Niche Products: what they are and which ones to sell online

According to a study recently published by the NBER organization entitled "The Rise of Niche Consumption", families and individuals are increasingly buying goods that are different from each other, making precise choices based on the types of products, contributing in this way to an ever greater market segmentation. According to the same study, the expansion of e-commerce and the optimization of logistics services have contributed significantly to the growth of this trend, as they allow customers to choose increasingly specific goods that are in line with their needs. However, in order to keep up with the competition, it is advisable to specialize in a niche market that is characterized by less competition, especially in the early stages. In this way, it is possible to optimize investments, build a solid marketing strategy and offer specific services or products to a small group of attentive, informed and demanding consumers.

It is not always easy to identify a specific market segment to enter. However, for orientation it is useful to consider some aspects that are common to all niche products and that differentiate them from the majority of consumer items, and in particular:

Price. They are made in limited quantities, with quality raw materials, often relying on eco-sustainable production processes and other characteristics that contribute to a significant increase in costs. Consequently, the final price is averagely  higher.

Uniqueness. They are more difficult to find and demand might exceed supply. For this reason, being able to complete the purchase of unique and quality items can deeply satisfy the user.

Distribution. Given their limited diffusion, an efficient distribution service capable of responding promptly to user requests, online orders and deliveries means having a significant competitive advantage and it is an aspect that should not be underestimated.

5 niche products to sell online

91% of young people aged 18- 26 surveyed by Horizon Media as part of a  study entitled "The Gen Z field guide" identify less and less with mass-consumer goods and non-personalized generalist services, while 64% of them say they want experiences from brands that reflect their values and perceptions. Intercepting this trend with specific articles dedicated to limited segments of consumers can be a big advantage for companies looking to ass authority to their brand.

But what are the niche products to sell online and how can you pick them? Here are some trends:

Eco-sustainable clothing. Consumer habits are constantly evolving: when people choose what to wear, they like to be informed about the  environmental policies of brands and how their production processes impact the ecosystem. Footwear, jackets, trousers with low environmental consequences are at the top of the wish list of those who are sensitive  about sustainability issues . Logistics, shipping and automated return services can help simplify and streamline the purchasing activity, reducing processing times and making the sales phases more functional both for the user who buys online and for companies. 

Pet well-being products. Today consumers consider their pets as an integral part of their family unit, and as such, they pay increasing attention to their well-being, both in regards to primary needs (food, supplements, vitamins) and from a mental health point of view. Cots and pet toys are among the most requested niche products online. A useful solution for companies may be the use of software capable of simultaneously managing their proposals in different marketplaces, so as to reach different market segments.

Furniture and jewelry. People are always looking for jewels, original details and items of furnishing capable of conveying creativity and uniqueness: wearing handcrafted jewels and bijoux, personalizing the home environment with design and customized objects is an excellent way to affirm your personality and your identityIt is, therefore, one of the fastest growing trends in the niche market and can represent a profitable  opportunity.

Products for home-based workers. Smart working is now a widespread reality globally and it is being implemented by an ever-growing number of companies. However, the introduction of this working method entails the need to make the home environment an increasingly comfortable and functional space in which to spend the working hours. Lighting, seats, desks, gadgets for various devices are among the most requested niche products on online markets.

Self-care products. Gyms and centers dedicated to fitness or to healthy food promotion are increasingly widespread in our cities. However, self-care is no longer an aspect related to training hours but affects the different areas of daily life, from nutrition to cosmetics.

However, in order to effectively face the new challenges and opportunities presented by new consumer habits and the related market niches at a global level, infrastructures and processes capable of a prompt response are required. Flexible logistics, able to identify the most suitable courier for the type of goods and service requested, is one of the fundamental tools to improve your online visibility and reputation by satisfying customer expectations.

MBE eShip, developed both in a plug-in version and as an online platform, automates the management of your e-commerce orders and returns by connecting the online store to the MBE systems, allowing our experts to take care of all logistical operations. It is the ideal solution for companies that want to sell online, even in the startup phase, thanks to its flexibility and highly customizable features. It is a digital solution capable of optimizing e-commerce related processes, orders management , shipments and returns from various e-commerce platforms or products on sale in marketplaces. Trust Mail Boxes Etc. centers and discover the ideal flexible and customizable solution to allow your company to sell online.