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Whether you’re starting an eCommerce business or already run one, you may be on the hunt for some winning product ideas. In fact, one of the most challenging tasks facing entrepreneurs at the helm of an eCommerce business is deciding what to sell. Whether you want to sell a single item or create a business of many related products, it can be difficult to find and decide on new product ideas.
That said, below explores how to ideate a product to sell online. After that is a list of 22 product ideas to consider selling in 2024.
How to Find Product Ideas to Sell Online
As previously stated, finding new product ideas to sell online presents many challenges. Depending on where you’re based, you may even be restricted by regulations for the products you’re interested in selling. However, you have to have a product idea before you can proceed any further. This idea will be the key to establishing your business plan down the road. So, how can you explore and evaluate your product ideas?
Brainstorm
The first and foremost approach to finding a new product idea is to brainstorm. Grab a notebook and a pen, then jot down anything that comes to mind. Here are some prompts:
- Think through your day and the things you use every morning, afternoon, and night.
- Try to remember the last thing you were grateful you owned. Why do you love it?
- Try to think of something you own but don’t love. Can it be improved? Where does it fall short for you?
- Look around the room and jot down anything that seems positively or negatively noteworthy to start your search.
Talk to friends and family
You won’t necessarily be your own target demographic, so it can be helpful to ask friends and family members what products they love. Ask them for the products they don’t love. What about it don’t they like? Do they have any product ideas they think you should sell? All of these questions can help spark an idea for a winning product.
Look at potential competitors
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Take a look at companies doing well and make note of what they sell. Look at competitors as a testament to what’s possible instead of a barrier to entering the market.
Consider how you will be selling products
In addition to deciding what product to sell and how to source that product, you’ll have to choose how to sell that product to the public. Below are a few thoughts to consider:
- Will you be selling products online or in store?
- Will you be dropshipping or wholesaling your products?
- What online marketplaces will you be taking advantage of?
- Will you be selling digital products instead of physical goods?
22 New Product Ideas to Consider
Now that you understand a few techniques to spark inspiration for product ideas, it’s time to consider some of the most trending products and services of 2024. These products range from small to big and simple to complex, so there’s something for every kind of entrepreneurial spirit.
1. Air fryers
Among kitchen appliances, air fryers are particularly expected to rise in popularity due to technological advancements and increasing health consciousness among the public.[1]Grand View Research. “Air Fryer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Manual, Digital), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, Central & South America), And Segment Forecasts, 2019 – 2025“. Accessed April 8, 2022. The technological advancements include LED screens, intelligent sensors, touchpads, and increased energy efficiency. As for its health impact, some consumers have adopted oil-free diets or limited their oil consumption to address cholesterol levels. Air fryers provide snacks with the same crunch sans oil.
2. Air-quality appliances
The piqued interest in air quality can not only be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to increased concern about climate change. Of appliances that promise to address air quality issues, humidifiers and air purifiers are two of the most accessible product ideas through which to enter this market.[2]Grand View Research. “Household Humidifier Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Portable (Ultrasonic, Cool Mist, Warm Mist), Whole-house), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), And Segment Forecasts, 2019 – 2025″. Accessed April 8, 2022. [3]Grand View Research. “Air Purifier Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (HEPA, Activated Carbon, Ionic Filters), By Application (Commercial, Residential, Industrial), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2030“. Accessed April 8, 2022.
Humidifiers increase the humidity in a room, thus addressing the issue of dry air that can irritate and inflame airways. While humidifiers won’t cure an illness, they will make the symptoms of colds, flu, asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis more manageable. They aren’t meant for long-term use, but rather to specifically address dry air if/when it occurs, often during winter due to the use of heaters.
Air purifiers, on the other hand, remove pollutants from the air through the use of two basic components: a fan and a filter. The pollutants air purifiers remove from the air vary between products, but can include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and/or mold spores. The removable of such reduces allergy and asthma triggers.
3. At-home fitness equipment
Owing some popularity to 2020’s closure of gyms and other workout facilities, at-home fitness equipment saw a boom.[4]Grand View Research. “Sports Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Ball Over Net Games, Ball Games, Fitness/Strength Equipment, Athletic Training Equipment), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2030“. Accessed April 8, 2022. However, this popularity, as well as its longevity, is due more so to societal health concerns and technological advancements. Improvements in the accessibility and quality of live streaming now make it possible for audiences seeking a guided workout to do so from the comfort of their own home.
The most popular at-home workout equipment items are yoga mats, resistance bands, and stationary bikes, any of which are excellent product ideas to consider if you’re interested in this space.
4. Baby products
The baby product market is set to grow due to emerging economies, specifically those of India and China.[5]Grand View Research. “Baby Products Market Size Worth $16.78 Billion By 2025 | CAGR: 5.5%“. Accessed April 8, 2022. Likewise, the increased spending capacity of North America, Europe, and other developed nations contribute to this industry’s growth. The combination of expectant parents’ awareness about infant safety and innovation in the field makes for a market of new and necessary items.
In this market, breast pumps, front-facing baby carrying straps, and baby bouncers are especially popular products to sell.
5. Candles
Unlike many of the products on this list, candles have the added benefit of being consumable in that after all the wax has been burned, they are disposed of. If the consumer likes the scent, they’ll have to purchase the candle again. Thus, this is a market ripe for repeat customers. The candle market also fares well during recessions, as those staying home to save money may still buy candles as a small indulgence.
What makes all types of candles such excellent product ideas to consider is their ability to easily fit into many different businesses. You don’t specifically have to be a candle business to sell candles. Hotels, beauty brands, and other various companies already sell candles. In doing so, companies simultaneously market and sell.
6. Cannabis products
By 2028, the global cannabis market is projected to grow to $70.6 billion.[6]Grand View Research. “Legal Marijuana Market Worth $70.6 Billion By 2028 | CAGR: 26.7%“. Accessed April 8, 2022. Though, its popularity isn’t necessarily new. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that it’s the most widely cultivated, trafficked, and used drug in the world. What’s new is the drug’s legalization and societal views of it.[7]UN-iLibrary. “World Drug Report“. Accessed April 8, 2022.
In terms of societal views, the medicinal uses of cannabis are taken more seriously and stereotypical views of users of the product have been shaken. Meanwhile, the drug’s legalization is sweeping through the United States, with 35 states and Washington D.C. legalizing it for medical use, 16 of which legalized it recreationally. It’s also decriminalized and/or allowed for medical use in areas of Africa, Australia, Europe, and North and South America.
The legal status of cannabis worldwide, however, can be a drawback for those considering product ideas in this industry. Many countries still impose harsh punishments for cannabis.
In the United States, CBD products, not THC products, are legal in every state. Starting a CBD product-based business is one way to corner that market, as it’s legal to sell CBD products online in all 50 states. Just makes sure you’re keeping up to date with both local and federal legislation prior to selling online.
7. Car accessories
The average American reportedly spends eight hours and 22 minutes per week driving, which adds up to 18 days of driving per year.[8]Car Connection. “Study: Americans spend 18 days in their car per year, forge close bonds with a vehicle“. Accessed April 8, 2022. In 2019, the average one-way commute in the United States increased to a new high of 27.6 minutes. On top of that, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft, as well as food delivery apps, have turned one’s car into their way to clock into their gig. Be it commuting to work or working by way of a car, cars have become a vital part of the workday.
That said, car accessories are a growing market ripe with several different product ideas for you to sell.[9]Cision PR Newswire. “Global Car Accessories Market is Likely to Cross almost USD 753.05 Billion by end of 2028 – Zion Market Research“. Accessed April 8, 2022. The most popular products in this industry are air fresheners, organizers, rear cameras, seat covers, and USB chargers.
8. Cell phone accessories
97 percent of Americans have cell phones. That means that when you sell cell phone accessories, 97 percent of the United States is your potential customer base. Not many industries can say the same.
The most popular are phone-related product ideas are those that make phones more useful, less breakable, more efficient, or last longer. These accessories include phone tripods, power banks, wireless headphones, and wireless charging stations.
9. Drones
The drone market is often broken down into three types of applications: military, commercial, and consumer.
Military and commercial sectors have adopted the use of drones as a means of surveillance. This technology allows for surveillance without human error, as well as significantly reducing the labor and other resources necessary for such.
As for the consumer side, improvements in drones have made this technology available to the average consumer, thus widening the market to include hobbyists.
As a result of all of these factors, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 16 percent between 2021 and 2026.[10]Grand View Research. “Commercial Drone Market Worth $501.4 Billion By 2028 | CAGR: 57.5%“. Accessed April 8, 2022.
10. eLearning courses
Subscription eLearning courses have become a popular product to sell online because of their low startup cost and ability to be sold over and over.[11]Globe Newswire. “Global Massive Open Online Course Market (2021 to 2026) – by Technology, Course Type, Provider Type and Subscription Model“. Accessed April 8, 2022. The potential upside to this product idea is exponential. The only major investment being the time it takes to create the eLearning course.
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11. Hair scrunchies
Due to the fickleness of trends, fashion and beauty product ideas can be difficult to invest in. That said, hair scrunchies are still a viable product to sell in 2024. Their “comeback” year was 2020, during which Pinterest reported scrunchies were their top-ranking beauty trend outranking all others by over 6,309 percent.[12]Refinery29. “Proof That Scrunchies Are Back In A Big Way For Fall 2020“. Accessed April 8, 2022. Because of the product’s low cost, scrunchies remain a genius product to sell, even if the trend loses some of its incredible popularity in the coming years.
12. Home office solutions
United States office occupancy rose in August 2021 from 33 percent to 40 percent, still leaving a majority of office employees working remotely.[13]The New York Times. “The End of a Return-to-Office Date“. Accessed April 8, 2022. Recently, Apple, Ford, CNN, Google, and other major companies postponed their return-to-office dates. Lyft now says the earliest employees will be required to return to the office is sometime in 2024.
This means, for many, another possible year of working remotely, as well as a workforce that may never fully return to the previous in-office levels. What might be bad news for commercial real estate developers can be good news to you, as at-home office product ideas remain popular. This includes wifi repeaters and range extenders, seat cushions, office chairs, standing desks, and lumbar pillows.
13. IoT devices
The phrase “Internet of Things” (IoT) describes objects that have sensors, software, and technologies that connect with other devices or systems over the Internet. These products include smartphones, smart refrigerators, smartwatches, smart cars, smart security sensors, smart light bulbs. A good rule of thumb is that if it begins with“smart,” it’s likely an IoT device.
As technology evolves, more and more products will be turned into IoT devices, thus creating an ever-expanding selection of product ideas to sell. The drawback of these products, of course, is that they may not be within your business’ budget.
14. Jewelry
80 percent of consumers are more likely to purchase from a business providing personalization.[14]Yieldify. “Personalization Technology: Landscape & Trends for 2021“. Accessed April 8, 2022. This decade-long trend, showing no sign of slowing down, has revitalized the jewelry market. Now items as personal as jewelry can be even more personal through customization. The marketplace on Etsy, especially, allows consumers to shop for personalized jewelry from sellers big and small.
In particular, jewelry is an especially popular product idea for eCommerce businesses because they’re lightweight, easy to ship, and in-demand all year. Though, it’s important to guard against fraud in your eCommerce business when selling expensive, high-end jewelry.
15. Pandemic-related items with longevity
The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the markets in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, toilet paper, sanitizer, and face masks were the most sought-after products for consumers. The demand for such products has since dwindled back to pre-pandemic levels. However, there are some product ideas to which the pandemic brought attention that remain popular. These include infrared thermometers, smart soap dispensers, board games, and puzzles. Even pulse oximeters remain popular, as they’ve been repurposed for use by healthy individuals to monitor their bodies.
16. Reusable water bottles
The increasing concern for the condition of the environment has expanded the demand for reusable water bottles.[15]Grand View Research. “Reusable Water Bottle Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material Type (Glass, Plastic, Stainless Steel), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2030“. Accessed April 8, 2022. Reports indicate that younger generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, are significantly more concerned about sustainability than older generations.[16]Science Daily. “Millennials and Generation Z are more sustainability-orientated — even when it comes to money, researchers find“. Accessed April 8, 2022. This means the trend toward sustainable products, reusable water bottles included, is likely here to stay.
What makes this product idea great is that reusable water bottles can be sold by any business to further define their brand through shape, logo, coloring, or other water bottle design options. Essentially, it’s environmentally-friendly marketing.
17. SaaS
If you have a talent for coding and a problem to solve, SaaS (Software as a Service) may be a perfect product idea for you to sell. SaaS products are created all the time to solve problems for both consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B).
The key to success in building a SaaS product is to keep an open dialogue with your target end-users through development, as well as keeping the lines of communication open by offering tech support services. This way, you ensure your end-product really solves their problems.
18. Sex toys
Due to recent societal shifts regarding sexuality, sex toys are no longer as taboo as they once were. As a result of sex toys’ step toward the mainstream, selling sex toys is becoming an increasingly lucrative industry with a trove of product ideas to sell.
There’s also been a recent rethinking of sexuality as an avenue through which to perform self-care and achieve wellness. Thus, the wellness trend has also helped sex toys grow in popularity.
With a new wave of “sex tech” (sex toys with a technological angle, falling into the category of IoT), this market seems poised to evolve and further expand, all while becoming more mainstream. Sex toys make for excellent.
19. Shapewear
Shapewear has been on the rise for some time. In particular, 2018 saw a 143 percent surge in shapewear line debuts.[17]Grand View Research. “Shapewear Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End User (Male, Female), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 – 2028“. Accessed April 8, 2022. Then, in 2019, Kim Kardashian launched her shapewear company Skims.
It’s important to note that continued growth in this sector will reflect changing cultural notions. It’s no longer about shapewear as a product to change a woman’s body for external approval. (Women comprise 94 percent of this market.) Instead, the future of shapewear will focus on inclusivity and body positivity.
Athleisure is a similar product idea expected to see significant growth in the coming years. With more people working remotely, dressing for the office has been replaced with dressing for comfort.
20. Smart lighting
The smart lighting market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20.4 percent between 2021 to 2028.[18]Grand View Research. “Smart Lighting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component, By Connectivity (Wired, Wireless), By Application (Indoor, Outdoor), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 – 2028“. Accessed April 8, 2022. As an IoT device, smart lighting product ideas earned their own place on this list due to this incredible expected growth rate.
For consumers wanting to upgrade products to the “smart” version of a product, a smart refrigerator or smart car may not be in their budget. However, a smart bulb is much more budget-friendly. Additionally, smart lighting can revolutionize a space through dimming and coloring options, all while gifting consumers the ability to turn off a light from the comfort of their bed.
As IoT devices sweep the marketplace, more affordable entry points are great products to sell, as they’re more likely to fit within your and your consumer’s budgets.
21. Skincare products
By some estimates, the average American spends $322.88 on skincare per year.[19]Fox Business. “Americans will spend $15G on lifetime skincare, this cosmetics retailer claims“. Accessed April 8, 2022. This adds up to $15,000 spent during what is considered the “skincare shopping years” of one’s life. As a merchant, if you’re considering product ideas that will compete for a piece of that $15,000, enter the skincare market. However, this industry is trickier to break into than others on this list due to the need for various licenses and safety tests. That said, it may be a more attractive business option for the right entrepreneur due to those higher barriers to entry.
22. Subscription boxes
Subscription boxes are uniquely attractive product ideas to sell due to the subscription’s recurring payment. In landing a customer, you land a repeat customer for as long as they subscribe.
Specifically, food delivery kits have soared in popularity as consumers have become more health-conscious. If you have a knack for creating recipes and a passion for making people’s lives easier, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. There are a variety of potential spins you can put on the business model, allowing you to create a service that’s true to you.
Meanwhile, entire business empires have been built on themed subscription boxes, from beauty products to cocktail ingredients to socks of the month. Can you come up with a new one or improve on an existing one?
Closing Thoughts on New Product Ideas
Now that you understand how to find a product to sell online and have 22 ideas for products poised to be popular throughout 2024, you’re better equipped to handle the ever-changing market.
With these new product ideas and tools to evaluate them, you can brainstorm, launch, and start accepting payments for your eCommerce business. Remember it’s not always about what you sell, it’s about how you sell it.
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