17 Unique Amazon Business Ideas
When it comes to e-commerce, it’s hard to find a company that dominates the market in the way Amazon does; not only does the platform offer immense opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive, but it’s also the go-to for customer convenience, support, and affordability.
So - if you’re thinking about starting your own Amazon business, we've compiled 17 unique business ideas that can help you carve out your own space on the platform - even in 2023! Let’s take a look.
Identifying Profitable Niches on Amazon
First up, the key to success on Amazon is identifying niches that are both profitable and align with your interests or expertise. A good niche should have a strong demand but relatively low competition, which will give you enough wiggle room to both make money while also allowing your business to stand out.
Private Label Products
While branded products are popular, creating private label products - which involves sourcing generic products and branding them as your own - can be particularly successful in certain popular niches. This is where you can essentially add value through unique branding or improved product quality, whether it be cosmetics, home products, or unique tech.
Niche Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes have boomed in popularity in recent years, and what’s great about the subscription niche is that it you can target incredibly niche markets with low competition. Whether it be organic skincare or vegan snacks, offering customers a unique and personalised monthly experience encourages repeat purchases and customer loyalty.
Handmade and Crafts Store
While you might think that handmade crafts are better suited to a platform like Etsy, Amazon’s Handmade category allows artisans and creatives to sell unique, handcrafted products - often at a much higher cost than they would elsewhere. This idea is perfect if you’re skilled at crafting items like jewellery, art, or home decor.
Health and Wellness Products
With an increasing focus on health and wellness all over social media, products in this category, - whether it be meditation aids, organic supplements or fitness equipment - can be highly profitable, provided that you’re able to market your brand correctly.
Home Office Furniture and Accessories
With more people working from home than ever, there’s a growing market for home office furniture and accessories that combine functionality with style. Think customised home PC setups, accessories for virtual work, and fun, bright home decor for a personalised working space.
Eco-Friendly Products
As concerns about sustainability and the planet are ever-present in the media, so are eco-friendly and sustainable products increasingly popular in the e-commerce world. You could sell items like biodegradable cleaning supplies, reusable makeup tools, or reusable kitchenware, attracting environmentally conscious consumers looking to make a full-time change in their consumption habits.
Smart Home Devices
With the rise of smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, other automated systems - such as smart lighting or smart thermostats - are more in demand for tech-savvy homeowners looking to upgrade their living spaces. It’s worth noting, however, that technology - including smart tech - does remain a popular niche; however, with the right Amazon PPC experts and a solid selling strategy, there’s no reason you can’t succeed in this genre.
Kids' Educational Toys
With more parents in work than ever in 2023, educational toys that combine fun with learning could be a hit among parents looking to wean their children off their iPads and minimise their screen-time. Focusing on developmental toys could also carve out a lucrative niche, as it's relatively new to the market but a popular concept across social media.
Outdoor and Adventure Gear
While it might be slightly more complicated to set up, products like high-quality camping gear or hiking accessories can be profitable - however, if you plan on selling larger products like tents and camping materials, you might need to use Amazon FBA for storage.
Tech Accessories
The tech accessories market is vast and increasingly in demand, and can encompass everything from phone cases to advanced gaming set-ups for mobile games. What’s great about iPhone and iPad cases is that you can also channel your creativity and create your own designs.
Pet Products
Pets are more in than ever, which naturally means that the pet industry is booming! With opportunities in areas like organic pet food, innovative toys, or pet health and wellness products, it’s the best time to carve out a place for yourself in the world of furry friends.
Fashion and Apparel
Let’s be honest - fashion on Amazon is a competitive niche - but it’s also potentially rewarding. Success in this niche often lies in avoiding generic terms and instead targeting specific trends or demographics, such sustainable fashion, or plus-size clothing.
DIY Home Improvement Tools
DIY and home improvement boomed during the pandemic, but it remains a popular niche in 2023; you could set up a successful Amazon store offering specialised tools and equipment, attracting occasional hobbyists and professionals alike.
Gourmet and Specialty Foods
Before you ask, yes, you can sell food on Amazon! Gourmet and specialty foods can cater to foodies looking for unique culinary experiences, and also make great gift ideas. Think artisanal cheeses, exotic spices, or handcrafted chocolates with gorgeous packaging.
Personal Care and Beauty Products
The personal care and beauty market is vast and often dominated by the big-name brands, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find success in this niche. If you’re willing to put in the work, there are plenty of opportunities for products with a unique selling proposition, such as organic ingredients, vegan makeup, or skincare solutions tailored to different skin types.
Tech Gadgets for Specific Hobbies
Another profitable way to find success on Amazon is through targeting hobbies: for example, selling gadgets tailored to specific areas of interests, like photography, knitting, cooking, or music production.
Virtual Products and Courses
Finally, selling virtual products like e-books or online courses on Amazon can be a profitable avenue, especially if you have expertise in a particular field. Whether you’re a handy DIY expert or want to sell your marketing expertise, the Amazon platform can be a great way to kickstart your coaching career.