Selling online without inventory means that you don’t have to buy, store, or ship any physical products to your customers. Instead, you rely on third-party suppliers, sellers, or service providers to fulfill your orders. This way, you can focus on marketing, branding, and customer service, while saving time and money on inventory management.
If you are looking for a low-risk, low-cost, and high-reward way to start your own online business, selling online without inventory might be the perfect option for you. Learn everything you need to know to sell online without stock in this article. Whether you want to sell pet supplies, books, or web design, you can do it online without inventory. Read on to find out how.
To sell online without stock:
1. Start Dropshipping
2. Set Up an Affiliate store
3. Engage in Online Services
Want to find out how? Keep reading!
1. Start Dropshipping
To trade digitally without stock, begin dropshipping.
Dropshipping is a method of selling online without inventory, where you partner with a manufacturer or a distributor who creates and ships the products on your behalf directly to the customer. You only pay for the products that you sell, and you keep the difference between the wholesale price and the retail price.
To find and choose a reliable dropshipping supplier:
Use online directories
You can use platforms like AliExpress, Spocket, or SaleHoo to browse and compare different suppliers, products, and prices. You can also read reviews and ratings from other dropshippers and customers.
Do research
You can check the supplier’s website, social media, and contact information to verify their legitimacy, credibility, and professionalism. You can also look for any certifications, awards, or memberships that indicate their quality and reputation.
Ask for samples
You can order some samples of the products that you want to sell to test their quality, delivery time, and customer service. You can also use the samples to take your product photos and descriptions for your website.
These are some examples of successful dropshipping niches and products that you can consider if you don’t mind:
Pet Supplies
This is a popular and evergreen niche that caters to pet owners who are willing to spend money on their furry friends. You can sell products like pet beds, toys, collars, grooming tools, or food.
Fitness equipment
This is a growing and profitable niche that appeals to health-conscious and fitness-oriented customers. You can sell products like resistance bands, yoga mats, dumbbells, or fitness trackers.
Home decor
This is a creative and diverse niche that targets customers who want to beautify and personalize their living spaces. You can sell products like wall art, pillows, rugs, lamps, or candles
>>>MORE – How to Make Passive Income Online
2. Set Up an Affiliate store
To run an online business without stock, establish an affiliate store.
An affiliate store is a type of online store where you promote and sell products from other sellers on your e-commerce site and earn a commission for each sale. You don’t have to handle inventory, shipping, or customer service, but you have to generate traffic and conversions to your site.
To find and join an affiliate program:
Use platforms
You can use platforms like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or ShareASale to browse and compare different sellers, products, and commission rates. You can also read reviews and ratings from other affiliates and customers.
Check the commission rates
You can look for products that offer high commission rates, such as digital products, subscription services, or high-ticket items. You can also look for products that offer recurring commissions, such as memberships, software, or courses.
Read the terms and conditions
You can read the terms and conditions of the affiliate program carefully, such as the payment methods, frequency, threshold, cookie duration, refund policy, and prohibited practices. You can also check the support and resources that the seller provides, such as banners, landing pages, or training.
Consider checking out some of these profitable affiliate niches and products:
Books
This is a classic and evergreen niche that caters to readers of all ages, interests, and genres. You can sell books from platforms like Amazon, Audible, or Book Depository, or specific authors, publishers, or genres.
Beauty products
This is a popular and lucrative niche that targets customers who are interested in skincare, makeup, haircare, or wellness. You can sell beauty products from platforms like Sephora, Ulta, or iHerb, or specific brands, categories, or trends.
Travel accessories
This is a growing and diverse niche that appeals to customers who love to travel, explore, or adventure. You can sell travel accessories from platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Airbnb, or specific products, destinations, or tips.
>>>GET SMARTER – Etsy Seller Success Tips That Always Work
3. Engage in Online Services
To sell products without maintaining inventories, offer internet services.
Online services are a type of online business where you offer your skills or knowledge in areas such as consulting, coaching, writing, or graphic design to clients remotely. You don’t need any physical inventory, but you may have to invest in tools and software to deliver your services.
It is in high demand, flexible, and helps you explore your creativity. However, it demands proficiency and experience in your field and constantly updating your knowledge and skills to stay competitive and relevant.
To offer and deliver your online services:
Create a portfolio
You can create a website, blog, or social media account that showcases your previous work, testimonials, and credentials. You can also use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer to create a profile and bid on projects.
Set your rates
You can research the market and your competitors, and determine your value and worth. You can also consider factors such as your skills, experience, quality, speed, and demand. You can charge by the hour, by the project, or by the value.
Use tools
You can use tools like Zoom, Skype, or Google Docs to communicate, collaborate, and share files with your clients. You can also use tools like PayPal, Stripe, or Payoneer to receive payments securely and conveniently.
Some popular online services and skills you can explore are:
Web design
This is the process of creating, designing, and maintaining websites for various purposes and audiences. You can use skills like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WordPress, or Shopify to create attractive and functional websites.
SEO
This is the process of optimizing websites and content for search engines and users. You can use skills like keyword research, content creation, link building, or analytics to improve the ranking, visibility, and traffic of websites.
Copywriting
This is the process of writing persuasive and engaging text for various media and platforms. You can use skills like grammar, spelling, tone, style, or storytelling to create compelling copy for websites, blogs, ads, emails, or social media.
Recap
Here are a few strategies for selling products online without stock: Launch an affiliate store, begin dropshipping, or provide online services. You can select the option that best fits your objectives, goals, and budget.
