15 Dropshipping Niches to Try and 5 to Avoid

15 Dropshipping Niches to Try and 5 to Avoid

Launching a dropshipping business is exciting, but product selection can be daunting. Choosing the right dropshipping niche isn’t just about individual items – it’s about establishing yourself within a specific market.

This guide equips you with everything you need to find winning dropshipping niches in 2024, including those to avoid. Let’s dive into trending products and uncover profitable dropshipping opportunities together.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

How to Find Profitable Dropshipping Niches

Identifying good niches for dropshipping in today’s fast-paced market requires solid research. 

Monitor market trends and consumer interests, focusing on consistently relevant products using these four simple resources to pinpoint a lucrative niche. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each one.

Social Media

A phone with three application icons on.

Your phone is the most convenient place to start market research. Social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok are hubs for current trends, and they’re great for researching 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
  • Shows current trends.
  • Features category filters.
  • Ability to filter by location.
  • No export options.
  • You can't view search volumes.

Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs

A person sitting in front of a laptop with Google turned on.

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, once you’ve brainstormed a few promising dropshipping niches, a simple keyword analysis can help clarify if people are interested in buying these products. Plus, these tools can check for market saturation.

Pros Cons
Google Keyword Planner:
  • Free to use.
Both:
  • Show search volumes.
  • Ability to search multiple keywords at once.
  • Provides keyword suggestions.
Google Keyword Planner:
  • You can't filter search results by device usage type.
  • Requires a Google account to use it.
Ahrefs:
  • Offers a limited free tier with some features.

Marketplaces

A person typing in credit card information on the laptop.

It’s good practice to investigate what your competitors are up to. Since online marketplaces like Amazon can rank more than 242 million visitors in a month, they’re an excellent indicator of consumer trends.

Browse categories to see which products attract the most interest. Determine whether they’re suitable for your dropshipping business and whether you can add value to the market. 

You can also explore customer reviews to find out what satisfies them, what they would like improved, and gauge their pricing expectations.

Pros Cons
  • Review competitor activity.
  • See best-selling products.
  • Provides keyword suggestions.
  • Doesn't show how many people have searched for a keyword.
  • No data to export.
  • Doesn't display trends over a period of time.

Google Trends

A person checking analytics on the laptop.

This easy-to-use tool quickly identifies trends and shows how their popularity changes, making it an excellent way to 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 exploring this blog for the 15 most profitable dropshipping niches.

Pros Cons
  • Search single keywords or phrases.
  • Filter by location, timeframe, and category.
  • View charts of trending topics.
  • Keyword comparisons provided.
  • No variety of graph types.
  • Related topics and queries need improvement.

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15 Best Dropshipping Niches for Beginners

Let’s explore 15 hot dropshipping product ideas to set your sales on fire. We’ve also highlighted the five risky categories to avoid.

1. Pet Supplies

A dog laying down and playing with a toy.

In 2024, 86.9 million households in the United States have a pet – and pet owners love to spoil their furry friends, so there’s a huge market for it. Some popular products include custom pet portraits, collars, food bowls, and pet clothing. 

Remember – there are feathery, furry, and scaly pets, and their owners deal with different daily adventures. So, targeting all pet owners could be too broad of a niche. To succeed in dropshipping within this market, consider finding a niche that targets breed-specific communities.

Explore our Pet Products and adjust your designs to a specific niche.

2. Eco-Friendly Products

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

To stay ahead in dropshipping, consider offering eco-friendly goods to appeal to this large audience of eco-conscious buyers.

Browse our Eco-Friendly category and pick sustainable products for one of the top dropshipping niches in the industry.

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. The global baby care and food markets are booming and projected for further growth, potentially reaching $100 billion by 2027.

4. Fitness and Sports Products

Fitness and health products on white background.

The pandemic led to a surge in people adopting healthier lifestyles, with four in five Americans now owning home exercise equipment. So, if you’re 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 $558.12 billion 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. 

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

6. Home Decor

The home decor market hit $128.70 billion worldwide in 2024, making it a prime dropshipping niche. 

Choose a theme, such as minimalist, art deco, or 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 and Apparel

The home decor market hit $128.70 billion worldwide in 2024, making it a prime dropshipping niche. 

Choose a theme, such as minimalist, art deco, or 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.

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8. Health and Personal Care

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

Massive growth is expected in the global consumer healthcare market, reaching $781.5 billion by 2030. 

For inspiration, check out top-selling products on Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify dropshipping stores.

9. Gaming Accessories

Gaming is a highly profitable niche, with a forecast of around 3.32 billion gamers worldwide by the end of 2024.

Sell gamer merchandise with your designs, from high-resolution headsets and headset straps to mice, custom keyboards, microphones, and streaming packs.

10. Jewelry

Several different jewelry pieces.

The global jewelry market is set for a big surge, with revenue expected to jump $46.3 billion from 2024 to 2028.

Jewelry packaging is often smaller and lighter than clothing boxes, which can reduce shipping damage and returns due to compromised items

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

Customers consistently seek out phone accessories, making this one of the most profitable dropshipping niches to try. 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

Hybrid work is here to stay, and with it, home office accessories will remain popular. Cater to the office supplies niche and generate a sustainable income. 

People crave comfortable setups, utilizing items like 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 unique and enjoyable 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

The car accessories market is a powerhouse, with a forecast to grow by 5.5% annually from 2023 to 2032, reaching a value of $335.5 billion

Get your motor running and start your dropshipping engine in the car accessories niche. Focus on selling popular products like car seat gap fillers, pet seat covers, and holders for cups or phones

15. Hobby Items

Engage with your or your target audience’s interests and passions. People will spend time and money on whatever brings them happiness. Dig deep into the top five 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. Target 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

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 delicate 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. Seasonal Products

Seasonal products might seem hot – think holiday sweaters or summer pool floats. But for dropshipping, they can be a recipe for trouble if you focus exclusively on them. Here’s why:

  • Short sales window. You’ll face intense competition during peak season, followed by a sales drought.
  • Inventory issues. Predicting demand for fleeting trends is tricky. You risk getting stuck with dead stock after the hype fades.
  • Shipping delays. Seasonal rushes can overwhelm suppliers, leading to delayed deliveries and unhappy customers.

Consider niches with year-round appeal, allowing you to build a stable business and avoid the seasonal sales roller coaster.

How to Analyze Dropshipping Niches for Competition and Profitability

People sitting in front of a laptops, writing something on a paper.

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 like SemRush and Moz to get an in-depth look at your competitor’s backlink profiles, keyword rankings, and visibility in search engines. This information can help you optimize your content and online business strategy to outperform the competition and attract more potential customers to your dropshipping store.

Quick Tip

To identify the best dropshipping niches, analyze lower-volume search queries to reveal untapped markets and less competitive opportunities.

Analyze the Competition

Competitor analysis is a crucial step for a successful dropshipping business. By visiting your competitors’ websites, you can gain valuable insights into their product offerings, pricing structures, shipping policies, and customer reviews. 

Analyzing this data can help you identify gaps in their selection and opportunities to differentiate your product range, ultimately providing greater value to your customers. 

Additionally, examining competitor marketing efforts can reveal strategies for optimizing your own marketing approach, ensuring your dropshipping business operates more effectively.

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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5 Dropshipping Tips for Online Merchants

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 as it lays the foundation for product selection and marketing.  

Conduct market research to understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. This will help you tailor your product offerings, branding, and customer service to their specific needs.

2. Order 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.

3. 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. 

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

4. Utilize Marketing and Search Engine Optimization

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.

5. Provide 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 best dropshipping niche for a profitable eCommerce business is one you have knowledge and passion about. Explore niche markets with:

  • High demand.
  • Low competition – the most popular dropshipping niches and products may not always be the best options.
  • Potential for a healthy profit margin. 

Tip: Check out our great article covering dropshipping business ideas.

To find the best dropshipping niche for your online store:

  • Look for a problem that people have and offer a solution through your product offerings.
  • Use online tools for market and product research, identifying 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 niche ideas 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 a great way 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 vetted Print Providers to offer over 900 high-quality products you can customize and include in your dropshipping store. Use our Product Creator (former Mockup Generator) to add your unique designs to products in any of these categories and rank among the best dropshipping niches with Printify.

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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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