With the rise of online shopping, businesses are constantly seeking new ways to boost sales while minimizing costs. Private label products have emerged as a profitable ecommerce model, where retailers outsource production to third parties but market and sell the products under their own brand name.
In 2022, sales of private label products in the United States alone reached a whopping $229 billion, representing an 11% surge from the previous year, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association and IRI, Inc. This presents a great opportunity for businesses of all sizes to tap into the market.
The beauty of private labeling is that it is not just reserved for big retailers. With the right product categories, small businesses can also profit from this strategy. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 15 highly lucrative private label products that you can sell online.
Table of Contents
- 1. Cosmetics
- 2. Eyewear
- 3. Yoga Mats
- 4. Essential Oils
- 5. Furniture
- 6. Water Bottles
- 7. Smart Backpacks
- 8. Gardening Tools
- 9. Home Decor
- 10. Stationery
- 11. Travel Accessories
- 12. Supplements
- 13. Lunch Boxes
- 14. Snacks
- 15. Packaged Food
- How to Sell Private Label Products on Amazon
- Final Words
- FAQs About Private Label Products
1. Cosmetics
Are you thinking of diving into the beauty industry by selling private label cosmetics? Well, you’re on the right track as it’s a booming industry with no signs of slowing down. However, the competition is fierce, and if you want to succeed, you’ll need to think outside the box.
To set yourself apart from the big players in the industry, you should try to come up with an original idea. Customers who keep this industry running are always on the lookout for the latest trends and new beauty gimmicks. So, don’t be afraid to be creative and come up with something that hasn’t been seen before.
Conducting thorough research is crucial if you want to sell private label cosmetics successfully. It takes time and money to make sure that you’re offering up something innovative and unique. Don’t make the mistake of creating generic products that are already on the market. Instead, focus on something that hasn’t been done before.
So, if you’re up for the challenge, get creative and start researching. With the right idea and some hard work, you could be on your way to making it big in the beauty industry!
2. Eyewear
If you’re looking for a product that has the potential to take your online business to the next level, eyewear might just be the answer! As anyone who wears glasses knows, having high-quality and durable frames is crucial. That’s why investing in creating stylish and long-lasting eyewear can be a great choice for your business.
One of the best things about selling eyewear is that it’s a year-round product – people need glasses no matter the season! And with various niches to target, such as reading glasses, sunglasses, and blue light blocking glasses, there’s always an opportunity to grow your customer base.
Staying up-to-date on the latest eyewear trends can also help you stand out from the competition and boost sales. So why not consider adding private label eyewear to your online store? It could be just the thing to take your business to new heights.
3. Yoga Mats
With the growing interest in health and wellness products, yoga mats are becoming more popular than ever.
Did you know that there are over 300 million yoga practitioners worldwide? That’s a huge market of potential customers who might be interested in your products.
What’s great about yoga mats as a private label option is that they’re easy and inexpensive to make. Plus, you can customize them with your own materials, functionality, and designs to make them truly unique.
The best part? Yoga enthusiasts are willing to invest in quality yoga mats and equipment, so there’s potential to increase your profits significantly.
So, if you’re looking for a profitable private label option, yoga mats might just be the perfect fit for your business.
4. Essential Oils
Have you noticed how essential oils have become so popular lately? They used to be just a small part of the cosmetics industry, but now they have their own private label category.
It’s no wonder, though – essential oils are not only used for aromatherapy, massage, and home scenting, but they also have plenty of health and wellbeing benefits.
In today’s world where mental health is becoming a top priority, essential oils are a great way to tap into a huge market. They’re relatively cheap to make, and if you offer high-quality oils, people are more than willing to pay a hefty price for an oil that can “change their life.”
In fact, did you know that the essential oil market in the US is worth a whopping $3.36 billion? That’s a lot of moolah!
So, if you’re thinking of starting a business, why not consider essential oils? Not only are they a sweet-smelling product, but they’re also a profitable one.
5. Furniture
With people constantly redecorating, replacing broken items, or moving to a new home, there’s always a need for furniture.
But wait, there’s more! The furniture industry is not just one big monolithic block – there are tons of different niches to explore. You can choose to focus on specific items, styles, price points, and more.
One area that we think is worth exploring is the world of flat-pack furniture. You know the drill – you buy a piece of furniture that looks great in the store, but once you get it home and start trying to put it together, everything falls apart (including your hopes and dreams). So why not try to make the flat-pack furniture experience more user-friendly? If you can offer people an easy-to-use solution that won’t end in tears (or screaming matches with their significant other), you could really be onto something.
So go forth and explore the furniture industry – there’s no shortage of possibilities!
6. Water Bottles
Who would have thought that reusable water bottles would become such a big deal? With more people seeking sustainable options, these bottles have become a must-have item, not just for school kids and outdoor enthusiasts.
Now, with the demand for alternatives to single-use plastics growing, there are various niches within the market that you can target. Rather than creating generic bottles, think about your audience. Are you catering to the sports-loving gym-goers or office workers looking for a bottle to refill at the water cooler?
Once you identify your target market, it’s time to create functional and attractive reusable water bottles that suit their lifestyle. So, whether they’re hitting the gym or attending a board meeting, your customers will have a stylish and practical bottle to carry with them.
7. Smart Backpacks
You know how everything seems to have a “smart” version these days? Smartphones, smart TVs, smartwatches… But have you ever heard of a smart backpack?
Believe it or not, smart backpacks are becoming more and more popular. However, there still aren’t too many places that sell them. This means that now is the perfect time to jump on the trend!
Smart backpacks come with a range of options to choose from, such as anti-theft zippers and pockets, built-in power banks, or connected USB cables. Plus, the best thing about backpacks is that they can be used by almost anyone, from commuters to students.
So, if you’re looking for a unique and useful product to sell, consider adding smart backpacks to your inventory. The possibilities are endless!
8. Gardening Tools
So, we all know that gardening has always been a pretty popular hobby, but ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we were all stuck at home, more and more people have been taking a serious interest in their outdoor space. It’s been pretty amazing to see a whole new generation of green-thumbed gardeners born!
With the increased popularity of outdoor spaces and getting back in touch with nature, selling gardening tools as a private label product on your ecommerce site is a great idea. There are plenty of items to choose from, like flowerpots, tools, and seeds. Just be ready for some seasonality shifts – you might see a drop in sales during the winter months, but things will likely pick back up again once spring rolls around.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get your green on and start selling some gardening tools!
9. Home Decor
If you’re into interior design, you know that home decor products can be a hit with customers. It’s important to keep up with the latest trends and see what your competitors are selling to determine the theme and vibe of your own products.
Since decorating a home is a personal choice, it’s smart to find a manufacturer that will let you purchase smaller quantities of stock to test which items your audience will love. This way, you won’t be stuck with a bunch of unsold inventory.
One great thing about private label home decor is that you can choose smaller, lightweight items like candles and cushions. This not only makes storage a breeze, but it also keeps shipping costs low.
So, if you’re ready to start creating a chic and stylish home decor line, keep an eye on trends, test out small quantities, and focus on smaller items that are easy to store and ship.
10. Stationery
If you’re a fan of good stationery, you know that there’s nothing quite like putting pen to paper. Even in today’s digital age, people still appreciate the feeling of a handwritten note.
That’s why creating and selling private label stationery can be a great business opportunity. With a potential market that includes students, office workers, and anyone who loves a good notebook, the possibilities are endless.
One of the best things about private label stationery is the variety of products you can offer. From notebooks and pens to pencil cases and sticky notes, the options are virtually limitless.
It’s important to be cautious when ordering from manufacturers, though. While they may want you to place a large order, it’s wise to start small and invest only in the amount of product you think you can sell. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure that your business stays profitable.
11. Travel Accessories
Are you looking for a new business opportunity in the travel industry? Look no further than the travel accessories market! From suitcases to washbags, passport holders to travel cots, there is a vast range of products that travelers need.
While there are already many options available online, there is still plenty of room for new and innovative products. By creating a unique item that solves a common travel problem, you could be on the path to success in ecommerce.
When developing and selling private label travel accessories, consider what sets your products apart from the competition. It’s crucial to identify your target audience from the outset to ensure that your designs and products will resonate with them. By focusing on what makes your products unique and appealing to your target market, you can build a loyal customer base and establish your brand in the travel accessories industry.
12. Supplements
The world of supplements is booming, and it’s no surprise why. More and more people are making a conscious effort to lead a healthier lifestyle, and supplements are an easy way to ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs.
However, selling supplements can be tricky. You need to make sure that they meet the various regulations and that they are safe for consumption. But if you can navigate these hurdles, selling supplements can be incredibly profitable.
If you’re thinking of starting a supplement business, we recommend focusing on a specific niche. By specializing in a certain area, you can build a loyal following and stand out from the competition.
For example, you could specialize in “female supplements,” “supplements for sports performance,” or “family-friendly supplements.” This will help you to grow an engaged audience and establish yourself as an authority in your chosen area.
Remember, the supplement industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends and regulations.
13. Lunch Boxes
If you’re someone who’s used a lunch box before, whether it was to take your PB&J sandwiches to school or to carry your delicious homemade salad to work, then you’re in luck! With such a wide range of people using lunch boxes, there’s an amazing opportunity for you to create a bunch of cool designs and product ideas.
To start, we recommend checking out some of the top marketplaces online, like Amazon. You can see what kinds of lunch boxes are flying off the shelves and maybe even get inspiration for unique product ideas. Who knows, you might find a gap in the market that you can fill!
So what are you waiting for? Upgrade your lunch game with some fresh design ideas and create a product that people will love to use every day!
14. Snacks
Let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy a little munchie every now and then? Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savory treats, snacking is the ultimate answer to curb those hunger pangs.
If you’re a bit of a whizz in the kitchen and have a flair for creating tasty treats, why not consider making your own private label product to sell? Snacks are a great option to start with!
Of course, we all know that the snack market is a highly competitive one. But fear not, you don’t need to beat the big players to be successful. Instead, focus on what makes your snacks unique and different from others in the market. Think about popular trends such as gluten-free or vegan options, and consider catering to those audiences.
By keeping an eye on what’s hot in the market and putting your own creative spin on things, you can create a winning private label snack that will have people coming back for more.
15. Packaged Food
Our final pick of private label products is packaged food! With a wide range of options, you can choose from fresh and healthy products to more processed items. Plus, you have the opportunity to add your own branding to the packaging and create your own unique recipes.
But before you start selling, it’s important to keep in mind that there are legal requirements and health and safety standards you need to meet. These may vary depending on your state, so be sure to research the current rules and regulations in your area.
Overall, private label packaged food can be a great addition to your ecommerce store, as long as you take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with local laws and safety standards.
How to Sell Private Label Products on Amazon
If you’re looking to sell private label products on a third-party platform, Amazon is a great choice!
Amazon is one of the biggest international marketplaces out there. This means that you’ll have access to a huge audience of potential customers. Plus, Amazon has a solid reputation, so selling on this platform can be particularly beneficial for ecommerce merchants who are just starting out and haven’t yet built up their own audience.
However, it’s worth noting that Amazon itself is a major competitor. In addition to being a marketplace for other brands, Amazon also creates and sells its own branded products. That means you’ll need to be smart about your pricing and quality if you want to stand out and beat the competition.
One option to consider if you do decide to sell your private label products on Amazon is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). This service allows you to store your products at an Amazon distribution center, where they’ll be picked, packed, and shipped for you.
Overall, selling on Amazon can be a smart move for ecommerce merchants. Just be aware of the competition and take advantage of tools like FBA to make the most of your experience.
For more information, you can check out our guide on starting an Amazon private label business.
Final Words
You’ve made it to the end of our article on the best private label products to sell online. By now, you should have a better idea of whether selling private label products is the right choice for you, and which product types to consider.
However, it’s important to remember that success in this business doesn’t come overnight. You’ll need to invest time in sourcing your products, setting up your online store, and making key decisions about distribution and fulfillment. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, selling private label products can be a lucrative venture.
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FAQs About Private Label Products
How do I choose a private label product to sell?
To choose a private label product to sell, you need to find your niche, contact a manufacturer, and test samples. This involves performing product research, identifying your target market, finding a manufacturer interested in private labeling, and reviewing production costs.
Additionally, it’s important to test the product beyond the quality assurance process to ensure that it meets your standards before selling it on your online store.
What companies use private label products?
Many companies use private label products for their in-house store brands. Some examples include Amazon Private Label and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Walmart Great Value, Costco’s Kirkland Signature, and even grocery stores like Whole Foods and Kroger.
Who are the best private label manufacturers?
Many private label manufacturers specialize in certain areas, such as health and beauty or electronics. When researching manufacturers, make sure you have your niche settled beforehand.
In terms of general private label manufacturers in the US, some of the best include SupplyMeDirect, Wordans, MAANA Products, Alanic, and Max Private Label.
Jeff Smith, Founder of High Income Source, is an online business coach with a BBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania. His online business coaching program is so popular that more than 100 students have benefited and started successful online businesses under his guidance.
Jeff started dabbling in online business while he was in college, where he began with dropshipping. After college, Jeff worked at a marketing agency and freelanced as a writer. His breakthrough came when he realized the potential of blogging, leading to a $100,000 sale of a dog-focused website. His expertise includes SEO, affiliate marketing, Amazon FBA, blogging and dropshipping.