What Should You Sell Online? 7 Popular Product Types to Consider

Whether you’re just starting an ecommerce business or looking to grow an existing one, one of the first and most important questions to answer is: what should you sell online? With millions of products available across dozens of platforms, choosing the right type of product can feel overwhelming. But making a smart product decision early can help you build momentum, reach your target audience, and avoid costly mistakes.

This guide outlines seven proven product types that perform well in ecommerce. We also cover what makes them successful, who they’re right for, and how to determine which is best for your goals. If you’re wondering what you should sell online, this is the perfect place to start.

Why Product Type Matters in Ecommerce

The product you choose will affect nearly every part of your business—from your pricing strategy to your marketing and fulfillment. Some products are more profitable than others. Some are easier to source or ship. And some naturally lend themselves to repeat customers or viral attention. If you’re hoping to build a store that scales, your product selection will play a major role in your long-term success.

1. Evergreen Consumer Goods

Evergreen products are everyday items with year-round demand. These include essentials like kitchen tools, home organization supplies, and wellness products. They aren’t flashy, but they offer predictable sales and a wide audience.

• Examples: Reusable water bottles, planners, desk organizers
• Best For: Sellers who want stable demand and easy product sourcing
• Considerations: Focus on quality, differentiation, and branding

2. Hobby and Niche Products

Niche products serve a specific audience with a shared interest or identity. Think gamers, knitters, pet lovers, or DIY home improvement fans. These shoppers are often passionate and willing to pay more for personalized or hard-to-find items.

• Examples: Dice sets for tabletop games, dog bandanas, watercolor supplies
• Best For: Sellers with deep knowledge of a hobby or community
• Considerations: Understand the language and culture of the niche to build trust

3. Trending or Viral Products

Some sellers thrive on spotting trends early and capitalizing on temporary demand. These products often go viral on social media and can generate quick sales—but they don’t always last.

• Examples: Fidget toys, heatless curling rods, viral skincare tools
• Best For: Sellers who move fast and have flexible inventory models
• Considerations: Trends fade quickly, so timing is everything

4. Subscription or Replenishable Products

Products that customers need to reorder regularly offer built-in potential for recurring revenue. This makes them especially attractive for long-term growth and retention marketing.

• Examples: Coffee beans, skincare, supplements, pet treats
• Best For: Sellers focused on building a loyal customer base
• Considerations: Offer a seamless subscription experience and great customer service

5. Personalized or Handmade Goods

Customization adds perceived value and helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace. Whether you’re crafting items yourself or using a print-on-demand service, these products feel special to the buyer.

• Examples: Engraved jewelry, custom T-shirts, monogrammed gifts
• Best For: Creators, makers, and artists who want creative control
• Considerations: Personalized products may require more lead time

6. Digital Products

If you prefer not to deal with inventory or shipping, digital products are a great option. They’re easy to deliver, often have high profit margins, and can be sold around the clock with minimal overhead.

• Examples: Printable planners, online courses, digital art files
• Best For: Designers, educators, or service providers
• Considerations: Require upfront content creation and protection from piracy

7. High-Ticket Products

These are items with higher price points (typically $200 or more) that yield more profit per sale. They require trust, a longer sales process, and often more robust product pages.

• Examples: Furniture, outdoor gear, specialty electronics
• Best For: Sellers with advanced marketing skills and great photos or demos
• Considerations: Expect higher returns and increased support needs

How to Decide What You Should Sell Online

There’s no single answer to the question “what should you sell online?” Instead, use the following checklist to evaluate potential product ideas:

• Is there existing demand?
• Can I make a profit after all costs?
• Is it legal and compliant?
• Is it available to ship or produce reliably?
• Is there a clear angle or value proposition?

Even better, validate your idea with a waitlist, survey, or test listing before you commit to inventory or design.

Combining Product Types

Many successful stores sell a mix of products. For example, you could offer:

• Evergreen staples + trending seasonal add-ons
• Physical products + digital upsells
• Handmade items + subscription refills

Combining product types can diversify your income and attract a wider range of customers.

What Should You Sell Online as a Beginner?

If you’re just getting started, pick a product type with low startup costs, minimal tech requirements, and an audience you understand. Avoid jumping into high-ticket items or fragile products without experience. Look for something that matches your strengths, interests, and available time.

Conclusion

The question of what should you sell online has many answers—but the right answer for you will depend on your goals, skills, and resources. Whether you’re drawn to handmade goods, digital products, trending gadgets, or everyday essentials, the key is to understand your audience and offer something that solves a problem or adds joy.

Need help choosing the right ecommerce model for your product idea? Check out our guide to Dropshipping vs Private Label vs Handmade or learn how to validate your product idea before launch.