15 Dropshipping Niches to Try and 5 to Avoid

15 Dropshipping Niches to Try and 5 to Avoid

Every new dropshipping business faces an important decision about what to sell online. Choose the perfect dropshipping niche that stands out from the crowd, and your sales will boom. If you pick a product with tons of competition, sales might flop or never take off.

eCommerce is one of the best and easiest ways to make money today. To succeed in this industry, you need to start with a good plan – the center of that being the right dropshipping niche.

Our first tip is to look for unsaturated emerging markets with high consumer demand. In these sweet spots, you’ll find:

  • Eager buyers.
  • An opportunity to set your own prices.
  • The advantage of becoming a market expert.

How to Find Profitable Dropshipping Niches

Identifying the most popular dropshipping niches and products in today’s fast-paced market requires solid research. Save time and money by using market research and tools like Google Trends to monitor consumer interests. 

Focus on consistently relevant products and utilize these four simple resources to pinpoint a lucrative niche. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each one.

Social Media

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Your phone is the most convenient place to start market research. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok are the hub of modern trends. They’re great for reaching almost all age groups. 

Browse the Discover sections and hashtags to see what’s trending and what products people are eager to get their hands on. Filter them by location and topic to get more precise results.

You’ll likely find competitors who target the same or similar customer segments. Check what they’re offering, learn about their wins and failures, and find ways to sell products with more added value for your target customer.

Pros:

Cons:

Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs

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Online tools like Google Keywords Planner and Ahrefs are great for search engine optimization and traffic improvement. They can also help you identify popular trends, their longevity, and understand if there’s a high demand for a product niche.

These tools show how many people search for particular words and phrases and how their interest has changed over a month. 

For example, you’ve brainstormed a few potentially promising dropshipping niches. A simple keyword analysis can help you clarify if people are interested in buying products from these categories and if the market is saturated.

Google Keywords Planner pros:

Google Keywords Planner cons:

Marketplaces

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It’s always a good practice to investigate what your competitors are up to. Since online marketplaces like Amazon can rank more than two billion users per month, they’re an excellent indicator of consumer trends.

Browse categories and see which products drive the top search interest. See if they’re suitable for your dropshipping business and if you can add value to the market. 

You also have easy access to customer reviews. See what satisfies them, what they would like improved, and if they’re happy with the product’s price.

Pros:

Cons:

Google Trends

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This easy-to-use tool will let you quickly identify trends and see how their popularity changes over time. This way, you can evaluate the potential of a dropshipping niche.

Google Trends’ reports are free for everyone. Find search volumes for specific words and phrases and filter them by the timeframe and location relevant to you. See what people are excited about and pinpoint a gap in the market that your dropshipping business can fill.

If you’re out of ideas, click the Trending Searches section for daily and real-time trends – and continue this blog for the 15 most profitable dropshipping niches.

Pros:

Cons:

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15 Best Dropshipping Niches for Beginners

You’ve just taken a crucial step towards skyrocketing your online business – great work! Now, we’ll list 15 hot dropshipping product ideas and categories that are sure to set your sales on fire. We’ve also highlighted the five risky ones you should avoid. Remember, finding the right fit for your customers is key.

1. Pet Supplies

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Pet owners love to spoil their furry friends, and there’s a huge market for it. Some popular products include custom pet portraits, collars, food bowls, and pet clothing. In 2022, Americans spent $136.8b on their beloved pets. 

To succeed in dropshipping, find a specific niche and provide value to breed-specific communities.

2. Eco-Friendly Products

Sustainable products are a top-performing dropshipping niche, with 78% of consumers in the United States prioritizing eco-friendliness. They seek products with sustainable packaging, traceable origin, and biodegradable materials. 

To stay ahead in dropshipping, it’s important to know what’s hot. Dropshipping allows you to easily offer eco-friendly goods that appeal to eco-conscious potential buyers.

3. Baby Products

Parents always want the best for their little ones, and when they find a product that works, they’ll come back for more and recommend it to others. 

Baby products like toys, baby clothes, and accessories maintain steady demand, peaking around the winter holidays. In 2023, the projected revenue for the baby products segment was $88.84b.

4. Fitness and Sports Products

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The pandemic has led to a surge in people adopting healthier lifestyles, with four in five Americans now owning home exercise equipment. 

Looking to get into dropshipping? You can’t go wrong with fitness gear. Custom yoga mats, sportswear, resistance bands, and gym bags are all popular items. Don’t forget about traditional sporting goods – basketball, hockey, and golf fans are always looking to upgrade their equipment.

5. Beauty Products

Did you know the beauty industry is projected to reach a massive $558.12b by 2026? With an annual growth rate of 4.82%, it’s an exciting opportunity for dropshippers. 

The most popular products include hot air brushes, razors, makeup remover wipes, blending sponges, and magnetic lashes. Also, keep in mind the growing demand for eco-friendly goods. 

To stay on top of the latest affiliate marketing trends, consider partnering with influencers to boost your sales and brand recognition.

6. Home Decor

The home decor market was set to hit $126b in the US in 2023, making it a prime dropshipping niche. Choose a style – minimalist, art deco, industrial – and focus on specific products like canvases, curtains, ceramics, candles, or bedding to add to your online store. 

Stay on-trend by following top lifestyle and interior design pages and influencers on Pinterest and Instagram.

7. Clothing

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Apparel is a competitive but versatile dropshipping niche. Think beyond fashion and consider categories like industrial workwear, sports apparel, medical scrubs, and sustainable clothing to start a successful dropshipping business. 

Those wanting to enter the fashion industry – expected to hit over $1.1b by the end of 2027 – have tough competition. Profits are achievable with a focused niche and the right business strategy.

8. Health and Personal Care

Health and personal care products like baby planning, haircare, dental care, nutrition, and medical supplies are popular dropshipping items. 

Expect even more growth in the global consumer healthcare market, predicted to reach $781.5b by 2030. For inspiration, check out top-selling products on Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify dropshipping stores.

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9. Gaming Accessories

Gaming is a very profitable niche, with around 3.22 billion gamers worldwide by the end of 2023. 

eSports, or online gaming championships, bring in as many as 5.41 million peak viewers. Sell gamer merch with your designs, like high-definition headsets, mice, custom keyboards, headset straps, microphones, and streaming packs.

10. Jewelry

Jewelry is a timeless, highly customizable category worth around $270b in 2022 – a goldmine for dropshippers. 

Its small, lightweight packaging means fewer returns than clothing. It’s often a sentimental purchase, especially around holidays – so promote special offers for occasions like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Popular items include custom necklaces, earring sets, and personalized jewelry boxes.

11. Mobile Phone Accessories

As long as technology advances, phone accessories will remain in high demand. Charging cables break, screens need protection, and connection ports often change. Phone cases, charging cables, power banks, ring lights, and screen protectors are forever in high demand. 

To succeed, offer high-quality, durable accessories with accurate descriptions to avoid bad reviews and returns.

12. Home Office Accessories

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According to projections, there’ll be a significant increase in the hybrid work model. The percentage of organizations implementing it should rise from 42% in 2021 to 81% in 2024

So, home office accessories are still in high demand. People crave comfortable and stylish backgrounds, mouse pads, and organizers. Other popular items include notepads, footrests, and laptop stands.

13. Kitchen Tools

Food is love, and cooking with high-quality tools makes it even better. Your dropshipping business can provide home chefs worldwide with pleasurable cooking experiences. 

Popular items include electronic scales, can openers, and dish towels. Explore niches like baking, grilling, and confectionery. Stay on top of trends with search analytics tools and dominate the best-selling kitchen utensils and gadgets category on Amazon or other marketplaces.

14. Car Accessories

Get your motor running and start your dropshipping engine with car parts and accessories. With a vast network of manufacturers to handle storage and shipping, you can focus on selling popular products like car seat gap fillers, pet seat covers, and holders for cups or phones.  

In 2022, the car accessories market hit the $520b mark, so buckle up and get ready to ride the wave of success.

15. Hobby Items

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Engage with your interests and passions. People will spend time and money on things that bring them happiness. Dig deep into the top 5 hobbies and interests in the US, including music, food, reading, pets, and video games, to find a profitable dropshipping niche.

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5 Dropshipping Niches To Avoid

Entering certain niches in dropshipping can be risky. To maintain smooth processes, focus on straightforward products. Returns, shipping issues, market saturation, and quality control can disrupt your operations. 

Try to narrow your product range by targeting a specific customer segment by filtering age, gender, location, and interests. Avoid the high-risk categories we’ll cover, especially when starting out.

1. Furniture

Large furniture items may seem profitable for dropshipping, but their size results in higher shipping rates, packaging costs, and potential returns. Consider import taxes and offer an acceptable price to avoid hurting profits. Stick to versatile home decor and office improvement categories to minimize risk.

2. Fragile Items

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Shipping delicate items like glass decor, watches, wine glasses, and electronics can be a nightmare for dropshippers. They’re fragile and expensive, and longer shipping times can increase the risk of damage. Consider sturdier, less expensive locally manufactured goods and eco-friendly packaging to protect fragile items.

3. Basic Clothing and Apparel

The basic apparel industry is highly competitive, with top players running the market. Before you start dropshipping products, construct a carefully thought-out strategy with a unique selling proposition. 

Consider the subcategories mentioned earlier. People love being a part of a movement and are looking for like-minded brands they can support. Think about values you can share with your ideal customers and build your brand around them.

4. Electronics

Electronics fall under the high return and refund category, coming in fifth in the US. Test your products before selling and check for manufacturing errors to avoid bad reviews. Read other eCommerce company reviews of the manufacturer to make a more informed decision.

5. Cosmetics

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Cosmetics are risky for dropshipping businesses as they are applied directly to the skin, and a bad reaction can damage your online store’s reputation. 

The cosmetics market is also highly saturated, requiring substantial capital and a powerful marketing strategy to compete. Offering lower prices may compromise product quality and package durability.

How to Analyze Dropshipping Niches for Competition and Profitability

When choosing a dropshipping niche, it’s essential to consider the level of competition and profit potential. Conducting thorough research can help you find a high-demand, less saturated niche. These tips will help you make informed decisions.

Research Potential Traffic Sources

Check the keywords related to your dropshipping niche and analyze their search volume, competition, and type – such as transactional, informational, or navigational. 

By categorizing keywords and analyzing their potential to drive traffic and sales, you’ll better understand the market demand for your products and how to position them effectively. This research can also help you identify gaps in the market and potential sub-niches to target.

Study the Search Engine Results Page

Use SERP analysis tools to get an in-depth look at your competitor’s backlink profiles, keyword rankings, and search visibility. This information can help you optimize your content and business strategy to outperform the competition and attract more potential customers to your site.

Pro tip

To identify the best dropshipping niches, it's essential to analyze lower-volume search queries, which can reveal untapped markets and less competitive opportunities

Analyze Competitor Websites

Visit your competitors’ websites and analyze their product offerings, pricing, shipping policies, and customer reviews. Look for gaps in their product selection and opportunities to offer better value to your customers.

Check What Sells Well

Analyze the most profitable dropshipping products and categories in your dropshipping niche on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. 

Look for opportunities to offer unique products or differentiate yourself from competitors by offering complementary products, customized packaging, or exceptional customer service.

Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition

Determine the USPs that set you apart from your competitors. It could be your product quality, pricing, shipping speed, customer service, or brand identity. Use your USP as a key selling point in marketing campaigns.

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Dropshipping Tips for Online Merchants

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Dropshipping can be profitable, but success requires strategic planning and execution. We’ve listed five easy-to-follow tips to bring your dropshipping store closer to success.

  1. Define your target audience.

Knowing your ideal customer is crucial for dropshipping success. Conduct market research to understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. This will help you tailor your product offerings, marketing messages, and customer service to their specific needs.

  1. Check product samples.

Don’t blindly trust your manufacturer’s product descriptions and images. Order a few product samples to test their quality, durability, and packaging. This will help you avoid negative customer reviews and returns.

  1. Price products correctly.

Pricing is a delicate balance in dropshipping. You want to offer competitive prices that attract customers, but you must also factor in costs, shipping fees, and profit margins. 

Use a pricing formula that considers all these variables, and price a product accordingly as your business grows.

  1. Marketing and SEO.

Dropshipping is crowded, so you must stand out from the competition. Invest in a strong marketing strategy that includes social media, email marketing, paid ads, and SEO. 

Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and backlinks to improve your website’s visibility and increase organic traffic.

  1. Offer great customer service.

Customer service can make or break your dropshipping business. Ensure you have responsive and knowledgeable customer support that can promptly and professionally handle inquiries, complaints, and returns. 

Offer free shipping, easy returns, and other incentives that show customers that you value their business.

Dropshipping Niches FAQ

The right niche for a profitable eCommerce business is one you have knowledge and passion about. Explore niche markets with high demand, low competition, and the potential for a healthy profit margin. We also have a great article that covers dropshipping business ideas.

To find the best dropshipping niche for you:

  • Look for a problem that people have and offer a solution through your product.
  • Use online tools to research market trends, popular products, and competitors.
  • Consider your interests, expertise, and personal experiences.

The most profitable item to dropship depends on various factors, including the niche, item quality, pricing, marketing, and customer service. 

Some niches like electronics, fashion, health, and beauty are more risky as shipping issues,  returns, market saturation, and quality control can disrupt your operations.

Dropshipping is not 100% profitable. Like any business, it has risks and challenges, such as low-profit margins, shipping delays, quality issues, and market saturation. However, with careful research, the right business model, planning, and execution, you can run a profitable store that’s dropshipping products.

To Sum Up

Opening an eCommerce store and dropshipping is one of the easiest ways to make money online, though you must consider a few crucial factors before starting:

  • Take time to research niche ideas and what products are currently trending with the mentioned tools and resources.
  • Check top-selling items in your niche by major companies and smaller businesses and consider the added value you can provide customers.
  • Look for a gap to fill in the market with high customer demand.

Make sure your products:

  • Cater to a very particular consumer segment.
  • Have high demand in an unsaturated market.
  • Are high-quality and made by trusted manufacturers.
  • Have a low return rate from customers.

Avoid products that are:

  • Fragile.
  • Highly competitive.
  • Expensive to ship from abroad.
  • Likely to be returned.

Look for ways to provide more value than your competitors and find a specific market excited to buy your products. When customers feel individually recognized, you can create personal, long-term connections in ways you couldn’t achieve in a saturated market.

We work closely with the world’s leading Print Providers to offer over 900 high-quality products you can customize and include in your dropshipping store. Use our Product Creator (previously known as Mockup Generator) to add your unique designs to products in any of these 15 categories.

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5 comments

  1. errtert
    January 29

    bro thanks. very informative keep up

  2. Darin
    October 31

    This actually helped ..Thank You

    1. Florence Kingsley
      November 1

      Hi there Darin,
      We are happy to hear that!

  3. Richard
    September 17

    Thank you. This was very informative

    1. Martha Simmons
      September 19

      Hi Richard,
      Glad you enjoyed it!

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