At Qikinnk, we have worked with 50,000+ online stores selling dropshipping items and print on demand products.
This includes a variety of dropshipping products and successful business ideas across the world. From our experience of observing these dropshipping business models, we have created this list of 13 best dropshipping business ideas backed with data (considering high profitability, and low-med competitiveness).
To make this as actionable for you, we have included a bunch of metrics for each business idea such as:
- Search demand in Google search
- Competition level in the niche
- Average pricing structure
- Profitability scope
- Product ideas
Best part?
Our team of experts at Qikink have answered your most common questions on starting your dropshipping store in 2024.
Profitable dropshipping business ideas and products to sell online
1. Polo T-Shirts
Competition: Medium (around 30k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 40-50%
Search demand: “polo tshirt” and “polo tshirts” get over 100k+ monthly searches, and the demand has grown by about 466% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹300-₹800
T-shirts are an evergreen product that people buy all year. They cater to both males and females and are used by people of almost all age groups. The shirt market is also quite lucrative. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.69% from 2024 to 2028. As polo t-shirts are easy to customize, they are always in demand as people love to wear their tees with their favorite quotes, celebrities, and gaming/anime characters.
With print-on-demand services like Qikink, you can design trending tees and ship them easily with minimal upfront costs. To make your tshirt business cater to today’s audience, you can focus on pop culture themes and trending styles. You can also use social media and leverage influencers to drive sales.
Product ideas: Movie character tees, slogan tees, geek culture tees, anime tees
Pros:
- Huge market size and demand
- Low startup costs
- High margins
Cons:
- Lots of competition
- Need a constant flow of creativity to stay relevant in the market
2. Gym Vest
Competition: Medium (around 10k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 30-60%
Search demand: “Gym vest” gets around 10k searches per month and the demand is consistent with some highs and lows
Average product price: ₹400-₹1000
Gym vests are essentials for both men and women who go to the gym. As people became more health conscious, there has been an increase in the demand for sportswear. Activewear is also a lucrative market expected to reach $325.77 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5%.
If you focus on breathable, flexible fabrics and moisture-wicking technology, you can expect to make your mark in the market. You need a good supplier to design and ship gym vests to your customers. You must also focus on trends to stay one step ahead of your competitors
Product ideas: Yoga vests, running vests, sleeveless hoodies
Pros:
- Fitness market is growing
- Year-round demand as people do not workout seasonally
- Easy to customize prints and styles
Cons:
- Highly competitive niche
- You need to stay updated with the latest trends
3. Crop Tops
Competition: Medium (around 30k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 50-70%
Search demand: “crop top” and “crop tops” get over 700k+ monthly searches, and the demand has grown by about 60% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹350-₹1200
Crop tops are quite popular among Gen Z and millennials. They cater mostly to young girls and fit well with high-waist pants. You just have to keep up with the trends like cottagecore and Y2K styles.
Crop tops are also in very high demand worldwide. The global crop top market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.68% and reach USD 2.3 billion by 2030. It is a lucrative sector with high growth potential in the coming years.
Partnering with the right supplier and a proper marketing strategy can help you launch a successful crop top venture. Crop tops are supposed to be comfortable. Therefore, you must use soft, stretchy fabrics with adjustable ties and layering options.
Product ideas: Graphic crop tees, floral crop tops, tank crop tops
Pros:
- Inexpensive products with good margins
- Trendy and sought-after styles
- Large young female target market
Cons:
- Very saturated market
- Trends get outdated very quickly
4. Tote Bags
Competition: Medium (around 40k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 30-60%
Search demand: “tote bags” and “tote bag” get over 400k+ monthly searches, and the demand has grown by about 219% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹400-₹700
Tote bags have become quite popular among eco-conscious consumers who want to reduce plastic waste. About 90% of Gen Zs are concerned about the planet and willing to make changes to their lifestyles to support sustainability.
The tote bag market is growing at a CAGR of 4.6% expected to reach US$ 3.6 billion by 2030. There is a lot of scope in this market as most of the growth in demand was noticed in the last 2 years.
To start your venture, you can partner with an online fulfillment service like Qikink. To start getting sales, you must keep up with the trends. Currently, durable cotton canvas and jute bags with custom prints are quite popular.
You can target places like conferences, universities, and even protests to market your tote bags.
Product ideas: Canvas totes, foldable totes, insulated grocery totes
Pros:
- Eco-friendly appeal
- Huge market demand, especially among Gen Zs
- Low cost and good margins
Cons:
- Very common product
- Higher GST as compared to t-shirts
5. Coffee Mugs
Competition: High (around 60k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 40-50%
Search demand: “coffee mugs” and “coffee mug” get over 150k+ monthly searches, and the demand has grown by about 184% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹300-₹700
Coffee mugs are found everywhere, from homes to offices. They allow creativity with funny slogans, shapes, and custom designs to cater to consumers of all demographics. The coffee mugs market is also expanding at a CAGR of 4.8% and is expected to reach US$ 9.5 billion by 2030, showcasing a healthy market to invest in.
To start dropshipping coffee mugs, you need a reliable print-on-demand service provider to take care of order fulfillment on your behalf. To build a sustainable business, you can target niche audiences like teachers, weebs, golfers, and cinephiles.
Product ideas: Motivational mugs, anime mugs, geeky fandom mugs, love quote mugs
Pros:
- Daily use item
- Low-cost customization
- Good profit margins
Cons:
- Highly saturated market
- Fragile and bulky to store and ship
6. Baby Rompers
Competition: Medium (around 10k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 40-60%
Search demand: “romper” and “rompers” get around 30k monthly searches and the demand has grown by 220% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹500-₹800
Rompers are the popular first outfits for babies between the age of 0 to 2 years. They are cute and comfortable and are quite easy to change and clean.
The baby romper’s global market size was valued at US$ 24.4 billion in 202. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% to reach US$ 37.6 billion by 2030. The market has a huge potential even for newcomers.
With a good supplier, you can start your baby romper business easily. To get an edge in the market, you need to work on keeping the romper comfortable. Hence, use soft cotton and breathable fabrics so the baby doesn’t catch rashes.
Product ideas: Milestone rompers, funny phrase rompers, frill rompers
Pros:
- Great for gifting
- Lower competition in babywear niche
- High profit margins
Cons:
- Small niche size
- Confusion with sizes
7. Phone Cases
Competition: Medium (about 30k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 20-30%
Search demand: “phone case” and “mobile cover” get over 150k monthly searches, and the demand has grown by 239% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹250-₹500
Phone cases are one of the most selling products today. Everyone has a phone, and almost every phone has a phone case. They came as a cover to protect mobile devices. However, customization options allow you to show off your personality through various designs and styles.
The global phone case market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.53% from 2021 to 2028, expected to reach US$ 35.81 billion by 2028. It is one of the biggest consumer markets and is highly lucrative.
Partner with a good supplier that fulfills orders, and you take care of the marketing and sales. If you have a USP, you can easily create a space in the market. For a better sales graph, target specific phone models and pop culture themes. To build consumer trust, use durable materials like TPU and polycarbonate.
Product ideas: Marvel phone cases, theme-based cases, anime character cases
Pros:
- Huge market for a daily necessity
- Good profit margins
- Easy-to-customize product
Cons:
- Competition is high
- New phone models keep getting introduced and old ones get outdated may result in dead stock
8. Mouse Pad
Competition: High (around 50k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 30-40%
Search demand: “mouse pad” and “mouse pads” get around 100k monthly searches and the demand has grown by about 1520% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹250-₹500
Mouse pads have gained a lot of popularity in the last couple of years. Lately, many professionals and gamers have started using customizable mouse pads, which has led to a growing trend.
It is one of the fastest-growing markets with a CAGR of 10%. Valued at US$ 100 million in 2023, the mouse pads market is expected to reach US$194.87 by 2030.
You can conduct some research and analyze competitors to understand what types of mouse pads are being sold in the market. Follow up with the latest trends, shows, movies, and anime to find different ideas. For good quality, use waterproof and smooth fabrics for seamless mouse tracking. The best dropshipping niches to target are esports, coders, and graphic artists.
Product ideas: Anime mouse pads, texture mouse pads, oversized game pads
Pros:
- Low production cost
- Broad target audiences
- Easy-to-customize
Cons:
- Low price product
- You must develop a good understanding of the niche you target
9. All Over Print Leggings
Competition: Low (about 4,000 listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 25-35%
Search demand: “women leggings” and “leggings” get more than 60k monthly searches, and the demand has grown by about 312% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹800-₹1000
Leggings are dailywear items for women. Colorful and attractive leggings serve multiple purposes, such as yoga, working out, and casual wear. As more women started focusing on their fitness, the leggings market and demand have also started rising.
The market size of leggings is projected to reach a massive US$ 54.43 Billion by 2030. It is currently growing at a CAGR of 6.5%. The demand for leggings has also increased threefold in the last 5 years.
Yoga and workout leggings can be easily seen on social media, as most influencers share videos while wearing them. You can do some research to decide what type of leggings you want to sell in your dropshipping store. Offer a wide range of abstract prints, motifs, and graphic designs to attract different types of customers. Use soft and stretchy fabrics for better performance and durability.
Product ideas: Galaxy print, floral print, animal print
Pros:
- Trendy and stylish product
- Customization is easy
- In demand all year
Cons:
- Very competitive niche
- Designs can be a hit or miss so require constant testing and optimization
10. Unisex Sweatshirts
Competition: Medium (about 30k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 30-50%
Search demand: “sweatshirts” and “men’s sweatshirts” get more than 320k monthly searches, and the demand has grown by about 280% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹1000-₹1200
Comfy sweatshirts have a huge demand among both men and women. They cater to teenagers, YAs, and adults by bringing a perfect blend of style and warmth.
The global sweatshirt and pullover market is estimated to reach US$ 67.66 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.72% up to 2028.
With a trustworthy POD supplier, you can easily start a unisex sweatshirt dropshipping business. To give a unisex appeal, use neutral colors and sizes. To appeal to different age groups, you can add prints, phrases, or graphic designs. Maintain the quality by using soft, breathable cotton and polyester blends.
Product ideas: College sweatshirts, fandom sweatshirts, motivation quotes sweatshirts
Pros:
- Broad target audience
- Easily customizable
- Wardrobe essentials
Cons:
- Highly saturated market
- Slightly Lower margins as compared to tees
11. Unisex Joggers
Competition: Medium (around 30k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 40-50%
Search demand: “joggers” and “joggers for men” get more than 150k monthly searches and the demand has grown by about 251% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹1000-₹1200
Joggers are one of the most popular athletic and casual pants for all genders. Joggers are mostly used by athletes and gym-goers while running or jogging.
Joggers come into the athleisure category of apparel. The global athleisure market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The demand for joggers has also increased by 2.5 times in recent years.
Conduct market research to understand demand first. Find a reliable supplier for order fulfillment. To enhance sales, focus on tapered fits, drawstring waists, and soft fabrics that allow easy stretching and comfortable movement.
Product ideas: Yoga joggers, camo joggers, satin joggers, oversized joggers.
Pros:
- Gender-neutral product
- Comfortable and trendy
- Athleisure demand
Cons:
- High competition
- A little high-price product
12. Sports Bra
Competition: Medium (around 30k listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 30-40%
Search demand: “sports bra” and “sports bras” get more than 320k monthly searches, and the demand has grown by about 135% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹600-₹900
Sports bras are one of the most popular activewear among fitness influencers and athletes. They provide compression and support during workouts and similar high-intensity activities, such as running. The growing number of sportswomen has contributed to the popularity of sports bras worldwide.
The sports bra market was valued at US$ 39.5 billion in 2022. It is projected to grow at an annual growth rate of 12.5% and reach US$ 101.3 billion by 2030. It is one of the fastest-growing industries with huge potential at the moment.
Research well and finalize which market segment you will target. Find a good supplier to manage orders and focus on marketing. As this is a female-dominant industry, you need to focus on marketing tactics that specifically cater to the female audience. Use sweat-wicking, flexible, and stretchy performance fabrics for a high product quality.
Product ideas: Padded sports bras, racerback bras, pullover bras, compression bras
Pros:
- Necessary fitness gear
- Year-round demand
- Customizable straps and prints
Cons:
- Sizing and fit challenges
- Niche is limited to women only
13. Framed Posters
Competition: High (about 60,000 listings on Amazon)
Profit margin: 50-60%
Search demand: “posters” and “framed posters” get more than 135k monthly searches, and the demand has grown by about 142% in the last 5 years.
Average product price: ₹800-₹1200
Posters are loved by everyone as they add a personal and unique touch to homes, offices, and other personalized spaces. Creative posters allow customization of inspirational quotes, pop culture references, celebrities, and favorite characters. Posters let you customize your room, work table, and home office as per your preferences.
Posters fall into the category of wall art, which was valued at $20.40 billion in 2021. It is estimated to grow at an annual growth rate of 5.6% to reach US$ 34.77 billion by 2031. The market has huge potential for growth for businesses with creative ideas and personalized posters.
To start a framed poster dropshipping business, you must find a trustworthy POD supplier. Do proper research to target a specific audience, such as anime lovers or music lovers. Use thick paper to increase the life of posters.
Product ideas: Music posters, movie posters, landscape posters, fan-favorite characters posters
Pros:
- Product has a high-perceived value
- High-profit margins
- Wall decor appeal
Cons:
- Niche personalization required to make a mark in the market
- Higher shipping costs
How do I start a dropshipping business in 2024?
To start a dropshipping business in 2024, follow this process:
- Select a niche: You must first find a profitable niche, such as print-on-demand tees, or pet products, yoga apparel, geeky merchandise, etc. Do extensive research before you finalize your niche.
- Choose a Product: It is hard to find a winning product without enough data. However, you can do competitor research to find what products are their best-sellers to get an idea. Choose 3-4 products initially that you feel are or can be most profitable.
- Create your online store: Build an online store on an ecommerce platform like Shopify or use a WordPress plugin like WooCommerce.
- Find a Supplier: Finding a reliable supplier is the most crucial part. Search supplier sites like Qikink to import products to your store with easy integration.
- List Products: List the products on your online store with pricing, descriptions, etc.
- Market your store: Once your store is set, promote it with different marketing activities. For long-term gains, you can invest in content and SEO. To gain quick traction, run paid ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Focus on building an email list. Offer promotions/coupons for customer acquisition.
- Fulfill orders: This is the final step. You must have a good process in place to receive customer orders and payments. In dropshipping, suppliers directly ship products to the customers. You only have to provide excellent customer service and support.
Bonus Tip: To stay ahead of your competitors, review sales data on a periodic basis and make necessary changes to boost your revenue.
👉 Check out our guide where we have created a detailed guide sharing the complete step by step process to start your dropshipping business in India.
How to find the right print-on-demand dropshipping platform in India?
If you are looking for print-on-demand (POD) platforms for your dropshipping business, You must look into these factors:
- Product Range
- Order Fulfillment
- Pricing
Product Range
An ideal POD platform must have a wide range of products to choose from. Qiking offers the largest range of apparel and accessories in India. Qikink offers you 345 customizable products in 30+ categories.
The platform must have niche-specific inventories for various types of products, such as unisex tees, yoga products, and gardening tools. For instance, Qikink offers 35 product types suitable for various niches.
Additionally, Qikink offers different types of prints as well, such as all-over printing, glow-in-the-dark prints, and texture prints.
Order Fulfillment
Order fulfillment is the most important aspect of the right print-on-demand dropshipping platform. You need to reach the maximum number of customers to sustain and scale your business. That’s why Qikink offers nationwide shipping from localized warehouses.
We dispatch goods instantly within 24-48 hours and offer a tracking portal for supply chain visibility. Qikink ships domestic orders within 2-3 days.
Not only that, Qikink offers international shipping as well.
Pricing
Pricing is a crucial factor in dropshipping as you need to sell products at a price to make good margins without increasing the price too much.
Evaluating platforms against the above parameters will help identify the right D2C enablers for your online business!
👉 Check out our pricing structure for dropshipping custom printing products
Qikink offers one of the lowest prices for products, so you can price them accordingly and make good margins.
Qikink also offers free branding with your logo on each shipment. With smart customization tools and design services, Qikink’s adherence to quality has earned 95% customer satisfaction.
Here’s how Qikink works:
Frequently Asked Questions
How profitable is dropshipping?
Dropshipping can be very profitable if done right with proper strategy and execution. Depending on products, pricing, and many other factors, you can make profits typically ranging from 20-40%. Dropshippers with established ecommerce stores and a good range of products can make around Rs. 1 lakh per month.
However, it all comes down to your niche, suppliers, marketing, and good customer service.
Do I need GST for dropshipping in India?
Yes, GST registration is mandatory in India if your annual turnover is more than Rs. 40 lakh for goods and Rs. 20 lakh for services. You must keep accurate accounts and financial receipts for GST filing.
👉 You can learn more aboutthe requirement of GST in dropshipping business model here.
Is dropshipping legal in India?
Yes, dropshipping is legal in India. As a dropshipper, you market the products and take orders while the supplier delivers the product directly to the customer. There are no legal restrictions or regulations against such a retail model. You just have to comply with the tax laws and consumer protections.
What do I need to start a dropshipping business?
You need to have 2 things to start a dropshipping business.
- A winning product
- An online store
You can set up your store on a platform like Shopify. List your products, and integrate suppliers and payment systems with customer support. You can opt for suppliers that allow easy integration, such as Qikink. You must also develop digital marketing skills, including SEO, social media, and paid ads, to market your store effectively.
How much money is needed to start dropshipping?
You need Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000 to set up your online store and for marketing expenditures. As you start getting sales, you might have to increase the ad budget.
If you focus more on branding, the cost can go up a little. Dropshipping costs are directly linked to sales. The more you spend on marketing, the more you can expect during sales. The cost of a product has little to no effect, as you only place an order for the product once the customer pays you.
With over 10+ years of experience in the industry, Our founder has dedicated his career to helping brands achieve exponential growth through innovative print-on-demand solutions.
