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How carefully do you research products for your dropshipping business? If your goal is to expand or supplement your product range, you may be wondering: how do you choose products that will not only attract the attention of your customers, but also bring in profits?
What can you sell profitably and easily in your online shop? How many products will be in it? How to find the ‘right’ and profitable product?
In this article, Stelvel Ltd experts will sort out how to conduct research to add exactly those products that will be in demand. But we want to warn you right away: you can finally determine the popularity and demand for a product only after it starts selling. The real demand and success of a product becomes obvious only in the process of its realisation.
1. Determine if the product solves a problem
Let’s not repeat the rather trite statement that products that solve specific problems sell better. If only it were that simple! How do you find products that are in steady demand without being overwhelmed by competitors?
Sometimes the best opportunities are hidden in narrow niches. Do your research to find niches where demand is stable but there are fewer competitors. This can be done by analysing reviews, forums, social media groups and specialised platforms where products of interest are discussed.
Analyse social media by hashtags, number of views of the products discussed, likes under photos, quality of comments. Read popular threads on Reddit. They are full of great niche ideas that can help you find the right product and start selling it online.
2. Research demand using Google Trends and SEO tools
Use tools like Google Trends to track demand for specific product categories. If demand is regular and not a temporary spike, then the product is popular. And you can start analysing different brands and manufacturers in this niche. For a more complete analysis, combine data from Google Trends with information from SEO tools (such as Ahrefs or SEMrush) and marketplaces. This will give you a more complete picture of market demand and the competitive landscape.
- Seasonal trends. Google Trends lets you compare interest in a product across months and years. For example, demand for winter clothing or summer holiday goods has a pronounced seasonality.
- Analyse historical data. Examine past sales periods on marketplaces. If a product has regular sales peaks, this indicates seasonal demand.
- External factors. Pay attention to holidays, holiday seasons and weather changes that affect demand.
3. Analyse sales on marketplaces
Explore sales data on popular marketplaces like Amazon, eBay.
Tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10 help you analyse:
- sales volumes
- average number of reviews
- prices
- products and their search
- optimise listings
- keywords
- competitors
Both tools require registration to access basic features and offer paid subscriptions. They are bulky and sometimes cumbersome programmes with complex interfaces. Stelvel Bulgaria helps you understand Amazon tools, selects package solutions for dropshipping products, and checks suppliers.
4. Check the availability of suppliers
Carefully study the terms of co-operation. Find out if there are requirements for minimum orders, their price and quantity. What are the payment terms and methods? Minimum order policies may vary from supplier to supplier.
- Search engines. The easiest place to start is by searching your niche for keywords and popular queries.
- Online marketplaces. Popular online marketplaces like Alibaba, SaleHoo and Doba provide databases of suppliers in various niches.
- Social media. Most suppliers and businesses maintain social media accounts. Explore LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram using hashtags and search terms.
5. Final analysis: is it worth launching?
You can safely launch test batch sales on your website or start an advertising campaign if the product fulfils the following criteria: 1) Solves a relevant problem. 2) Has a high demand (Google Trends, Ahrefs). 3) Shows good sales on marketplaces. 4) There are available suppliers with adequate terms and conditions. 5) Provides high margins (retail price is two to three times the purchase price).
Unfortunately, it can be difficult for a non-specialist to quickly understand the interface and functionality of most of the above programmes and platforms. It takes time. Misinterpretation of analytics, as well as mistakes made due to ignorance of the topic and incompetence, can lead to fatal consequences and business losses.
Stelvel company has a long history of working with major wholesalers, direct delivery suppliers, baers and distributors. Our specialists will help you negotiate, select the goods you need, analyse the market and consumers, find reliable and honest partners.