No-Code vs. Custom Code
Explore the pros and cons of no-code and custom code to decide which approach is best for your app development needs
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According to Grand View Research, the global e-commerce market size was USD 25.93 trillion in 2023, and it is expected to grow by 18% from 2024 to 2030. Crazy, isn't it? Although e-commerce is very competitive and seems to be controlled by big tech giants, they can't capture all regions and users. There is a trend to build small e-commerce businesses that target specific regions or audiences.
For example, I have seen some businesses sell customized mobile covers, laptop screens, and even stickers for laptops. In short, You can sell anything as long as there is demand from users.
In this guide, I'll share some practical e-commerce business ideas for beginners, complete with market insights and potential revenue. I'll also point out common gaps in each area and how you can stand out with a fresh approach. So let's get started.
1. Eco-Friendly Products
The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products is growing rapidly as more consumers focus on environmentally conscious buying. This category includes items made from sustainable materials, reusable products, and eco-friendly alternatives to everyday goods, like bamboo toothbrushes and biodegradable packaging.
The benefit? Eco-friendly brands can often charge higher prices because of their positive impact on the environment.
Market Stats & Potential
- Market Size: The global market for eco-friendly products is expected to grow significantly, reaching $250 billion by 2028, according to Statista.
- Revenue Potential: Sustainable brands usually have high-profit margins. Since customers are willing to pay more, eco-friendly products can be profitable even with fewer sales compared to non-eco-friendly products.
Current Gaps & Unique Opportunities
Despite the growing demand, many eco-friendly stores don't provide highly personalized or local delivery options. By offering customizable items or fast local delivery, like same-day delivery for specific areas, you could offer value and convenience that set you apart from competitors.
Including a section for impact stories—such as how products are sourced or how materials benefit the environment—can help build trust and long-term loyalty among eco-conscious buyers.
How to Build This with No-Code
- Recommended Platforms: Bubble (for a full-featured e-commerce app), Shopify (for comprehensive e-commerce), Etsy (for handmade or small-batch items)
- Estimated Build Time: 3-4 weeks
- Key Features: Product customization options, eco-certification labels, educational blog sections, secure payment integration
2. Handmade and Artisan Goods
Handmade and artisan goods are always popular with customers who want unique, high-quality items, from handcrafted jewelry to artisanal home decor. Selling handmade goods online allows you to showcase your creativity while appealing to an audience that values craftsmanship over mass production.
Market Stats & Potential
- Market Size: The global handicrafts market is expected to reach about $1.2 trillion by 2026, fueled by growing consumer interest in unique, handcrafted items, according to Statista.
- Revenue Potential: Businesses selling handmade products often enjoy good profit margins, with dedicated sellers earning between $1,000 and $5,000 per month.
Current Gaps & Unique Opportunities
Many large platforms offer handmade goods, but they often lack personal storytelling and interaction between creators and buyers. By sharing behind-the-scenes stories or videos about your creation process, you can help customers feel more connected to your brand. Offering "made-to-order" items that allow for customization can also make your products feel exclusive and more meaningful.
How to Build This with No-Code
- Recommended Platforms: Etsy (easy setup for handmade goods), Bubble (for a unique and personalized store), Shopify (for a scalable platform)
- Estimated Build Time: 2-3 weeks
- Key Features: Seller profiles, product stories, video integrations, review system, secure payments
3. Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes have become one of the most popular e-commerce models, providing a mix of convenience and excitement for customers. There are options for all interests, including food, beauty, wellness, and entertainment. With subscription boxes, you can offer a service that consistently surprises your customers while generating steady, recurring revenue.
Market Stats & Potential
- Market Size: The subscription box market is expected to reach $120 billion by 2030, driven by increasing consumer interest in curated, personalized goods, according to Allied Market Research.
- Revenue Potential: Subscription boxes usually cost between $15 and $100 per month, with leading brands experiencing steady monthly revenue growth.
Current Gaps & Unique Opportunities
Many subscription boxes lack personalization or interactive features. By allowing users to set preferences for curated selections or providing monthly "sneak peeks," you can improve the customer experience.
For instance, you could design a pet subscription box that lets pet owners choose products based on their pet's preferences. This strategy helps build loyalty and keeps customers eager for the next box.
How to Build This with No-Code
- Recommended Platforms: Cratejoy (focused on subscriptions), Bubble (for custom subscription flows), Shopify (with plugins for subscription services)
- Estimated Build Time: 4-5 weeks
- Key Features: User preferences for personalized boxes, automated billing, inventory tracking, feedback collection
4. Digital Products
Digital products, like e-books, templates, printables, and courses, are profitable because they can be sold repeatedly without extra production costs. This model is perfect for people with specialized knowledge or creative skills and offers scalability since digital products can reach a global audience.
Market Stats & Potential
- Market Size: The digital products market is projected to grow to $331 billion by 2025, largely due to increased demand for e-learning and digital media according to (Mordor Intelligence).
- Revenue Potential: Prices for digital products vary, but a quality course or guide can sell for anywhere from $20 to $500, depending on the content’s value.
Current Gaps & Unique Opportunities
Many digital product stores lack ongoing support or community engagement. Adding a community feature, such as a forum or Q&A section, can foster interaction and encourage repeat purchases. For instance, a nutrition guide could include access to an online community for sharing recipes, tips, and support, making customers feel part of a bigger purpose.
How to Build This with No-Code
- Recommended Platforms: Bubble (for a custom digital storefront), Gumroad (for digital downloads), Teachable (for courses)
- Estimated Build Time: 2-3 weeks
- Key Features: Instant downloads, access levels for premium content, community section, user-friendly checkout
5. Personalized Gifts
Personalized gift items are popular because they are unique and thoughtful. These can include things like monogrammed accessories, custom jewelry, and engraved gifts. The gift industry does well during holidays, making it a great opportunity for both seasonal and year-round business.
Market Stats & Potential
- Market Size: The personalized gift market is projected to grow to $43.3 billion by 2027, driven by increasing demand for unique, customized items, according to Grand View Research.
- Revenue Potential: Personalized products typically have high profit margins and attract customers who are willing to pay more for unique items.
Current Gaps & Unique Opportunities
While personalized products are popular, many businesses only offer basic options. By adding unique customization features, such as a real-time preview tool for customer designs, or providing fast, local delivery for special occasions, you can stand out. This kind of service encourages repeat purchases, especially during holidays and events.
How to Build This with No-Code
- Recommended Platforms: Bubble (for detailed customization options), Shopify (easy integration with customization tools), Etsy (for handmade, customizable gifts)
- Estimated Build Time: 3-4 weeks
- Key Features: Custom order forms, design preview options, personalization tools, inventory and order management
6. Pet Products
Pet products, ranging from toys and accessories to specialty pet foods, have a loyal customer base eager to spend on quality. Many pet owners prioritize sustainable and safe materials, offering a great niche for entrepreneurs who want to serve this passion-driven market.
Market Stats & Potential
- Market Size: The global pet care market is expected to exceed $270 billion by 2026 as pet ownership and spending continue to grow, according to Fortune Business Insights.
- Revenue Potential: Pet products often have high profit margins, with successful stores earning between $5,000 and $10,000 monthly.
Current Gaps & Unique Opportunities
Many pet stores don't offer products for specific pet needs, such as eco-friendly or breed-specific items. Focusing on eco-friendly, organic, or breed-specific products (like toys designed for different dog sizes or treats for sensitive stomachs) could attract pet owners looking for specialized options. Emphasizing local and fast delivery can also enhance their appeal.
How to Build This with No-Code
- Recommended Platforms: Bubble (for creating a fully custom pet store), Shopify (for a standard pet e-commerce site), BigCommerce (for expanding pet-related stores)
- Estimated Build Time: 3-5 weeks
- Key Features: Product categories, custom orders, eco-friendly tags, customer reviews, secure payment
7. Health and Wellness Products
Health and wellness products are in high demand as more people invest in items that support their physical and mental well-being. This category includes supplements, fitness products, and organic skincare, providing a variety of options for building an e-commerce business.
Market Stats & Potential
- Market Size: The wellness market is expected to grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025, according to McKinsey & Company, showing that consumers are increasingly investing in health and wellness products.
- Revenue Potential: Wellness products can provide consistent income, with many stores earning over $10,000 per month, depending on the niche and audience.
Current Gaps & Unique Opportunities
Most wellness stores focus only on products and overlook the educational content that customers often seek. By adding a blog or video tutorials on how to use your products, you can build a stronger connection with customers and establish your store as a reliable source of health information.
For example, a supplement store with a blog featuring health benefits, fitness tips, or how-to-consume guides could provide extra value and build customer loyalty.
Another example is the Y Combinator-backed startup "Farmako." They focus on fast online medicine delivery in 2-3 cities in India, managing about 16,000 deliveries each month, with $1.6 million in funding. Their standout feature is that you can upload a handwritten prescription, and their AI system accurately identifies the medicine, even if the handwriting is messy.
How to Build This with No-Code
- Recommended Platforms: Bubble (for custom features), Shopify (for easy product management), Wix (if content marketing is a major focus)
- Estimated Build Time: 4-5 weeks
- Key Features: Health tips blog, product categories, customer reviews, secure checkout, subscription options for recurring purchases
Find the Right Ecommerce Business Idea
The above ideas are just a starting point, and there are always more options to explore. Before committing to a specific idea, take the time to research and validate it. Ultimately, choosing the right e-commerce business depends on aligning your interests with market trends and understanding the unique needs you can fulfill for customers.
Whether you’re passionate about eco-friendly products, health and wellness, or personalized gifts, there’s likely a space in e-commerce that’s perfect for you.
Starting an e-commerce business requires careful groundwork. From selecting reliable distributors to securing delivery partners who offer top-notch service, there’s a lot to consider. And one of the most crucial elements is a well-designed app—one that’s scalable and offers an excellent user experience to support your business growth.
This is where Zeroqode can be your partner in building a successful e-commerce platform. Our team of Bubble-certified developers has built over 500 apps on Bubble, including marketplaces, e-commerce sites, and AI-driven platforms.
With our expertise, you can build an app that’s tailored to your unique business needs, fully scalable, and ready for growth. Check out our case studies to see how we’ve helped founders and entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.
So, pick an idea that excites you and begin your e-commerce journey!
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