WHAT PRODUCTS CAN BE SOLD ONLINE?
You can’t make money, online or offline, unless you have something to sell, so figuring out what that ‘thing’ is will be your first step. There are many things you can sell online, from digital products to physical items. Many people think about the things they enjoy or are passionate about when trying to start an online business.
For example, if you’re an avid collector of fridge magnets, why not get into it? I have a friend who attended the same Internet Seminar with me a few years ago and is now successful in her online business, using a fridge magnet as her base.
Another example, if you are a good proofreader or certified translator, you could offer proofreading or translation services. The list of possible things that can be sold online is huge. Let’s examine some of the different types of things one can sell online to build a successful online business.
PHYSICAL PRODUCTS
When we say physical products, they are really anything tangible that a customer buys from you. While the list of potential physical products could go on and on, some examples of physical products for sale may include but are not limited to USB flash drives, stickers, books, t-shirts, shoes, kitchenware, electronics, clothing, and more.
There are many different companies that sell physical products that are very successful. People enjoy being able to click a button and buy the things they want without having to leave their homes. This is one of the reasons sites like eBay are so popular; people can find the things they want at cheaper prices.
NON-PHYSICAL PRODUCTS
In this category, there is a large industry of non-physical products when it comes to online business. People can sell things without having to stock items or ship anything to the customer. This is because the customer receives it immediately. Informational products are a big part of this industry and can mean anything from self-help ebooks to audiobooks, guides on how to build things, and much more.
Just a few examples of non-physical products include, but are not limited to PIN numbers for rechargeable mobile phones, software, and pre-made website banners or logos. Non-physical products definitely have an advantage over physical products when it comes to delivering the product to the customer.
SERVICES
Another thing that one can sell online is a service of some kind. There are hordes of freelancers doing this online every day. For example, freelance writers, website builders, and even flash programmers work online to provide a service and get paid for their work.
There are other types of services one can sell online and it could be anything from revising manuscripts to selling insurance, writing wills, vacation rentals and much more.
Selling a service online can be beneficial because many times there is a company that you can work for to sell those things. This means you won’t have to start your business from scratch and you won’t have to put up the money up front that most people need to start a business.
RESUME
Before you can build an online business, you’ll need to determine exactly what you want to sell. Use your interests, passions, or hobbies to guide you when choosing between physical products, non-physical products, or services.
There are unique pros and cons to each type of product you can sell online, so you’ll want to be aware of those as well. Once you’ve determined what you want to sell, you can move on to setting up your own online business. As for me, I choose to run my internet business by writing and selling e-books.