochet kits on your online store is to demonstrate how to use them through different content such as videos and blog posts. Remember to showcase the items people can make using the crochet kit so that they can also try crafting them.
Note: A huge number of crochet kits with various types and models are waiting for you on eBay. Take a look and choose some for your online store!
31. Scented candles
Candles can add mood lighting and a fresh aroma to your home while creating a centerpiece or dressing up your decor. Plus, they make for excellent gifts. That’s why they become an ideal consumable product for your online store.
Note: Homesick is a home fragrance and lifestyle brand founded in 2016. They claim that their candles are non-toxic, cruelty-free, and contain no lead, paraben, plastics, phthalates, or synthetic dyes. In addition to selling its own candles, Homesick can create new candles with your brand logo. Share your ideas and they will help you make them a wonderful smelling reality.
32. Adult coloring books
Psychologists have proven that adult coloring books can help reduce anxiety and improve focus, similar to mediation. There is always a constant demand for them among people who love art.
Moreover, with the long-lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which results in lockdown, people would want to find adult coloring books to kill time and relieve stress.
Note: As a book wholesale dropshipping supplier, AmericanBookCo offers many adult coloring books for you. Besides, it has various book formats, including children’s picture flats & board books, mass-market paperback, trade paper, hardcover novels, and coffee table books. This can create an awesome list for your online store.
33. Plush toys
Last but not least, plush toys are the perfect addition to your online store if you’re running a home and lifestyle business geared towards products for children. Plush toys have always been popular, but there is always a new type that becomes the talk of the children’s community and is a must-have for every parent and child out there.
Note: With the best price guarantee, Giftable World offers a profitable line from wholesale plush Christmas toys to plush wholesale stuffed animals. It’s actually the leading manufacturer of beautiful plush toys.
5 ways to source consumable products
The world of supply is wonderful and wide-ranging. However, it’s easy to get lost in the rabbit hole of research.
So, to keep your search productive, consider the following five sourcing vectors:
1. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a product sourcing method where another vendor fully fulfills a customer order. You only list their inventory on your online store, while the dropshipping partner handles everything after the sale - packaging, shipping, etc. You don’t need to deal with the inventory.
Dropshipping is an excellent choice for starting a new online store. But it also helps expand the product catalog of an existing store.
Pros:
- Low cost and fast way to start a new online business
- No extra inventory management overheads or inventory risks
- Various new products to choose from
Cons:
- Lower profit margin
- High competition with other brands, sourcing the same products
- More challenging return process for customers
- Little control over product quality
How to get started with dropshipping:
- Find some dropshipping companies
- Evaluate their references and reviews
- Check product options in terms of price, MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), and sizing grid
- Ask them about customization and branding options
- Ask them about the delivery timelines and return process
- Ask for samples
2. Wholesalers or manufacturers
Working with a wholesaler or manufacturer means you are hiring a third party to provide the product for you:
- Wholesalers only supply you with the inventory they’ve sourced themselves elsewhere.
- Manufacturers can sell their standard stock (with customizations) or produce custom goods up to your specifications.
Working with a wholesaler or manufacturer is a good option if you cannot produce the items yourself or when you’re ready to scale your DIY manufacturing. Besides, it is a great way to diversify your inventory and carry other brands.
Pros:
- Ability to scale your product catalog and carry more brands
- A great deal of assistance with production and supply
- Access to new niche items and custom goods
Cons:
- Inventory risks to account for
- Higher startup costs as you need to pay for products before making a sale
- An MOQ you need to meet
How to get started with this model:
- Find a supplier. You can partner with local businesses, look for suppliers on platforms such as eBay or Alibaba, contact makers on social media communities, or browse local/international wholesale directories like Etsy Wholesale, Wholesale Central, etc.
- Vet the new partner. Check references for the wholesaler/manufacturer in consideration. Make sure they are legitimate.
- Evaluate your manufacturer/wholesaler. Explore the total cost & time of production and shipping, contracts & terms, support & communication, and the MOQs.
- Order several samples you plan on selling.
3. Marketplaces
Online marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, and Alibaba are great ways to discover more goods for sale. If you’re looking for quality products in a particular vertical, you should also head to niche online marketplaces, such as Houzz (home items and decor), Discogs (CDs/DVDs), or GAME (toys, collectibles, and computer games and hardware).
Pros:
- A quick way to source small but diverse stock
- No minimum order quantity
- Ability to locate unique items
Cons:
- Limited stock availability
- Requires regular commitment for replenishing stock
- Unpredictable shipping times
How to get started with marketplaces:
- Have an idea of which products you’re looking for
- Inquire about current stock volumes as well as opportunities for replenishment
- Negotiate discounts
- Aim to build long-term relationships
4. Trade shows
Trade shows are designed to connect suppliers and distributors with prospective brand owners effectively. Thus, it is always a nice place to mingle in search of new private label products without an online presence.
It is also a great opportunity to experience products before purchasing them and network with other business owners. Besides, it can give you endless inspiration for new product ideas.
Pros:
- Access to a host of various suppliers at once
- Ability to see and feel different products in person
- A faster pace of supply deal negotiation
Cons:
- Many suppliers prefer to work with large brands
- Extra travel and attendance costs
How to get started with trade shows:
When approaching sellers, you should prepare a quick elevator pitch to introduce your business and your needs:
- Describe your business size, target market, and experience with product sourcing.
- Explain what products you’re selling and what you’re looking to add to the mix.
- Indicate how much inventory you plan to get.
- Then pass the ball to the seller and prompt them to talk about their business and products.
5. DIY products or services
Making your own consumable products by hand is common for many hobbyists. Whether it’s clothing, beauty products, or jewelry, handcrafting products can give you complete control over quality and branding.
Pros:
- One-of-a-kind products, competitors can’t replicate
- Complete control over your product quality
- Direct control over inventory
- Ability to pivot to new ideas fast
Cons:
- A constant need to source raw materials
- Potentially higher cost of goods sold (COGS)
- Extra production space required
- Limited business scaling abilities
How to get started with DIY products/services:
- Source materials by determining what you really need, where you get the supplies, and how much they cost.
- Decide on your pricing
- Calculate how long your products take to make
- Determine how you will ship products
- Consider where to store your inventory
- Make a plan for communicating timelines
Where to sell your consumable products online
Option 1: Build your own online store
Setting up your online store comes with some challenges, but it can be extremely profitable and fulfilling if done well. One of the challenges is to market yourself and drive traffic to your site. However, the profits are yours - there are no selling or transaction fees.
1. Shopify
When it comes to building your own online store, Shopify comes as one of the easiest to use and most reliable names. Up to now, the platform has powered over 2 million active users with more than one million businesses.
Shopify offers a drag and drop interface, so you’re able to create your own store in a few minutes without any specialized coding experience. There is no initial set-up or hidden fee unless you use a different gateway in addition to what Shopify provides. Moreover, it provides Shopify Payments to bring more convenience to users.
Shopify’s pricing plans:
- Basic Shopify plan: $29/month
- Shopify plan: $79/month
- Advanced plan: $299/month
2. Wix
Wix offers a viable competitor to Shopify’s online store building capabilities, with customization options and essential features for you to start selling online.
In addition to different features that make sales simple and let you efficiently complete your inventory and reporting needs, all Wix pricing plans come with the Wix POS hardware to monitor any item sold in offline or alternative marketplaces.
Wix’s pricing plans: Wix’s pricing is broken into two categories, including “website” and “business.” To sell on a Wix site, you need a business plan.
- Business Basic plan: $17/month
- Business Unlimited plan: $25/month
- Business VIP plan: $35/month
3. Squarespace
Squarespace is a preferred choice for business owners looking to create the most visually stunning online stores - perfect for selling things like collectibles, art, or vintage items that require a beautiful presentation.
Squarespace
Squarespace is still a relatively new E-commerce platform as it didn’t offer the ability to create an online sales platform until 2013. But it’s quickly become one of the most popular selling platforms available nowadays.
Squarespace’s pricing plans (billed annually):
- Personal plan: $14/month
- Business plan: $23/month
- Basic Commerce plan: $27/month
- Advanced Commerce plan: $49/month
4. WooCommerce
Powered by WordPress, WooCommerce provides a straightforward open-source E-commerce platform to help you build and manage a customizable sales site.
The innovative plugin works well with any WordPress site, so it’s a great way to start selling items on your existing blog or website and includes all the E-commerce features you want without the need to download apps or add-ons. There is no need to touch a single line of code, and you will also benefit from its 24/7 customer support.
WooCommerce’s pricing plans: The fastest way to get started with this platform is using the “simple setup” with WordPress.com, which costs $49/month. Or, you can self-build your store by downloading the source code. This enables “unlimited control” over your site’s appearance and functionality. Pricing plans vary for the self-build plans.
Option 2: Sell on marketplaces
Selling through marketplaces provides a flexible business opportunity with relatively low start-up costs. The potential benefits to be gained by joining a marketplace vary between industries and businesses, and indeed between sellers and buyers.
1. Amazon
Undoubtedly, Amazon is a reliable and go-to website for selling your consumable products online. With a huge number of visitors, it means that your products are more likely to be seen.
Anyone selling almost anything can manage a business on Amazon. To sell on this platform, you need to be sure that your price range is competitive enough without sacrificing a lot of your profit margins.
Amazon’s pricing plans:
- Individual plan: $0.99/item sold + additional selling fees
- Professional plan: $39.99/month + additional selling fees
2. eBay
With more than 109 million visitors each month, eBay is one of the largest and most diverse platforms worldwide. You can sell anything on eBay, from essential oils and jewelry to books and furniture.
eBay’s seller fees:
- Insertion fees (listing fees). The first 250 listings are free each month, then $0.35/listing.
- Final value fees (a percentage of an item’s total sale price). 10% or lower
3. Etsy
Etsy is actually a unique platform for creative sellers who want to list DIY goods, art, collectibles, and antiques. Besides, it gives you outstanding features specifically designed for creative masters, including an easy-to-use interface, sales tools, built-in analytics, and access to potential customers.
Etsy’s selling fee. Etsy charges sellers different fees. For detailed information, you should read right here.
4. Bonanza
Although Bonanza is quite new in the E-commerce world, it’s doing really well. With around 40,000 sellers and more than 22 million items listed for sale, Bonanza has become a large and thriving community of online stores.
Bonanza offers three different membership pricing plans as follows:
- Gold plan: $25/month
- Platinum plan: $55/month
- Titan plan: $167/month
The bottom line
Whether you are starting out as a new player or have been in the E-commerce game for a while, it’s vital to always look for new and trending products to sell. In addition to the list of 33 best consumable products, we hope you can find the most appropriate supplier and platform for your business.
If you have anything interesting to share about this topic, don’t hesitate to contact us now. We are always happy to hear from you!
