How to Find Products to Sell on Shopify: Best Places to Look for
Quick Summary
Product research is crucial. Find winning products by solving problems, spotting trends, or leveraging your expertise. Use tools like Google Trends, Amazon Best Sellers, and social media to validate demand.
Choose the right sourcing method. Dropshipping, wholesale, local manufacturers, or print-on-demand each have pros and cons. Pick based on budget, control, and scalability.
Shopify simplifies selling. Easy setup, built-in sales tools, and scalability make Shopify ideal for beginners and growing businesses. No need to handle hosting, security, or mobile optimization.
Bestsellers solve problems & spark emotion. Profitable products address real needs, have strong demand, and stand out through branding, quality, or uniqueness. Fast shipping and high margins boost success.
Starting an online store is exciting. A lot of new entrepreneurs want to venture into the eCommerce business. And platforms like Shopify have made it easier. However, the biggest question they need to answer is, “What should I sell on Shopify?” The right choice can make all the difference.
Finding products that customers will buy isn’t always easy. After all, people won’t just put their money into anything. It should be worthy enough. Once you find a product, you have to figure out where you can source it. All this needs to be done before you hire Shopify experts to build your store.
In this blog, we will understand ways to find products to sell on Shopify and discuss the best places to look for them. So, let’s dive in!
What is Product Sourcing?
Product sourcing is how you find stuff to sell in your Shopify store. Think of it like shopping for your business, but instead of buying for yourself, you’re stocking your virtual shelves.
You’ve got options:
Make it yourself (Handmade jewelry, custom t-shirts).
Buy wholesale (Order in bulk from suppliers at lower prices).
Dropship (Let suppliers ship orders straight to customers; no inventory needed).
Each method has pros and cons. Your job? Pick what fits your budget, time, and how hands-on you want to be.
Why Product Sourcing Matters?
Your product sourcing method isn’t just about where you get items. It shapes your entire business. Pick wrong, and you’re stuck with slow shipping, thin profits, or a brand that feels generic. Nail it, and you’ll:
Keep customers happy (people love products that fulfill their needs).
Stand out (Handmade or exclusive products = a brand people remember)
For example, if you care about speed, dropshipping from local suppliers beats overseas factories. For strict quality control, buy from wholesalers first. This allows hands-on inspection. You can check the goods thoroughly. Catch issues early and ensure standards are met before shipping. Customers receive verified products. Quality stays consistent.
Top Ways to Find Products to Sell on Shopify
Finding the right products to sell on Shopify doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re following your passion, solving a problem, or spotting trends, there are countless ways to uncover winning ideas that resonate with customers.
Follow a Passion
Selling products you genuinely care about makes marketing more authentic and enjoyable. Passion shines through in product descriptions, social media, and customer interactions.
Make a list of your hobbies, interests, and daily routines – what products do you wish existed?
Join online communities (Facebook groups, subreddits) around these topics to spot unmet needs.
Research if others are searching for related products using Google Trends or Amazon Best Sellers.
Consider how you could put a unique spin on existing products in this niche.
Find a Product that Solves a Problem
The most successful products eliminate frustrations or make life easier. People will always pay for solutions.
Check Kickstarter for innovative products gaining traction.
Join niche Facebook groups where early adopters discuss new interests.
Serve an Underserved Market
Find customer groups that existing businesses are ignoring. Try to get products for them to build a loyal customer base.
Search for “out of stock” messages on Amazon and other marketplaces.
Look for products with few variations (e.g., only available in one color/size).
Identify demographics with specific needs (left-handed people, tall women, pet owners with small apartments).
Check if major brands overlook certain price points (super affordable or premium options).
Use Your Product Expertise
Your unique knowledge can reveal profitable opportunities others miss. Think about products that you know about and see if you can make them better.
List your professional skills and past work experiences – what insider knowledge do you have?
Think about products you’ve wished for in your previous jobs or daily life.
Consider niche accessories or upgrades for products in your area of expertise.
Identify pain points that only someone with your background would notice.
Go Through Keyword Data
Search volume reveals exactly what people want to buy. So, try to find keywords that are slowly getting traction and try to find products that are related to those keywords.
Note common features among top products (materials, colors, price points).
Use Social Media for Ideas
Platforms reveal what products people engage with. Look for products that are being constantly showcased by influencers. Try to make your version of that product or an add-on that might go well with the trending product.
Search Instagram and TikTok hashtags like #AmazonFinds or #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt.
Follow influencers in your potential niche and note what they promote.
Join Facebook groups where people share their favorite purchases.
Monitor Pinterest boards for trending product images.
Look for products with lots of user-generated content (unboxings, reviews).
Improve Existing Products
Evolution often beats invention. Find ways to make good products better. Use different products and try to find out how you can improve them.
Read 3-star Amazon reviews to find common complaints.
Combine features from multiple products into one superior version.
Offer customization options that current products lack.
Improve materials or functionality (more durable, easier to use).
Create bundle deals that solve multiple needs at once.
Target High-Profit Margins
Some products simply make more money per sale. Do a thorough analysis of different products and see which products can earn you high margins.
Calculate potential profit after all costs (manufacturing, shipping, ads).
Look for products where you can at least 3x your cost.
Consider digital products or subscriptions with recurring revenue.
Identify products where the perceived value exceeds production cost.
Avoid items with expensive shipping or frequent returns.
Looking for product ideas? You’re in the right place.
Eco-friendly options appeal to today’s conscious consumers. Sustainable products are already trending, and new-age buyers want more of them.
Source biodegradable, recycled, or reusable materials.
Offer plastic-free packaging alternatives.
Develop products that help reduce waste.
Partner with ethical manufacturers.
Highlight sustainability in your marketing.
Offer Personalization
Custom products command higher prices and loyalty. Such products give a sense of uniqueness to an otherwise common product.
Start with simple engraving or monogram options.
Use print-on-demand for custom designs.
Offer color/size/material customization.
Create build-your-own product configurators.
Use AI tools to help customers visualize custom options.
Analyze Global Markets
International trends often predict what will hit your market next. So, see what’s globally trending or slowly becoming a trend.
Study bestsellers on international Amazon sites (.jp, .de, .uk).
Follow trend reports from different regions.
Attend global trade shows (virtually or in person).
Monitor international social media platforms.
Look for products succeeding in similar markets to yours.
With the right strategies and staying attuned to what shoppers want, you’ll be well-equipped to stock your Shopify store with products that sell and build a loyal customer base. If you want to start selling your unique products online, our Shopify development services are perfect for you.
Best Place To Find Products to Sell on Shopify
Finding the right products is just the beginning. Thereafter, the next thing that should be on your to-do list is where to get it from. Your best possible source would depend mostly on your budget, business model, and how much control you want over your inventory. Here are some of the top places where you can find winning products to sell in your Shopify store:
Dropshipping Suppliers
If you want to start selling without the costs of buying inventory upfront, dropshipping is ideal for you. Suppliers store, package, and ship products straight to your customers with this model.
You only buy products after the sale, which means the risk to you is the least. The most critical thing for you to do is find reliable suppliers with good quality control and reasonable shipping time.
Some popular platforms like AliExpress offer many products at affordable prices, while others like Spocket specialize in faster shipping from warehouses in the U.S. and the EU. Dropshipping is an excellent route if you are considering a cost-effective and straightforward start-up; however, be sure to test your suppliers to avoid any fulfillment headaches.
Wholesale Distributors
Wholesale purchasing entails buying goods in bulk at discounted prices and selling them at a margin. This technique requires storage and initial capital investment. It allows for better profit margins than drop shipping. Marketplaces like Alibaba connect with manufacturers from everywhere, though minimum order quantities (MOQs) may vary.
In the USA, Wholesale Central and Faire have reputable selections for boutique-style products. With wholesale, you desire so much control over inventory and branding, but substantial research is crucial to ensure the suppliers are credible and will ultimately produce quality products.
Local Manufacturers
Sourcing from local factories supports small businesses and drastically reduces shipping times. This technique favors brands for which “Made in [Your Country]” is the selling point. Websites like Maker’s Row and MFG.com could connect you to domestic manufacturers, while local trade shows and business directories help find hidden gems.
Working with local manufacturers also enables better quality control and faster restocking. If it is essential for your brand to be sustainable with short supply chains, then going local is a solid choice.
Handcrafted Goods
The market for handcrafted goods remains attractive for shoppers who care about uniqueness and the art of fine living. Some websites worth checking out are Etsy and ArtFire. They could be good platforms to find independent creators who welcome wholesale partnerships.
Local craft fairs and even social media can also help uncover talented makers. Think about finding individuals who create one-of-a-kind items in these locales by searching for #handmade or #smallbusiness.
Selling handmade products allows you to weave exclusivity and storytelling into their product listings. However, you should remember that these have high production costs and possible inventory limitations.
Print-On-Demand Services
Print-on-demand (POD) is for personalized merchandise, which includes T-shirts, cups, or other gifts, such as phone cases. Products are printed and shipped only after customers have ordered them, thus eliminating inventory risks.
Printful and Printify offer excellent integration for Shopify. They handle production for you so that you can concentrate on design and marketing. Although wholesale margins are fatter, POD offers great opportunities to place low-risk bets on product ideas or build a brand around products custom-made for customers.
Niche Marketplaces
Specialized marketplaces cater to specific audiences, offering products not overly saturated in mainstream stores. Examples of marketplaces for eco-friendly goods include EarthHero or EcoEnclose. For pet-related goods, retailers may consider Chewy Wholesale.
Sourcing from niche suppliers would give you an extra foot up in highly competitive markets. Availability would often be scarce, so ensure you research demand before committing.
Industry Trade Shows
Going to trade shows gives you an opportunity to see what is coming up and trending. Events like ASD Market Week (for general merchandise) and Magic Las Vegas (for apparel) bring the suppliers directly in front of you and usually show exclusive special savings.
Trade shows take a time commitment and travel, but they can provide early access to new innovations and meet-and-greets with manufacturers.
Many successful stores use a mix of sourcing methods. For example, they may pair print-on-demand for custom items with wholesale for best-selling items. Select suppliers based on your budget and brand personality, and vision for the long run.
Test your products by starting small and then scaling up, and always place great importance on good quality and reliability to build customer trust.
The Benefits of Selling on Shopify
Shopify is a complete solution that helps businesses sell online with less hassle and more control. Whether you’re just starting or scaling an existing store, Shopify simplifies the process while giving you the tools to grow. Here’s why so many entrepreneurs choose it:
Easy to Use for Beginners: You don’t need to be tech-savvy to set up a professional-looking store. Shopify’s intuitive dashboard lets you add products, customize your site, and manage orders without coding. The drag-and-drop editor makes design simple, and built-in guides help you at every step.
No Hosting or Security Issues: Unlike self-hosted platforms (like WooCommerce), Shopify handles servers, security, and software updates for you. Your store stays fast, secure, and always online. You don’t have to worry about crashes during big sales.
Mobile-Optimized from Day One: Over 70% of online shopping happens on phones. Shopify’s themes automatically adjust for mobile, so your store looks great on any device without extra work.
Built-in Sales Tools: From abandoned cart recovery to discount codes, Shopify includes features that help convert visitors into buyers. You also get multi-channel selling (Facebook, Instagram, Amazon), automatic tax calculations, and one-click upsells (with apps like Zipify).
Scalable for Growth: Start small, then expand without switching platforms. Shopify supports unlimited products, high-traffic stores (no slowdowns), and international selling (multi-currency support).
Trusted Payment Processing: Shopify Payments (powered by Stripe) avoids third-party fees. Or use 100+ other gateways like PayPal. Fraud analysis tools help prevent chargebacks.
App Store for Customization: Need special features? The Shopify App Store has 10,000+ plugins for email marketing (Klaviyo), dropshipping (Oberlo, DSers), and SEO optimization (Plug in SEO).
24/7 Support: Get help anytime via live chat, email, or phone—unlike many platforms where you’re left figuring things out alone.
In short, Shopify is a user-friendly, all-in-one platform that simplifies online selling with built-in tools for design, security, mobile optimization, sales, and scalability, making it ideal for beginners and growing businesses.
What Makes a Shopify Bestseller?
What makes a product worthy? Not every product makes it to the list of bestsellers. Before you stock your store, ask yourself:
Does it solve a problem? People buy things that make life easier. A phone grip prevents drops. A stain remover saves clothes. If your product fixes a real issue, it’ll sell.
Is there demand? Check trends on Google, TikTok, or Amazon. If people are searching for it, they’ll likely buy it. No demand = dead stock.
Can you compete? If 100 stores sell the same cheap watch, why should customers pick yours? Unique branding, better quality, or a personal story helps you stand out.
Is it profitable? Factor in the cost of manufacturing, shipping, and ads. If you’re left with pennies after expenses, skip it. Aim for at least 40-60% profit margins.
Is it easy to ship? Fragile, heavy, or oversized items = high shipping costs and headaches. Light, durable products = happy customers (and you).
Does it spark emotion? Impulse buys happen when products feel special, like a personalized necklace or a funny mug. If it makes someone smile, they’ll hit “Buy Now.”
Simply put, a worthy product solves a real problem, has demand, and stands out through unique branding or quality while being profitable and easy to ship. It should also spark emotion, making customers feel excited.
FAQs on Shopify Product Sourcing
What are some good sources for product ideas?
Look at trending products on Amazon Best Sellers, TikTok hashtags (#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt), and Google Trends. Customer reviews (especially complaints) on existing products can also reveal gaps in the market.
How do I ensure the products I source are of high quality?
Order samples before committing to a supplier, check for certifications or product testing reports and read reviews from other retailers. Working with vetted suppliers on platforms like Alibaba Gold Suppliers or SaleHoo reduces risk.
How much do shipping times matter when choosing suppliers?
Long shipping times increase cart abandonment. For faster delivery, prioritize local suppliers. Customers expect speed, especially for impulse buys. So, make sure the product is delivered before the customer loses interest and cancels the order.
How can I make my product viral?
Design shareable products (customizable, visually striking, or solving a unique problem) and make use of user-generated content. Encourage unboxing videos, before/after posts, and influencer collaborations to boost organic reach.
Let’s Summarize
Finding the right products to sell on Shopify can be the key to building a successful online store. Whether you’re following your passion, solving customer pain points, or capitalizing on emerging trends, thorough product research is essential for success. Pair that with the best sourcing methods, and you’ll set yourself up for sustainable growth.
Shopify offers an all-in-one platform that makes selling easier. But remember, not every product will resonate with buyers. To stand out, focus on quality, profitability, and emotional appeal while ensuring your offerings meet real customer needs. By blending smart sourcing strategies with Shopify’s capabilities, you’ll build a brand that customers trust and love.
John Niles, a dedicated Technical Consultant at BrainSpate since 2023, specializes in eCommerce. With a global perspective, he crafts insightful content on cutting-edge web development technologies, enriching the digital commerce landscape.
