How to Start a Successful Online Store Without Own Products

Sahl Tuesday,04 Mar 2025

Dreaming of owning an online store but don't have your own products? Don't worry, many entrepreneurs today are achieving great success in e-commerce without having to store or manufacture products themselves. In this article, we will review the different ways you can open a profitable online store without having your own products, with practical tips to ensure the success of your project.

1. Is it possible to open an online store without products?

Yes, you can launch an online store and benefit from several business models that do not require you to have inventory or manufacture products. The basic idea is that you are the intermediary between the supplier and the buyer, and you make profits from every sale made through your store.
- Advantages of this method:
✔ You do not need a large capital for advance purchase or storage.
✔ Flexibility to work from anywhere without the need for warehouses.
✔ Try many products and markets without much risk.
✔ The possibility of achieving sustainable profits thanks to smart marketing strategies.

2. The most popular ways to create an online store without products
1 - Dropshipping model
How does it work?
In this model, you create an online store and add products from external suppliers (such as AliExpress or Spocket). When a customer orders a product, it is shipped directly from the supplier to the customer without you having to store it.
The most popular platforms that support dropshipping:
• Shopify + Oberlo
• Spocket
• CJ Dropshipping
Tip: Choose reliable suppliers to ensure product quality and fast shipping, because customer experience is the key to your success.
2 - Print on Demand (POD)
How does it work?
If you are interested in design, you can create an online store that displays customized products such as T-shirts, mugs, stickers, and more. Once the customer orders the product, it is printed and shipped directly to them by the manufacturer, such as Printful or Teespring.
Advantages of this model:
✔ No need to store products or invest in advance.
✔ Ability to sell unique and attractive designs.
✔ Suitable for personal brands and influencers.
3 - Affiliate Marketing
How does it work?
In this model, you don’t sell products directly, but rather promote other companies’ products through your online store. When a customer buys through your affiliate link, you get a commission.

Best affiliate marketing platforms:
• Amazon Affiliate Program
• ShareASale
• CJ Affiliate
Tip: Focus on choosing products that are relevant to your audience, and create valuable content that helps customers make purchasing decisions.

4 - Selling digital services
How does it work?
Instead of selling physical products, you can sell services such as design, writing, consulting, or even training courses through your online store.
Ideas for digital services:
• Graphic and logo design
• Online educational courses
• Downloadable templates and files (such as Excel or Canva templates)
Advantages of selling digital services:
✔ No production or shipping costs.
✔ High profit margin compared to physical products.
✔ Services can be provided to customers anywhere in the world.
3. How to choose the most appropriate model for your store?
To choose the most appropriate way to start your online store without products, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you have the skill to design or create content? → Print on demand or sell digital services may be the best option.
Do you prefer to sell ready-made products without the need to manufacture them? → Dropshipping is the right solution for you.
Do you have the ability to market and attract an audience? → Affiliate marketing will enable you to make profits without inventory.
4. Steps to create an online store without products
After choosing the appropriate model, here are the practical steps to create your online store:
1 - Choose the appropriate platform:
Choose a platform that supports the business model you have chosen, such as Shopify for dropshipping, WooCommerce for selling services, or Teespring for print on demand.
2 - Design a professional store:
• Choose an attractive and easy-to-use template.
• Make sure the store is mobile-friendly.
• Add basic pages such as "About Us", "Return Policy", and "Payment Methods".
3 - Choose products or services:
• If you work with dropshipping, look for reliable suppliers.
• If you sell services, define a clear list of services and prices.
4 - Marketing strategies:
• Use social media to attract visitors.
• Optimize your store for search engine results.
• Try sponsored ads on Facebook and Instagram to attract potential customers.
5. Challenges of opening an online store without products and how to overcome them
Although it is easy to start, there are some challenges you may face:
Shipping problems in drop shipping → Choose suppliers with fast and reliable shipping.
Difficulty building trust in affiliate marketing → Provide honest reviews and testimonials from customers.
High competition in print on demand → Focus on unique designs and target a specialized audience.
Opening an online store without products is no longer difficult, as there are many models that enable you to achieve a good income without the need to store or manufacture goods yourself. Whether you choose drop shipping, print on demand, affiliate marketing, or selling digital services, make sure to plan well and invest time in marketing to attract customers and achieve success.
Do you have experience in creating an online store without products? Share your experience in the comments!