11 Best Ideas To Start An eCommerce Business At A Low Investment

start eCommerce business in Singapore

FAQs related to eCommerce business/website

Below are some of the advantages of eCommerce websites over a traditional business:

  • eCommerce provides a global reach, breaking geographical barriers.
  • Reduced overhead costs in eCommerce contribute to higher profit margins.
  • Round-the-clock accessibility caters to a diverse and international customer base.
  • Streamlined inventory management and automation enhance operational efficiency.
  • Personalized customer experiences and data-driven insights optimize decision-making.
  • eCommerce’s adaptability to evolving consumer preferences secures its relevance in the digital age.

The cost to build an eCommerce website may vary according to its functionalities & features. The average cost to create an eCommerce store may start at $2800.

When diving into eCommerce, choosing the right platform is crucial. Shopify, with its user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem, suits beginners. WooCommerce, an adaptable plugin for WordPress, caters to those familiar with the platform. Magento, favored by larger enterprises, offers robust customization. Meanwhile, BigCommerce provides scalability and comprehensive features. Your choice depends on your business’s size, goals, and technical comfort, ensuring a solid foundation for your online store’s success.

Selecting the ideal payment gateway for your eCommerce site is paramount. 

PayPal offers widespread recognition and versatility, while Stripe boasts seamless integration and supports multiple currencies. Square is prized for its in-person and online payment options.

For larger businesses, Authorize.Net provides comprehensive features. Ultimately, your choice hinges on factors like transaction fees, security measures, and compatibility with your chosen eCommerce platform, guaranteeing smooth and secure transactions for your customers.

  • Elevate your eCommerce website’s visibility through effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies.
  • Engage your audience with compelling and informative content, utilizing content marketing.
  • Harness the power of social media platforms to connect with potential customers and foster engagement.
  • Drive targeted traffic through paid advertising avenues like Google Ads and social media advertisements.
  • Collaborate with influencers in your niche to expand your reach and attract their followers.
  • Utilize email marketing campaigns to engage your audience and drive repeat visits to your website.

In today’s digital era everything and anything has an online presence, be it a clothing brand, a gift shop, or even a dessert shop! Everyone is looking to have an online business of his own but, to create an eCommerce business one may need to consider a lot of things, investment being the most important aspect. 

start eCommerce business in Singapore

Some people may think that starting an eCommerce business may require a lot of cash but in this article, we’re going to tell you how that is NOT the case. 

We have compiled a list of 11 great eCommerce ideas that you can start at a low budget.

#1 Personalized gifts, apparel, and accessories.

The key to a great business is personalization. Want to sell something? Personalize the advertisement, want a special gift for a special someone? Give them a personalized picture frame. So, why not open a store that deals in personalized accessories? And not just accessories but clothes too!

Develop an eCommerce website that Offers clothing with monograms, unique color combinations, and custom designs or personalized keychains, pillows, and frames. You can utilize drop-shipping or print-on-demand service to minimize inventory costs.

#2 Specialized subscription boxes

If there is something the people are crazy for, they are subscription boxes so you better take advantage of that. Pick a niche, to begin with, like valentines Day, and curate a subscription box for that, add chocolates, customized valentines Day cards, teddy bears, and whatnot. You can also offer subscription boxes for gourmet food, beauty and fitness boxes, and personalized diet food boxes, the list is endless.

Create an eCommerce website with unique colors and funky or cute text that instantly grabs attention and matches your specific niche. Make limited edition subscription boxes for holidays like Christmas or New years. Offer exclusive discounts and customized monthly subscription services while collaborating with relevant brands to build a loyal customer base.

#3 Hand-made crafts and artwork.

If you’re good at making handicrafts why not cash your skill a little? 

Hire a website developer and create a website that matches the vibe of your handicrafts for example if you make vintage pots create a website with minimal colors and earthy tones with simple text. 

Or if you’re good at copywriting create a website that showcases your work and the results it has generated. Add a portfolio of your work and allow people to book free consultation calls to discuss your services.

#4 Health and wellness products

Today’s health industry is booming with health and wellness products so this is an amazing opportunity for an eCommerce business. Target a specific audience like women looking for organic skincare products or fitness freaks looking for protein powders and supplements. 

Talk about the ingredients in your products and what they can do, and asking professionals like doctors or pharmacists to review the ingredients can help you build trust with your customers. 

Selling health-related products is perhaps one of the great ideas to build a profitable business at a low investment. All you have to do is find & hire an eCommerce developer to create your online store.

#5 Digital products

Create an eCommerce business that sells digital products like e-books, online courses or graphic design templates. Create seamless experiences for your customers by developing a website that allows users to download their purchases instantly. Digital products like e-books and educational online courses offer low overhead costs and high scalability. Hire a professional eCommerce developer who can create a professional online store to sell digital products.

#6 Online thrift store

Thanks to the affordability and sustainability of second-hand products online thrifting have gained enough popularity over the last few years. Create an online store that curates pre-loved clothes, accessories and vintage items. Develop a user-friendly shopping cart website design that allows the users to browse by size, brand, and style for a curated shopping experience.

#7 Pet supplies

Tap into the pet market and target pet owners who are always on the lookout for quality products for their furry friends. Establish a website specializing in pet food, toys, grooming products, or accessories. You can also offer home-based grooming services for an additional fee. Offer special pet discounts like 10% off for first-time customers.

#8 Home and kitchen essentials

Create an eCommerce store that focuses on selling home and kitchen essentials like sustainable kitchen products, gadgets that make life easier, or cute home decor at affordable prices. Everyday Home and kitchen products will ensure a steady stream of customers. You can also make videos showing organization or household hacks using your products so people are aware of the value and ease your product can provide.

#9 Niche-based fashion store

Create a fashion clothing store that specializes in niche-based apparel for example vintage clothes, plus-size clothes, work apparel for men, or swimwear. Catering to a specific audience can help you create a loyal customer base and help you stand out in a competitive market.

#10 Virtual classes and guidance

Taking advantage of technology in your startup can help you reduce inventory and overhead costs. Creating an eCommerce platform that offers tuition, cooking classes or guidance related to different educational fields can help you gain an audience looking to educate themselves while staying in the comfort of their homes.

Take examples from already existing educational websites and hire professionals to offer educational solutions on specific topics or subjects for example offering graphic design classes or freelance classes to people looking to earn an income online.

#11 Home-cooked meal service

People are always on the lookout for home-cooked, scrumptious meals at affordable prices, especially individuals living in hostels or work accommodations. Hire a web developer & create an eCommerce platform that offers a range of home-cooked meals, offer monthly subscriptions, and delivery to rally a wide range of customers.

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