Online Product Sales

You love the idea of making or finding things people want and getting them into the hands of happy customers. That’s what online sales is all about!

Some common ways people sell physical products online include:

• Etsy or eBay Shops – Create or curate items (like crafts, vintage finds, or handmade goods), and ship them directly to your buyers.

• Retail or Wholesale – Buy products in bulk, then sell them online through your own website or marketplaces like Amazon or Facebook.

• Dropshipping – Design a product, but let a third party handle production and shipping. (You won’t touch the product, but you’re still in charge of marketing and customer service.)

Important: If you're selling physical items (like handmade crafts or vintage goods), you’ll need to create or collect the items first, then package and ship them to customers. That means regular trips to the post office or using a pickup service.

I don’t teach this kind of business, but if you love working with your hands and enjoy the creative side, it may be a wonderful place to begin for you.

Pros 

• Your store is open 24/7, so customers can shop even while you're asleep.

• You can stand out by offering unique products people can’t find anywhere else.

• Customer service and marketing can all be done online and on your own schedule.

Cons

• You may pay upfront for materials, supplies, or inventory.

• You’ll need space to store your products.

• You’re responsible for packing and shipping each week.

• Global shipping issues can cause delays and unhappy customers.

This Might Be a Great Fit If You Love…

• Making or curating beautiful things

• Talking about what you love

• Being creative with product names and descriptions

• Packaging, wrapping, and sending off happy mail

• Connecting with customers online

• Managing details and orders

* This may also be a great option for those who own a brick and mortar store, and are ready to try online sales.

Getting Started with a Simple Strategy

1. Pick a niche or product theme you care about like handmade jewelry, vintage mugs, gift items, you name it.

2. Start small. You don’t need hundreds of products. Try just a few to begin.

3. Take great photos and write descriptions that help people see the value and feel excited.

4. Decide how you’ll ship. Learn the costs, figure out your schedule, and buy supplies in advance.

5. Use platforms like Etsy or eBay to reach ready-to-buy customers without needing your own website right away.