Starting an e-commerce business is a great way to make money online, but some models are easier to start than others. If you’re a beginner looking for a simple, low-risk way to get into e-commerce, this article will break down the easiest e-commerce businesses to start and why they’re beginner-friendly.
1. Dropshipping – Low Risk, No Inventory
Dropshipping is one of the simplest ways to start an e-commerce business. Instead of stocking products, you partner with a supplier who ships products directly to your customers.
✅ Why it’s easy:
- No need to buy inventory upfront
- No need to handle packaging or shipping
- Can start with little investment (as low as $100 for website and ads)
✅ How to start:
- Choose a niche with demand.
- Find reliable suppliers on platforms like AliExpress, Spocket, or Zendrop.
- Set up an online store using Shopify or WooCommerce.
- Market your products using social media or paid ads.
📌 Learn more about dropshipping: Shopify’s guide to dropshipping
2. Print-on-Demand (POD) – No Inventory, Creative Freedom
Print-on-Demand (POD) is similar to dropshipping but allows you to sell custom designs on products like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. A POD company prints and ships your products only after a customer places an order.
✅ Why it’s easy:
- No upfront inventory costs
- Simple to set up with platforms like Printful or Teespring
- Ideal for creatives who want to sell unique designs
✅ How to start:
- Create designs (or hire a freelancer on Fiverr or Upwork).
- Upload them to a POD platform (Printful, Redbubble, or Printify).
- Connect the POD service to your online store.
- Promote your designs through social media and ads.
📌 Learn more about Print-on-Demand: Printful’s guide to POD
3. Affiliate Marketing – No Products, Just Promotion
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other people’s products. You don’t handle inventory, shipping, or customer service—just marketing.
✅ Why it’s easy:
- No need to create or sell products
- Low startup costs (you only need a website or social media presence)
- Can be done alongside a full-time job
✅ How to start:
- Choose a niche (health, tech, finance, etc.).
- Join affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or ShareASale).
- Create content (blog, YouTube, or social media) to promote products.
- Earn commissions when people buy through your links.
📌 Learn more about affiliate marketing: Nerdwallet’s affiliate marketing guide
4. Selling Digital Products – No Inventory, Passive Income
Digital products include e-books, courses, printables, templates, or stock photos. Since they are downloadable, there are no production or shipping costs.
✅ Why it’s easy:
- No inventory or shipping required
- High profit margins (little to no ongoing costs)
- Can be automated for passive income
✅ How to start:
- Identify a problem you can solve with a digital product.
- Create the product using Canva, Google Docs, or recording tools.
- Sell on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website.
- Market your products through social media, ads, or email marketing.
📌 Learn more about selling digital products: Forbes guide to selling digital products
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for the absolute easiest way to start, affiliate marketing or dropshipping is best since they don’t require product creation. If you’re creative, Print-on-Demand or selling digital products can be a great fit.
Get Free Training to Start Your E-Commerce Business
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E-commerce is one of the best ways to achieve financial freedom. The sooner you start, the sooner you can scale your business and enjoy the benefits of online income.