How to Find Products to Sell on Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Product Research: The Foundation
3. Strategies to Find Products to Sell
4. Methods for Sourcing Products
5. Validating Your Product Ideas
6. Connecting with Reliable Suppliers
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Introduction

Imagine this: You've decided to launch an online store on Shopify, equipped with tons of enthusiasm but no clear idea of what to sell. It's a common predicament that many budding entrepreneurs face. But worry not! There's a structured process to uncovering the perfect products that can set your Shopify store apart and drive sales. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective strategies and methods to find products worth selling on Shopify, helping you to kickstart your eCommerce journey successfully.

By the end of this article, you will have clearly understood how to research market trends, pinpoint product niches, validate your ideas, and connect with reliable suppliers. All of this while ensuring your store caters to an audience ready and eager to buy.

Product Research: The Foundation

What is Product Research?

Product research involves gathering and analyzing market data to determine consumer needs, preferences, and purchasing behavior. This process helps to identify viable products that could generate substantial sales. It's not just for newcomers; even established businesses must continually engage in product research to stay competitive.

Why Product Research Matters

Understanding your target market through product research has several benefits:

• Avoids Oversaturation: Helps identify gaps in the market and avoid areas where there's too much competition.
• Predicts Trends: Catching onto consumer trends early can put you ahead of the curve.
• Ensures Demand: Selling a product with high demand decreases the risk of slow inventory turnover.
• Leads to Innovation: Recognizing consumer pain points can lead to product improvements or entirely new products.

Strategies to Find Products to Sell

Solving a Pain Point

Products that address specific problems often enjoy higher demand. Look for common frustrations people express about existing products. Review sites, forums, and social media platforms like Reddit and Quora are excellent resources to uncover pain points.

Spotting Trends

Identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends can catapult your store to success. Tools like Google Trends, Pinterest Trends, and social media analytics can help you spot rising interest in particular products or categories.

Niche Interests

Tapping into niche markets, where people are highly passionate about their hobbies or lifestyle choices, can be incredibly lucrative. For instance, products targeted at enthusiasts, hobbyists, or specific subcultures can garner a loyal customer base willing to spend more.

Underserved Markets

Focus on demographics or interests that are often overlooked by mainstream brands. This could be anything from eco-friendly products to items catering to specific age groups or communities, such as LGBTQ+ or differently-abled individuals.

Professional Experience and Personal Passion

Leverage your own expertise or hobbies. Selling products you are knowledgeable about not only makes marketing easier but also instills confidence in your audience.

Keyword Research

SEO tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can reveal which products people are actively searching for online. Look for high search volumes with low competition to identify potential products.

Social Media and Online Marketplaces

Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Amazon, and Etsy are goldmines for discovering product trends and understanding consumer preferences. Joining relevant groups or following hashtags can provide insights and inspiration.

Methods for Sourcing Products

Wholesalers

Purchasing through wholesalers allows you to buy large quantities at lower per-unit costs. This method suits businesses ready to invest in maintaining an inventory. Popular wholesale directories include Alibaba, SaleHoo, and Wholesale Central.

Dropshipping

This model lets you sell products without holding inventory. Instead, your supplier ships products directly to your customers. Tools like Oberlo (now integrated with DSers) and Spocket provide seamless dropshipping integrations with Shopify.

Print-on-Demand

Customizing products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters can set your store apart. Printful and Printify are popular platforms that print and ship products only after an order is placed.

White Label and Private Label

White label products are pre-made items that you can rebrand as your own. Private label involves creating custom specifications for a product that is then produced and branded uniquely for your store.

Trade Shows and Local Artisans

Attending industry trade shows can help you discover unique products and foster relationships with suppliers. Collaborating with local artisans can also infuse authenticity and originality into your product line.

Validating Your Product Ideas

Market Demand

Use Google Trends and other analytic tools to ensure there’s sufficient interest in your product over time. High search volume and consistent trends are indicators of strong demand.

Competitive Analysis

Analyze competitors by checking their reviews, product features, pricing, and overall customer feedback. Tools like SimilarWeb and Ahrefs can give you a comprehensive view of their traffic sources and top-performing products.

Crowdfunding Platforms

Platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo can provide insights into what new product ideas people are willing to fund. Observing successfully funded projects can spark inspiration and validation for your ideas.

Pre-Orders and Surveys

Gauge interest through pre-orders or customer surveys. Offering early bird discounts on pre-orders or deploying targeted surveys to your audience can validate whether people are willing to buy your product.

Connecting with Reliable Suppliers

Vetting Suppliers

Ensure suppliers are credible by checking reviews, asking for references, and verifying their business licenses. Request samples before making bulk purchases to assess product quality.

Building Relationships

Forming strong supplier relationships can secure better pricing, priority service, and flexible payment terms. Transparent communication and reliability are key to long-term partnerships.

Local vs. International Suppliers

Local suppliers generally offer faster shipping and easier communication. However, international suppliers, especially from manufacturing hubs like China and India, can provide cost advantages. Balance both to mitigate risks and optimize costs.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect products to sell on Shopify involves diligent research, keen observation, and strategic sourcing. By addressing consumer pain points, leveraging your passions, capitalizing on trends, and validating product ideas, you can build a store with high-demand products that resonate with your target audience.

Remember, eCommerce success isn't just about what you sell, but how well you cater to what customers need and desire. Armed with this guide, you are well on your way to creating a successful and profitable Shopify store.

FAQ

How can I find products to sell online?

You can find products by solving customer pain points, following emerging trends, exploring niche markets, leveraging your professional experience, and conducting keyword research.

Which product category is in high demand?

High-demand categories frequently include beauty, personal care, wellness, tech accessories, and athleisure. However, trends shift, so staying updated via tools like Google Trends is essential.

What is a profitable product to sell?

A profitable product typically has high margins, low competition, and meets a specific consumer need. Examples include custom-made items, niche market products, and high-demand seasonal goods.

How can I validate my product idea?

Validate your product by analyzing market demand using tools like Google Trends, conducting competitive analysis, gauging interest through pre-orders and surveys, and monitoring crowdfunding platforms for consumer interest.

What are some sources for connecting with suppliers?

Sources include wholesale directories like Alibaba, dropshipping platforms like DSers and Spocket, print-on-demand services like Printful, attending trade shows, and collaborating with local artisans.

By synthesizing these strategies and leveraging the available resources, your journey to finding and selling profitable products on Shopify will be both a rewarding and successful venture. Happy selling!