Where, How, and What to sell online

Online business and choosing a niche
April 22, 2024
6 Minutes

Content

Brief Summary

What to sell online — this is a question not only about the product, but about the correct connection between demand, sales platform, target customer, and your production capabilities.

This article explains which products are worth considering for online sales, how to test demand in the West, which marketplaces are suitable for sellers from Ukraine, and how to organize a home online business without unnecessary mistakes.

Who This Article Is For

  • For those who want to start selling online from scratch.
  • For handmade artisans and producers planning to sell in the West.
  • For entrepreneurs seeking a niche for a home online business.

Article summary

Main idea: successfully selling online not just anything, but products that are in demand on a specific market, match your resources, and can be properly presented through the relevant marketplace or store.

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What to consider before starting online sales

Question What the article recommends Practical benefits
Where to sell Choose Western marketplaces and stores with the appropriate audience Greater chance of finding a solvent buyer
What to sell Focus on products with demand in the West Less risk of choosing a weak niche
How to test demand Use marketplace tools, Google Trends, and Google Keyword Planner Better understanding of actual interest in the product
How to start production Start with a niche where you are strong and can make a competitive product Higher likelihood of a stable start
What to think through before launch Cost, delivery, photos, feedback, returns, and scaling Fewer critical mistakes at the start

Best platforms for selling online

As mentioned earlier, the best platforms for selling your products are those marketplaces visited by customers from Western countries. Each of these marketplaces has its own differences and features.

Here are the most well-known platforms:

Ebay – the oldest auction site where everything is sold – from vintage items to modern phones. Open to sellers from Ukraine.

Etsy – the largest marketplace for selling handmade products. Open to sellers from Ukraine.

Shopify – the best builder for online stores. Free basic plan for residents of Ukraine, payment acceptance possible through connection to Western Bid platform.

Facebook Marketplace – your own store for promoting products on Facebook. Payment acceptance possible for residents of Ukraine through connection to Western Bid platform.

Amazon – a global marketplace where you can trade from Ukraine.

Faire – wholesale marketplace for handmade products. Sales can be started by registering your American company with Western Bid.

How to choose what to sell online: a quick checklist

  1. Choose a niche in which you are truly strong or have access to production.
  2. Check the demand on a specific Western marketplace or in Google Trends.
  3. Assess the competition in the niche and how your product differs.
  4. Calculate the cost price, selling price, and shipping costs.
  5. Prepare quality photos and basic promotional materials.
  6. Plan your communication with buyers, returns, and support.
  7. Immediately define a development and sales scaling plan.

What can be made at home and sold online from Ukraine

Here is a very short list of product categories that traditionally sell well in the West:

  1. Natural cosmetics, body care products.
  2. Decorative candles and incense sticks in various colors, sizes, and compositions.
  3. Knitted products (clothing and accessories).
  4. Ceramic dishware for food or decor.
  5. Handmade jewelry (bijouterie).
  6. Leather accessories and dog collars.
  7. Interior items made of wood or metal.
  8. Souvenir toys and dolls, and clothing for dolls.
  9. Souvenirs and gifts with a Ukrainian war theme.
  10. Eco-friendly products (linen or woven bags, backpacks, etc.).

Organization of home production and online business

Here is a short checklist for those who have decided to sell their own products:

  • Choose a niche in which you are strong and can produce competitive goods.
  • Study demand, analyze competition in this niche.
  • Optimize production costs, calculate the final price of the product, and determine shipping costs.
  • Create attractive promotional materials and photographs of your product.
  • Plan communication with potential buyers and feedback. Consider return processing from buyers if necessary.
  • Develop a growth and scaling plan for your sales.

Remember, selling homemade products online is always profitable because you have many competitive advantages:

  1. Low costs for organizing production.
  2. Flexible schedule and lower transportation expenses.
  3. Direct contact with buyers online.
  4. The ability to choose your own growth speed and plans.

Key takeaway

Successfully selling online is easier when you’re not just creating a product but also immediately testing demand, choosing the right platform, and calculating the sales economics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most profitable product to sell online?

The article explicitly states that the most profitable products to sell are those in demand in the Western market. That is, you should focus not only on what you can do but also on what people are actually buying.

The author recommends Western marketplaces and auctions. The article mentions eBay, Etsy, Shopify, Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, and Faire as the main platforms.

Yes. The material directly emphasizes that handmade products can sell well if they meet Western demand and are properly presented on the appropriate platform.

The author advises to work on the niche, demand, competition, cost price, shipping cost, advertising materials, communication with the buyer, returns, and scaling plan.

The article lists among the advantages low costs of organizing production, flexible schedules, direct contact with buyers, and the ability to choose the pace of business growth.

What to do next

If you have already chosen a niche or are just looking for an idea to sell online, the next step is to check demand, calculate shipping, prepare product photos, and choose the right platform to start.

Contact the Western Bid team if you need assistance with selecting a platform, international shipping, payment processing, or launching sales in Western markets.

Засновник, власник і генеральний директор Western Bid, провідної платформи в галузі e-commerce в Україні з 2001 року.

✓ For those who want to start selling online from scratch.

✓ For handmade masters and producers planning to sell Westward.

✓ For entrepreneurs looking for a niche for a home online business.

✓ практичні рекомендації по запуску доставки

Learn about the 5 main barriers — based on 25 years of Western Bid’s experience in working with international e-commerce.



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