Best Items to Dropship in 2023 - Alibaba Seller

Typically, business owners have a store where they keep the products they sell.

It’s different with dropshipping; business owners sell physical products without keeping those items with them. In fact, a dropshipper might not need to be in contact with the products they sell.

Dropshipping has many advantages, including the fact that it’s easy to set up and requires little capital. However, one of the challenges people face when it comes to dropshipping is picking a product niche. People make the mistake of selling products that do not have a lot of demand or products based on their interests.

If you intend to make a profit off your dropshipping business, it’s essential to do market research to ensure you pick suitable niche products. We have done the research for you! In this article, we discuss some of the top dropshipping products to sell in 2023.

What is dropshipping?

Dropshipping is an order fulfillment method where a business owner sells physical items without the requirement to have the products in stock. It is a unique e-commerce method where customers order through your e-commerce store, but third-party providers fulfill orders.

Dropshipping can be a very profitable business if you play your cards right. According to Fundera, business owners who run a dropshipping business can make 50% more profit than those with an onsite inventory.¹

Let’s summarize the way dropshipping with the following steps:

• Customers place an order from your online store
• You send an automatic order to your dropshipping supplier
• The supplier prepares the order and sends it directly to your customer.

In other words, dropshipping involves having a supplier as a third party to handle the logistics part of the business.

Best items for dropshipping in 2023

One of the things that makes a successful dropshipping business is selling a product that works. In the words of Seth Godin, “Find products for your customers. Don’t find customers for your products.” In other words, sell products your target audience needs and will find desirable.

With that said, here is a list of the best dropshipping products you can sell in 2023:

1. Tech and electronics

From mobile devices to VR equipment and smart gadgets, tech and electronics have found a way to become a significant aspect of our daily lives. One of the great parts about the tech and electronics industry is its many sub-niches and products you can specialize in. Dropshipping electronics is a very profitable business, and a report shows that the global market reached $1,007,562 million in 2022.²

• Newest smartphone accessories

  Smartphones have become ingrained in our daily lives to perform activities such as chatting, learning, and working. There are more than 7 billion people with a smartphone, so selling smartphone accessories like chargers, memory cards, phone cases, camera lenses, power banks, and headphones can bring you a lot of profit. According to reports, the global cell phone accessories market is expected to reach $413.2 billion by 2030.³

• VR equipment

  VR equipment offers an immersive experience that makes people feel like they are in a simulated environment. These products are gaining more popularity with technological advancement and rapid urbanization. People are also getting more familiar with its benefits in the gaming/entertainment industry and other industries like healthcare. Some popular VR equipment are VR headsets and video glasses.

• Portable audio devices

  Portable audio devices like Bluetooth players, headphones, CD players, and speakers are in high demand by people who want to enjoy their music better. They have been a part of pop culture for about 4 decades for users who wish to stream their music or store digital media. One of the reasons for the popularity of audio devices is that they are simple to operate and carry around. A great way to become successful at dropshipping portable audio devices is by offering items from high-quality brands.

2. Beauty and personal care

Beauty and personal care niche refers to all beauty products and accessories men and women use to maintain/enhance their looks. This ranges from jewelry to body washes and makeup tools.

Personal care is one of the most profitable niches because it consists of products that a great number of people use daily. According to Statista, the beauty industry witnessed a growth of over 15% in 2022, making it one of the best dropshipping niches to consider in 2023.⁴ The sector is also valued at $758.5 billion by 2025.⁵ This is a lot of money, and it only means one thing; there is a lot of profit to be made in this industry!

• Vegan and organic skin care products

  Skincare products are the leading products in the cosmetic industry, accounting for 41% of the global market.⁴ Of the skincare products, the most popular category is organic skincare, made from natural ingredients like plants.

• Hair care and styling tools

  Another popular product in the beauty industry is hair care products, used to grow hair and solve hair problems like dandruff, dryness, and split ends. This category includes shampoo, edge control, hair serum, hair nets, and hot combs.

• Non-toxic makeup and cosmetics

  Most people want to look their best, so it makes perfect sense that there is a growing demand for makeup products. Meanwhile, people are showing more interest in non-toxic and eco-friendly makeup products. You should sell non-toxic personal care products to set yourself apart in the beauty industry.

3. Home and lifestyle products

One of the most popular dropshipping niches in 2023 is home products. Generally, home products range from furniture to gadgets and home decor. One of the reasons home products are great dropshipping items is because they have excellent product diversity. There are many product options, and expanding your business is very easy. Also, home products are attractive and on-demand, so you don't need to make much effort to convince website visitors to order from you.

• Eco-friendly home goods

  The demand for sustainable home goods is on the rise. One survey showed that more than 50% of shoppers seek eco-friendly alternatives to traditional products.⁶ Some of these eco-friendly products include metal straws, reusable produce bags, recycled tissue paper, and plant-based laundry detergents. It’s a great thing people care more about the environment, so it’s a great strategy to meet their needs for eco-friendly products.

• Kitchen gadgets and cookware

  Who doesn’t love convenience in the kitchen? We all do! Kitchen gadgets like smart refrigerators, portable blenders, stainless steel tumblers, and air fryers are in huge demand. If it makes kitchen tasks easier and faster, customers will want it!

• DIY craft supplies

  DIY craft supplies are trending right now because they make it easy for people to make their homes more aesthetically pleasing. These products include paints, repair tool kits, lighting fixtures, craft fabrics, magnetic hooks, etc.

4. Fitness and outdoor gear

The fitness industry is fast growing thanks to the increasing awareness of its medical benefits. The fitness and outdoor gear industry also owes its growth to the pandemic in 2020. Many people had to figure out ways to stay active at home during the pandemic, and there was a high demand for products that made exercising at home easy.

• Home gym equipment

  Many people opt to exercise at home instead of going to the gym, putting home gym equipment in high demand. Home gym equipment includes jump ropes, heart rate monitors, dumbbells, exercise mag, weight scales, etc.

• Camping and hiking gear

  Aside from exercising, one of the things that gained popularity in recent years is outdoor activities like camping and hiking. According to a study, two-thirds of Americans now engage more in outdoor activities.⁷ Thus, people seek gear and equipment that offer the protection and comfort needed to participate in activities like hiking and camping. Camping tents, boots, camping wear, first aid kits, backpacks, and mosquito repellents are amongst the top camping and hiking gear in demand.

• Yoga and Pilates accessories

  This category of products is excellent for people who enjoy yoga and pilates, whether as a physical activity or meditation.

  Here is an interesting statistic about yoga: about 300 million people worldwide practice it!⁸ One of the reasons for the popularity of yoga is that it offers many health benefits and promotes physical fitness. This is the same for pilates, among the most demanding exercises in the fitness industry.⁹ Some products under this category are yoga mats, resistance loop bands, yoga pants, yoga blocks, exercise balls, and pilates rings.

4. Kids and baby products

A baby, during their first year, will need a lot of products like diapers, pacifiers, strollers, clothes, and car seats. You can’t go wrong with selling kids and baby products because it’s a huge market with high demand. The global industry for baby products is estimated to reach about $88.72 billion by 2026! ^10. One great tip for selling baby products is choosing innovative products that make parenting easier.

• Ethical kids clothing

  Research shows that parents and gift-givers are particular about buying safe products for kids. That's why ethical clothing is one of the leading kids’ products to sell. If you plan to dropship baby clothing, ensure they are safe products sourced from credible brands. Offering eco-friendly kids' clothing is also a great way to differentiate yourself from competitors.

• Educational toys

  Toys are very popular to sell, especially during the holidays when parents need a way to keep their kids busy. It’s a very profitable niche, especially for those who offer educational toys like Scrabble, learning iPads, role-play toys, science kits, musical instruments, and so on,

• Baby safety equipment

  Parents are becoming tech-savvy and more aware of careful parenting. That’s why one of the best ways to make money in 2023 is to offer baby safety equipment like baby monitors, baby carriers, non-touch forehead thermometers, remote control swings, and smart bassinets.

Tips for effective dropshipping in 2023

Starting your dropshipping store is easy, making it one of the most profitable forms of order fulfillment. However, it would help if you put in some effort to get your dropshipping business out there. Here are some necessary tips to ensure you have a successful dropshipping business:

Researching product trends

One of the most essential tips to achieve a high profit with your dropshipping business is to conduct extensive product research.

What is the purpose of this product research?

It helps you identify the best dropshipping products to sell. The dropshipping business is a very accessible market, making the competition very high. To stand out, you must commit to selling products that will be in high demand.

One of the ways to research product trends is by analyzing your competitors to see which products they are selling and which they are not. Find the gaps in the dropshipping business that your business can fill up. You should also follow market trends to find the top dropshipping products to sell.

Navigating supplier relationships

Suppliers constitute a significant part of the dropshipping business; they can make or break your business. It’s vital to seek high-quality suppliers who will not damage your business reputation. Great suppliers will provide excellent customer experience, sell quality products, and prioritize on-time deliveries. Aside from seeking high-quality suppliers, forming a good relationship with them is necessary. Be strategic with how you relate with them to ensure a long-term relationship.

Scaling your dropshipping business

A supplier will handle the deliveries, but you will be responsible for branding and marketing your business. Scale your dropshipping business by leveraging marketing techniques like affiliate sponsorship, SEO, paid ads, and social media marketing. If you’re selling on a platform like Alibaba.com, you can leverage the platform’s advertising tools to drive traffic to your business.

Sell on Alibaba.com: Thriving in the 2023 dropshipping market

There you have it - the best dropshipping items of 2023 and tips to manage a successful dropshipping business! As you already know, dropshipping is best done online, so it’s a great idea to sell on an excellent e-commerce platform like Alibaba.com.

Also, with Alibaba.com, it’s easy to find high-quality suppliers that offer great dropshipping products and exceptional customer service. Alibaba.com is assured of its place as a dependable B2B platform to source for different categories of products like electronics, beauty products, and fitness items.

Ready to get your dropshipping business started? Join Alibaba.com today! Check the product catalog to find top dropshipping products and create a storefront to set up your business.