5 Ideas to Launch eCommerce Startup from Scratch
- 22 Nov 2023
- 15 min
Maksym Babych
CEO
Vladyslav Mozghovyi
Content Writer
It has been 26 years since Amazon came to the market and sold its first book.
In these 26 years, the eCommerce space has undergone a tremendous transformation to become a $3.53 trillion market in 2019.
Yes, you read that right. It is trillion and not billion.
The real beauty of this figure is that it is still growing and there is a lot of space for new entrants.
So, if you feel that there is no point in knowing about unique eCommerce startup ideas, you are wrong.
As of September 2020, Amazon is the biggest consumer internet and online service company recording a market cap of $1597 billion.
Now, this number represents the potential of the eCommerce space.
The first thing that you need to do for capitalizing on eCommerce business ideas is to look at the big picture.
We have come a long way ever since the internet made its footprint and look where we are today.
So, just as the evolution of internet-fueled businesses has not seen a full stop, any aspect connected with it won’t also stop.
Yes, it might change and alter to become a better version of itself, but we are not seeing any business running on the internet shutting down due to the non-availability of resources.
So, you have the internet at your perusal. Now you need innovative eCommerce ideas to start a startup.
Rest assured that this article won’t talk about ideas like, “Start a bookselling store” or “build a Shopify store for the local artists”.
These are as good as any other. But they lack the wow-effect that we want you to have in your business.
That is why in this guide on eCommerce projects ideas or eCommerce business ideas, we will talk about some different ideas than the usual.
But first, let’s go through some reasons to look at new ideas for eCommerce startup and build them into reality.
Reasons to Build an eCommerce Startup
Yes, the primary reason to look for new ideas in the eCommerce business is money.
Surely, when you look at the likes of Amazon, Alibaba, Prosus, Uber, eBay the urge to build something like this is very strong.
However, what you must understand is that if you are providing a service, it must address the customer’s pains.
Moreover, do not build a business in the market which is already saturated.
Having said that, here are the top reasons to look for new and innovative eCommerce ideas.
| Reason | What does It mean? |
| Access to a Global Market | The Internet has given you the wings to access a global market. Well, we would not suggest that you immediately build an eCommerce startup on your ideas for the global market. Always start small. Then scale as per the opportunity and potential. If you build on the right eCommerce projects ideas, you can scale as much as you can. |
| Lower Infrastructure Needs | Working on your eCommerce business or startup ideas can save a lot of money on infrastructure. You don’t need a brick and mortar store. All you need is the right ideas for an eCommerce business, website or application, and a marketing plan. So, from where can you operate your business? Coffee shops? Coworking spaces? Guest room or your couch? It’s up to you. As long as you have access to your digital store and marketplace, you won’t run out of space to run your business. |
| Don’t Have to Say Yes Boss! | The moment you thought about looking for new eCommerce projects and startup ideas, you have become your own boss. Building an eCommerce store means making your own fortune. Yes, there are ups and downs in building a business, but there is no one to dictate what you have to do. |
| Easy to Set Up | Besides the fact that there is no need to build a physical store, businesses that built eCommerce startups ideas are easy to start. You need an amazing website, the right marketing techniques, an application, and work to update the same regularly. In this, it is important to understand the time to market of an online business. The fact that the eCommerce business has accelerated by 5 years in 2020, makes choosing the right idea even more important. |
| People Want To Shop Online | In 2021, 2.14 billion people are expected to shop online. There are several reasons that we can relate to the shopping spree (Globalwebindex.com)
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Now that you know the major reasons to build an eCommerce business, let’s look at some business ideas.
Overview of eCommerce Startup Ideas
We will have a mix of ideas in the list given below.
While some ideas will be about the business itself.
Others will be about helping or assisting the existing establishments in the digital world.
Our motive is not to repeat the same ideas that might have been coming to your mind every day.
For instance, do you know what is Shopify?
Well, Shopify is hailed as one of the best eCommerce platforms for startup ideas.
Do you know why?
Because Shopify is not selling anything, but it is giving a dedicated platform to the entrepreneurs helping them start their own venture. One of the best options is the Shopify abandoned cart email which helps send an automatic email so that customers make the final purchase.
So, they are helping founders and startup owners like you by giving access to ready to use eCommerce stores along with several integrations to make the experience better.
Just like what WordPress is for bloggers, Shopify is for the eCommerce business owners to help with ecommerce management.
We want you to focus on working on such innovative eCommerce startup ideas.
Starting a clothing line or bringing a new product to the USA from China is not innovation.
But if you want to start a chatbot for the eCommerce stores, that can be a better idea.
Because you are making your own space in a big and crowded market.
You need something different than the mainstream ideas. Plus, there are half a million eCommerce stores already running on Shopify.
If you want to move your web presence from one eCommerce solution to another, you can do it in an automated way (e.g. you can switch from Wix to Shopify).
So, how many different types of products can you sell? Think about it.
Leaving out those standard eCommerce startup ideas, let’s explore something new and better.
Build a Chatbot for Online Stores
Consider these points for your eCommerce projects ideas consisting of a chatbot;
- American companies lose $62 billion due to bad customer service.
- 83% of online shoppers require assistance to complete a purchase.
Having a chatbot means two things, the store owners can personalize the shopping experience.
And they can support the customers with their queries.
| What is it? | Chatbots are AI-powered portals that send a message on your screen every time you visit a website. You might have come across a chatbot while shopping or surfing the web. A message pops up suddenly on the bottom right corner of the screen. When you start interacting with customers right after they land on the store, it builds a rapport. The customer feels heard and acknowledged. So, if you build a ready-to-integrate chatbot for the eCommerce stores, it would be a great idea. |
| Key Features | Working on chatbot related eCommerce business ideas means that you can help your customers;
Moreover, you can provide chatbots that let the eCommerce store owners create actionable triggers. |
| Reasons to Build | In the first instance, you may think that these are not eCommerce business projects ideas, but that is not the case. Chatbots are very cool and efficient eCommerce business ideas as they have a large market and the potential to grow is unlimited. Such innovative eCommerce ideas are useful to build a storefront for the “people.” In the competitive eCommerce world, the one who strikes first and better gets the customer. That is why this is the right time to build such eCommerce projects and ideas. |
| Example |
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Fashion-as-a-Service
Yes, we are talking about those ideas for an eCommerce startup where you allow people to take clothes on rent online.
There are some things that you need to work out like the logistics, maintenance, and pricing.
But such eCommerce business startup ideas can generate promising revenue if the execution is right.
In the e-commerce industry, there is a specific space for dynamic pricing strategy. Have you ever wanted to increase sales and profits for your business quickly, but felt stuck with the same pricing strategies?
Dynamic pricing is a powerful tool that can help businesses maximize their revenue potential through real-time price adjustments based on market demand and competitor data.
With access to timely information and accurate insights, a dynamic pricing strategy ensures your success — no matter how much competition is out there.
Out of all the types of customer preferences, the millennials regard the Experiences more than the tangibility of a product.
This gives birth to ideas for innovative eCommerce businesses.
Don’t worry about how it will work. There are a few businesses already trying their hand in this segment.
You can study them and work on your own eCommerce projects ideas related to this field.
| Description | In simple terms, Fashion or Clothing-as-a-Service works on a distribution business model. You allow customers to take clothes on rent on a temporary basis against a rent. Another way you can charge is a subscription model. Customers will pay a monthly fee to rent a limited number of apparels. And while you are at it, why just stick to clothes. You can also start renting out bags, accessories, and jewelry. The sphere of eCommerce is on an expansion and if you want to make it big, start thinking differently. |
| Key Features | The features of such eCommerce businesses and startup ideas depend on what the customer wants. So, long before you start developing these eCommerce business ideas, read, study, and understand the customer needs. Working on these eCommerce projects ideas, you need to build a system that has;
As this sort of eCommerce startup ideas are relatively new, you can get the early bird reward. So, start exploring and see if you can build eCommerce projects from these ideas. |
| Reasons to Build | As per the ThredUP report 2020, the future closet of the individuals will consist of 17% rental clothing by 2029. This trend has been continuously growing. In 2009, the rental segment was only 3%. Come 2019, it increased to 7% and by 2029, it will be 17%. This means that the 2nd decade expects more than 200% growth in the market. There is no better time than this to capitalize on similar ideas for your innovative eCommerce startup. |
| Examples | You didn’t think that there are no businesses working on this model or did you? Here are some businesses running on rental-based innovative eCommerce ideas.
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Robots that Play to your Tune
Wait, read the entire eCommerce startup idea description first before scrolling down to the next one.
This one is a great idea to get out of your boring job and start working on an innovative eCommerce business.
We are gradually cruising into an age where robots will become the new normal.
Yes, there are some robots working within the industries, Amazon for one has a fully automated robotic inventory management workspace.
But in these eCommerce businesses and projects ideas, we want you to sell personalized robots to your customers.
Now, who doesn’t like a robot which can be programmed by the customer to help with any type of work?
Think about it!
| Description | Robots have been a part of our magical world for far too long. From R2D2 to Sophia, we have already come a long way. But there is something that is still not letting any household mother, a freelance developer, or a high school kid live that magical life. Well, that is what you can build as a new eCommerce startup idea. The key is to help an everyday Joe, not only buy a robot but also help him train and make walking and talking machines part of Joe’s life. This is not only an eCommerce store, but you are also providing a service, which can be modeled as a subscription. |
| Key Features | For one, you will have to build a digital store and include intuitive customer-friendly features to help them make an easy purchase. This can be delivered via an application or a website that enlists and shares information about the products. Everything works like an eCommerce store should run. But to make it one of your innovative eCommerce ideas, you need to add aspects like explainer videos. Because this is not an everyday product. Buying robots from the web can be a bit overwhelming. So, make sure to ease the potential customer into purchasing. Moreover, at present, the market consisting of people who want to buy a robot may be meager. But, down the line, you can build a huge business out of it, provided you play it smartly. Plus, when the demand starts to rise you will notice several eCommerce projects working on similar ideas. But by the time your competitors will start ideating, your platform will be ready and winning by the mile. You can list out robots that can be used for several purposes.
Can you think of some other areas to make the robot a part of your customer’s life? Let us know! |
| Why to Build This? | There may not be monetary proof to show the worth of these ideas for innovative eCommerce storefronts, but we can show that the customers are ready. An article published by the BBC talks about the benefits and challenges of bringing robots into the home. From doing chores like laundry to helping kids with their studies, domestic robots will soon become a reality. One of the challenges the article quoted is the lack of innate knowledge in a robot. It won’t be a great thing to give instructions every time the mechanical assistant is in a fix. Once these aspects are solved, you can look at a big market for robots. |
Marketing Platform for eCommerce Stores
Again, we do not want you to start just another online store.
Our motive is to feed you innovative eCommerce ideas that have the potential to grow manifold.
One of these ideas for the eCommerce startup is building a marketing platform for the existing stores.
It is true that without marketing these storefronts won’t survive too long. In fact, even the top B2B e-commerce companies invest heavily in marketing efforts to ensure that they stay ahead of the competition and continue to attract new customers.
As per CBInsights, 14% of the startups fail due to poor marketing.
| Description | A platform dedicated to assist and support the eCommerce stores in marketing is a simple but efficient idea. What you have to build is not just a website where you showcase what you do. But go beyond that and start personalizing your business and reach out to the store owners. Develop your products in the form of integrations that can be connected to the store and get information. Rest assured that you will have to pull some complex strings here to develop such innovative and amazing eCommerce ideas. But if you have the right product offering, your customers will win by a mile from the competitors. |
| Key Features | Include the majority of marketing channels to help your potential customers grow.
There are a lot of other types of marketing that any eCommerce store might require. But as a startup begin with the major ones and then gradually include others as you grow. So, your storefront won’t be selling tangible products. But you are selling services that will make those tangible products worthy. These types of eCommerce projects ideas may need time. But once they kickoff, there is no turning back. Rest assured that you will need a team to manage the workload as the services you are providing cannot be handled by a single person. You need a team of people at your perusal. So, plan accordingly. |
| Why Build This? | Talking in monetary terms, the digital marketing industry is valued at $380 billion in 2020. Also, there is a heightened sentiment to adopt software-enabled systems and automated mechanisms to measure and implement the strategies. Hence, your role in all this will be to make the marketing efforts and results easier to understand for your customers. The eCommerce business idea is to combine the technical data with humanistic approaches. In the end, create a personalized experience for your customers. |
Lead Generation For eCommerce Stores
Not just any lead generation, but with such eCommerce startup business ideas, you can build a quality lead generation platform.
First of all, what is lead generation?
Simply put, lead generation is a way to acquire more quality and purchase-ready customers.
So, your startup has to help eCommerce store owners get more quality leads from the enormous world of potential buyers.
| Description | The lead generation business is highly lucrative and diverse. Ever heard about affiliate marketing? Well, it is a variant of lead generation. eCommerce startup businesses and ideas like lead generation require you to do two things;
If you think you can handle such activity and have the knack to land the eagle, go for it. Not only do you need the right type of convincing power, but you should also know which is the right audience. Because without that, you will only be shooting blind arrows, which is not good for your business. Be it B2B or B2C lead generation, it is up to you to decide which type of customers you want to approach and how. |
| Key Features | The features of a startup that helps eCommerce stores gain leads are also diverse. First, you need to understand which are the ways you will leverage to get the leads. Will it be:
If you want to include all, there is no harm in doing that. But you will need a bigger team and resources to address your customer’s marketing needs. Since you are covering only the eCommerce stores, start with the marketing channels that suit these stores best. Remember, personalization is the key here. The more you understand your client, the better you will get at bringing in more customers for them. |
| Why to Build This? | Big and established companies hire dedicated personnel for lead generation. But, that is not the case for a newly built eCommerce store. Irrespective of the fact, every business needs leads to grow. This is where you will come in with your eCommerce business startup ideas with lead generation. Moreover, for 63% of the marketers, generating leads is a big challenge. 61% of the marketers have also shared that lack of staff and funding is a hurdle to get successful leads. So, there are gaps in the process. Your ideas to support the eCommerce business will prove to be helpful. |
Are you thinking that the last two ideas on eCommerce startup are similar?
Well, it’s great if you think that.
Because this means you understand what we are talking about in both eCommerce business ideas.
But to answer your question, these are not the same.
The fourth idea is about building a digital marketing business to help eCommerce stores.
And digital marketing is a part of lead generation.
So, there is a difference between them.
Building any type of eCommerce business needs a very high level of personalization.
This is something you won’t with a Shopify or WooCommerce platform.
Even though WooCommerce has the most number of online stores running on its platform, it does not offer the level of personalization that you will get with an application.
Yes, building an eCom app for your business is one of the most amazing eCommerce startup ideas.
Want to Build Your Own eCommerce Business?
There are two case scenarios that we have discussed in the above discussion:
- You will build a store on the lines of eCommerce business ideas that sell products.
- Your eCommerce business startup ideas allow you to support other businesses in the industry.
In both cases, it is imperative to build an amazing storefront that is accessible, intuitive, and easy to find.
And what’s easier to find an application on Play or App Store.
To build an eCommerce application from raw ideas, you need;
- Product feasibility report
- Design
- List of features
- Development team
- Cost structure
- Deployment schedule
With SpdLoad, you are all set to take your innovative eCommerce ideas from concept to a functional solution in record time.
We are equipped with adept analysts, designers, and developers to help you create interactive and exceptional eCommerce projects from your raw ideas.
Let us know if you like any of these ideas and want to take them forward. If not, let’s discuss what you have in mind and build a product together.
Shall we?
