The Best Dropshipping Products to Sell in 2021 (And Ideas to Market Them)

The biggest hurdle most new dropshipping entrepreneurs face is picking a niche to focus on and products to sell. And that’s understandable⁠—it’s likely the biggest decision you’ll make for your business and will have long-term consequences on its success or failure.

The most common mistake at this stage is picking a product based on personal interest or passion. This is an acceptable strategy if being interested in the product, as opposed to having a successful business, is your primary objective.

But if your top priority is to build a profitable dropshipping site, you’ll want to consider setting your personal passions aside when doing market research or at least making sure they meet with the criteria discussed in this dropshipping guide.

Finding the bestselling dropshipping products

All customers aren’t created equal. It’s strange how some customers buying small items feel entitled to demand the moon while other big spenders rarely ask for anything. Targeting the right demographic can be a boon for your business. Dropshipping products that appeal to these clients tend to be worth your while:

1. Hobbyist products

People love their hobbies and will spend mind-boggling amounts on equipment, training, and tools for them. Many serious mountain bikers have bikes that cost more than their cars, and folks who love to fish might spend a fortune outfitting their boats. If you can target the right hobbyist niche and successfully connect with enthusiasts and their needs, you can do very well. 

2. Business products

Business clients are sometimes more price-sensitive but will almost always order in larger quantities than individual consumers. Once you’ve established a rapport and earned their trust, you open the door to a long-term, high-volume profitable relationship. If at all possible, try to sell products that appeal to both individual customers and businesses.

3. Products with repeat purchases

Recurring revenue is a beautiful thing. If you sell products that are disposable and/or need to be reordered frequently, you can grow rapidly as you build a loyal customer base that frequently returns to purchase.

59 best dropshipping products to sell right now

Browse our list of the best dropshipping products for your ecommerce business in 2021, whether you’re a one-product dropshipping store or selling high-ticket items. 

Health and personal care

Kids’ face masks

Despite being a new addition to back-to-school shopping lists, masks may be the most important item this year. Kids can be especially finicky, which is why parents wanting to ensure the safety of their children are looking for face masks designed with their tastes in mind. 

Via Google Trends

It’s probably not surprising that masks for children are especially popular right now. In addition to broad searches for children’s masks, more specific searches for masks with kid-friendly patterns, cartoon characters, and fun animal prints are also on the rise.

Electric toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes have been around for decades, but the last five years have seen a steady upward trend in sales and searches. Sales typically peak around Christmas and taper off in the subsequent months. 

Via Google Trends

Bamboo toothbrushes

Bamboo toothbrushes function like any toothbrush but without the plastic handles. Some customers view it as a more eco-friendly option, while others just like the aesthetic. Either way, bamboo toothbrushes have been on an upward trend for the past couple of years.

Via Google Trends

Bamboo toothbrushes are still a relatively new product, meaning that there’s still loads of niches to target and potential customers for your business. 

Interdental toothbrushes

Plaque buildup can cause a whole range of dental problems, the most common being bleeding gums. Interdental toothbrushes are tiny brushes used to pick out plaque buildup in between teeth and along gumlines. 

Via Google Trends

The popularity of interdental brushes has been steadily rising over the last couple of years as a remedy for bleeding gums. Now, with fewer people able to get to the dentist, search volume is seeing a big increase. 

Sleep eye masks

Sleep eye masks may not seem cutting edge but their effectiveness is undeniable. Darkness helps us sleep better than light. So much so that even the simplest ways of achieving it have shown to improve the quality of our sleep. 

Via Google Trends

Searches for sleep masks have been climbing year after year for the last five years, usually peaking around mid-November. Summer and fall numbers were higher this year, which could indicate a consistent trend for 2021. 

Sleep gummies

Sleep gummies are candy supplements containing melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that plays a key role in sleep regulation in humans. As a supplement, melatonin is commonly sold over the counter as a low-impact alternative to heavier prescription sleep medications. 

Via Google Trends

Though melatonin has been used as a sleep aid since the mid-1990s, sleep gummies are fairly new. Searches for the product have been growing for about three years, reaching their highest points in recent months.

Yoga mats

Yoga mats are lightweight, come in many colors, and need to be replaced frequently. In a year where home fitness products are seeing record sales, it’s not surprising that few products have seen as much growth as this must-have for every home gym.

Via Google Trends

Searches for yoga mats surged in April, peaking twice as high as any previous point in time. They’re a perennial favorite around the holidays, usually peaking toward the end of November. Regardless, yoga mats have garnered consistent interest over the past five years and will likely continue into 2021. 

Massage gun

Massage guns are high-powered tools that emit vibrations meant to relax muscle tightness and increase blood flow. Recently, they’ve become a popular post-workout ritual for athletes, but massage guns can be used by anyone experiencing tense muscles and joint pain. 

Via Google Trends

Massage guns were introduced just before Christmas 2019 and quickly became a popular gift idea. Search interest held steady through the summer, owing a lot to fitness bloggers and influencers, many of whom featured the product over the summer. Demand increased again throughout the 2020 holiday season and is poised to continue with high interest throughout 2021.

Jade rollers

Jade rollers (or face rollers) are massage tools made from jade or quartz stone. They work by being firmly rolled along the user’s skin, usually on the face. Jade rollers are believed to firm the skin, minimize fine lines, and reduce puffiness. 

Via Google Trends

Searches for jade rollers started at the beginning of 2018 and have grown since then, peaking around the end of August last year. With pre-holiday numbers higher in 2020, jade rollers are expected to continue their upward trend over the next year. 

Vitamin C serum

Vitamin C serum is a hydrating oil that’s rubbed into the skin. Like a lot of lotions, it can be used to soothe burns, moisturize, or protect against sun damage. It’s also said to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.

Via Google Trends

Vitamin C serum has remained steadily popular for a couple of years but has seen an increase in growth since March 2020. Combined with the renewed interest in skin health, we see this product remaining steady for the next year. 

Acne patches

Acne patches are tiny bandages used as a treatment for surface-level acne. The patches are typically made from hydrocolloid, a moisture-absorbing material, and work by drying out pimples while simultaneously creating a barrier to protect against external bacteria and skin-picking. 

Via Google Trends

Acne patches have been used as a treatment for acne for a few years now, but only recently started experiencing a huge surge in search interest and popularity. Acne patches have been steadily growing since June and we expect this trend to hold steady through 2021.

Wardrobe and accessories

Squat-proof leggings

Leggings are common fitness-wear, but all those squats and yoga poses tend to produce stretches and tears. Squat-proof leggings are made from thicker, more malleable material and have emerged to combat this problem. 

Via Google Trends

Searches for squat-proof leggings started appearing in 2018 but quadrupled over the course of 2019, peaking around Christmas. In 2020, with the pre-Christmas numbers even higher, we expect this trend to hold steady, with a possibility for even more growth.

Mom jeans

Mom jeans are high-waisted women’s jeans, originally popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s. The phrase “mom jeans” wasn’t used to refer to them until 2003 when they re-surfaced in popularity thanks to a notable Saturday Night Live skit. Millennials have helped drive this new surge in interest for these once trendy jeans.

Via Google Trends

Searches and sales for mom jeans have been growing in the last year, currently peaking in popularity. Mom jeans are considered more comfortable than other jean fits and make for great autumn wear, so we expect them to be highly sought after 2020. 

Tracksuit

Tracksuits are loose-fitting, two-piece outfits consisting of pants and a top—usually a hoodie or zip-up jacket. As part of the growing “athleisure” market, tracksuits are a hybrid of athletic and casual wear—blending comfort with style. 

Via Google Trends

Searches for tracksuits have been growing over the last five years, usually peaking in November. This year, numbers have been higher each month than in the year previous. With a big jump in the 2020 holiday season, we expect tracksuits to continue their trend into 2021.

Overshirts

Overshirts are loose-fitting button-up shirts meant to be worn over other shirts, hence the name. They can be either formal or informal and are most popular in the fall, adding a stylish extra layer of warmth.

 Via Google Trends

Searches for overshirts have seen some growth in the last two years. But recently there’s been a huge surge, with searches at the end of September being twice what they’d ever been and increased interest throughout the holiday season, so we expect this trend to continue throughout the next year. 

Balaclava

Balaclavas are warm pieces of winter headwear that go over the face and mouth. They’re usually knit, come in a ton of colors and styles, and have the added benefit of mouth coverage⁠—something that’s become an asset in 2020.

 

Via Google Trends

Like most winter-wear, balaclavas tend to be popular holiday gifts, with sales typically peaking in November. This year, however, searches for balaclavas surged to their highest point ever at the start of April⁠—likely due to the pandemic.

Though balaclavas alone aren’t effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19, their ability to cover less-stylish medical masks has kept them popular in 2020. Now that they’re in season, numbers are expected to go up even further. 

Silk pajamas

Silk pajamas are a timeless staple of sleepwear, sitting at the cross section of comfort and class. Silk is flexible and breathable and provides a cooling sensation against the skin, perfect for sleeping in. 

Via Google Trends

Silk pajamas have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years. Purchases tend to increase in late September and peak closer to Christmas. With numbers at their highest this year, starting now sets you up for huge returns over the next year

Slides

Slides are open-toed, backless footwear usually made from rubber. Older generations might associate them with wart prevention in public showers, but slides have made an unlikely transition to high fashion. Brands like Prada, Gucci, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs have all introduced them in recent collections.

And yes, it’s considered “cool” to wear them with socks. 

Via Google Trends

Searches for slides have been growing for the last couple of years. Though they typically peak in summer, they’re becoming more popular as year-round indoor footwear. Sales this year have been higher than ever before, and a sustainable trend for 2021 is expected. 

Silicone rings

Silicone rubber may lack the prestige of gold or silver, but it’s durable, waterproof, and far less expensive. Perhaps that’s why silicone rings have become a popular alternative to metal bands, especially for customers with active or outdoor hobbies. 

Via Google Trends

Silicone rings have been growing in popularity for the last four years, with search volume and sales holding steady. They tend to be most popular in the summertime, as customers look to do more outdoor activities with accessories less likely to break. 

Backpacks

Backpacks are another back-to-school staple with a ton of styles that make them perfect for selling to a niche market. It’s easy to paint kids with a broad brush, but something as simple as a backpack can be a great outlet for creative expression. 

Via Google Trends

Like pencil cases, backpacks have a yearly peak around this time that’s been slowly getting higher each year. Backpacks are great for back-to-school shopping, but they also peak around the holidays and in late spring, when the warm weather means more picnics and hikes. 

Kitchen and grocery

Air fryers

Nothing beats the crispy, caramelized flavor of fried chicken, but conventional deep fryers are clunky, difficult to clean, and use a lot of expensive oil. Air fryers have become a go-to alternative for cooks looking for that delicious crispy texture without the mess. 

Via Google Trends

While they’ve been around for a long time, air fryers took off in popularity around 2017. Since then, they’ve grown each year, with an increasingly higher peak around Christmas. This year, with more people cooking at home, air fryers had their biggest summer yet. 

Portable blenders

Portable blenders are a smaller, more mobile version of the popular appliance. 

Smaller versions of blenders have existed for a while, but only recently did “portable blenders” become a product in their own right. Portable blenders are easier to transport and store, making them ideal for travelers and smaller households of one to two people. 

Via Google Trends

Portable blenders started picking up in popularity in the summer of 2018, peaking at Christmas. This year, numbers have been trending higher than previous years, and the pandemic appears to have given the product its largest peak ever. We expect this trend to hold steady throughout the following year. 

Electric kettles

Electric kettles have been around since the late 19th century, but the last five years have seen a steady upward trend. With more and more customers becoming accustomed to convenience and portability, electric kettles have become increasingly popular.

Via Google Trends

In the last couple of years, searches and sales of electric kettles have steadily climbed higher and higher, with increasingly large peaks around Christmas. This year, with post-Christmas numbers higher than ever, electric kettle sales are expected to heat up over the coming months.

Oat milk

Oat milk is a drink made from extracting nutrients from oats using water. It is often sweetened, can be flavored, and acts as a low-fat alternative to traditional milks. It can be sold by the carton or used in a variety of recipes and products. 

Via Google Trends

Oat milk is one of the fastest-growing products in the United States. Between 2017 and 2019, sales and searches increased tenfold. Flavored oat milk can be sold as a drink or used as a milk substitute in any number of food products.

Fasting tea

“Intermittent fasting” is a new trend in dieting that involves scheduled periods of reduced calorie intake. There are many different methods of intermittent fasting but what they all share in common is the need for a low-calorie treat to satiate cravings for sweets. 

Via Google Trends

Any tea can be a fasting tea, but generally, green tea or teas made with hibiscus or ginger are the most common. Search volume for “fasting teas” has been growing considerably over the last three years, and with tea being more popular in autumn and winter, we expect the growth of this trend to continue.

Wine fridges

Wine fridges are temperature-controlled refrigerators used for storing wine and, on occasion, other beverages. Industrial-sized wine fridges have been a fixture in bars and restaurants for decades, but recently, portable, small-capacity wine fridges have become popular home appliances.

Via Google Trends

Search interest in wine fridges has grown considerably over the last couple of years, gradually developing a more pronounced holiday peak, illustrating their growing popularity. Wine fridges had more sales this past summer and winter than ever before, which indicates a strong upward trend for the upcoming year. 

Home and bedroom

Doormats

Doormats may not seem like much, but they’re the ultimate first impression of your home. A welcoming doormat can set the tone for visitors or warmly greet you when you return from your latest outing. 

Via Google Trends

Doormats may not be a new or particularly innovative product, but their rise in popularity over the last couple of years is unmistakable. Searches and sales for doormats have climbed higher and higher each year over the last decade, with this summer being the biggest yet. 

Air-purifying plants

Plants help reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere and increase relative humidity, helping to prevent allergens and irritants of the eyes and nose. Technically, any plant is air-purifying, but the label is generally applied to larger, leafier plants native to moist climates. 

Via Google Trends

Searches for air-purifying plants have seen a huge increase over the past couple of years, peaking at the start of this summer. With more and more customers redecorating their homes, this trend has tons of room for more growth as 2021 progresses. 

Ceiling fans

Ceiling fans have been a staple of interior design for decades. In summer months, they help cool rooms and improve energy efficiency, especially in places where central air conditioning may not be readily available, such as remote cabins, cottages, or older buildings. 

Via Google Trends

Ceiling fans are unsurprisingly most popular in the summer. Over the course of the last five years, their popularity has climbed higher and higher, with their summer peak climbing to its highest ever in 2020. 

Dog bed

We love our dogs, but not always on our furniture. Dog odors can be unpleasant and too much pet dander can trigger allergies. Dog beds are portable, easy to wash, and provide more comfort than the floor or carpet. 

Via Google Trends

Search interest in dog beds has grown in the last five years, usually peaking at the start of November. In 2020, search interest in dog beds has been its highest yet, with a surge in mid-April that nearly matched its highest holiday peak last year. With numbers remaining steady, we expect huge sales for dog beds in the coming year.

Soap dish

Soap dishes have become wildly popular this year, perhaps owing to the present emphasis on cleanliness. Though they serve a utilitarian purpose, they often have aesthetic flourishes⁠ and can be made from all kinds of materials, from porcelain to wood to plastic.

Via Google Trends

Soap dishes have remained popular over the years, but in March, search interest shot up to its highest point yet⁠—nearly doubling its previous peak. Soap dishes are inexpensive and nearly everyone needs one, so you can expect them to continue upward over the next year. 

Air purifiers

Air purifiers are appliances that circulate the air in the room, filtering out irritants such as smoke, dust, odors, and pet dander. They’re most popular with allergy sufferers but are becoming increasingly common for eliminating harsh odors in any environment. 

Via Google Trends

Search interest in air purifiers has been growing very gradually for a few years, with small holiday peaks in 2018 and 2019. This year, search interest hit an unprecedented high in the fall, nearly tripling the previous peak. With numbers remaining steady, expect air purifiers to be profitable in 2021.

Blackout curtains

Blackout curtains are thick, opaque curtains used to create a pitch-black atmosphere indoors on an otherwise sunny afternoon. They’re great for anyone looking to get some much needed shut-eye during the day or just to create the perfect movie-watching atmosphere.

Via Google Trends

Search interest has been growing steadily through the years, typically peaking mildly in summer. In 2020, numbers have been at their highest ever. Search interest in the fall exceeded every previous year’s summer peak, suggesting the demand for blackout curtains is rising. 

Blankets

Nothing beats wrapping yourself in a soft, warm blanket in the dead of winter. Blankets come in a ton of varieties, offering up endless branding opportunities. Factors like thickness, size, function, design, and material can all be used to expand the reach of your audience.

Via Google Trends

More and more blankets are purchased online with each passing year, seen here in the rising number of searches. Blankets are popular holiday gifts, so purchases usually start around the end of September through the winter months but remain steady throughout the year. 

Orthopedic pillows

Orthopedic pillows are ergonomically designed pillows meant to correct posture while resting. Good sleep posture can help to improve neck and back pain and prevent tension headaches caused by prolonged, unusual body positioning. 

Via Google Trends

Searches for orthopedic pillows have been climbing since the start of the year. They can be designed to rest under the legs, back, neck, or head or even used specifically for sleeping in unusual positions, such as at your desk or in an airplane seat.

Duvet covers

Duvets are thick, warm blankets, usually stuffed with down feathers or wool. They’re often fitted into thin covers, making it easy to clean or redecorate. Duvet covers can come in all kinds of designs and styles, making them great for niching. 

Via Google Trends

Duvets have gradually grown more popular in the last couple of years, but search interest in 2020 is the highest it’s ever been. Sales surged at the start of April and have held steady, making them likely to continue trending in 2021.

Boho pillows

Boho pillows are small, decorative pillows perfect for adding a rustic character to any room. They come in many styles, colors, and designs, often featuring lace trimming, wool textures, and vibrant patterns. 

Via Google Trends

Search interest in boho pillows started picking up earlier this year and hasn’t let up since. Sales remained steady through summer and autumn. With boho pillows being aesthetically versatile, we expect them to be popular products throughout the next year. 

Bedside lamps

Bedside lamps are a staple of home decor. No one wants to get out of bed just to turn the lights out, so there’s a wide array of potential customers. And unlike chandeliers or pendant lighting, they don’t require any installation, which tends to make them more popular as gifts. 

Via Google Trends

Search interest in bedside lamps has been growing gradually since 2016, but numbers have been at their highest since April. With more people moving in 2020, the demand for simple home decor items like bedside lamps is likely to increase.

Office products

Pencil cases

Pencil cases are always a big seller for the back-to-school season. Every kid going back to school will need one, some even may need two. They’re easy to dropship and come in a variety of styles and colors, perfect for building a brand around. 

Via Google Trends

Unsurprisingly, pencil cases peak at the end of summer, but what’s notable here is the gradual increase in searches each year. With the number of school-aged children in the United States expected to grow until 2050, future back-to-school seasons could be even more lucrative. 

Mechanical pencils

Mechanical pencils have been used in hands-on work like construction and landscaping for years because of their durability and easy replaceability. But they’ve steadily been increasing in popularity, becoming more common for use in classrooms. 

Via Google Trends

You might consider selling a pack of dinosaur-print pencils for kids or more state-of-the-art mechanical pencils for graphic design students. Mechanical pencils come in many colors and styles, providing a lot of options for selling to different age groups. 

Blue light glasses

Staring at blue light emitting screens all day can cause eyestrain, fatigue, headaches, and sleeplessness. Blue light glasses are specially designed specs meant to limit the amount of blue light that enters the eye while using devices.

 

Via Google Trends

Blue light sunglasses have become especially popular this year. Searches and sales started rising in March and stayed consistent throughout the holiday season. We expect blue light glasses to continue on their stable trend in the coming year.

Podcast microphones

The most crucial piece of podcasting equipment is the microphone. Searches for podcasting microphones have been inching up since 2017, but from March to April of this year, those numbers have doubled.

 

Via Google Trends

And it’s not just microphones that are trending. Producing a podcast requires all sorts of specialized equipment. Searches for pop filters, shock mounts, and mic cables are also on the rise.

Mechanical keycaps

Mechanical keycaps are plastic, decorative shells that snap on to the tops of mechanical keyboard keys. They can be sold individually or in sets. They come in a variety of different designs, colors, and styles⁠ and often feature popular characters, movies, logos, or expressions.

Via Google Trends

Sales and searches have been level for years, but recently, keyboard customization has exploded in popularity and should continue throughout the upcoming year. 

Tools and home improvement

Smart lights

Smart lights are energy-efficient LEDs that connect through an app on your smartphone or tablet. Since LED bulbs can change color, smart lighting systems allow users to schedule and program the lighting in their homes.

Via Google Trends

Search interest has climbed steadily for five years, with sharp peaks at the start and end of the holiday season, suggesting they’re popular both as a gift and as a way to decorate. Holiday numbers were at their peak in 2020 and should continue into the new year. 

Automatic soap dispensers

Automated (or touchless) soap dispensers have been a fixture of public restrooms for years, but an increased awareness of viral health seems to be triggering a higher demand for the product as an in-home appliance. 

Via Google Trends 

Searches peaked at the end of May, but numbers in 2020 remained steadily higher than in previous years. With cleanliness still at the forefront of our minds, automatic soap dispensers could be one of many cleaning products that become popular for the foreseeable future.

Smart plugs

Smart plugs are devices that allow users to automate any existing home outlet. They can be controlled remotely from a smartphone or tablet, scheduled to turn on or off at certain times, and programmed to turn off when not in use. They also double as surge protectors. 

Via Google Trends 

Smart plugs have become more popular each year since 2017, experiencing progressively higher peaks around the holidays. Month-to-month numbers have been at their highest, as have holiday season numbers, which could carry on into 2021.

Smart locks

Smart locks offer a hands-free option for locking and unlocking your door. Coupled with security features that allow you to monitor your locks remotely, they’ve become increasingly popular in recent years as a simpler, more affordable alternative to complex home security systems. 

Via Google Trends 

Smart locks have gradually increased in popularity over the last couple of years, peaking throughout the holiday seasons, while maintaining high search interest throughout the year. We expect 2021 to show a consistent trend for selling smart locks. 

Camera and cellphone accessories 

Ring lights

Ring lights are circular lights designed to help evenly illuminate surfaces in close-up photographs. Originally developed for use in dental photography, ring lights have become increasingly popular among influencers, steamers, and selfie enthusiasts. 

Via Google Trends

Since 2015, ring lights have become more popular each year, peaking right around Christmas. But in April this year, an early surge in search interest brought this product its highest peak yet. With numbers holding steady, we expect this dropshipping product to be profitable in 2021.

Portable green screens

Green screen technology (or chroma keying) has been around for decades, but only recently has the at-home version become prominent. Portable green screens come in different sizes and styles, with some doubling as reflectors and others being designed to attach to office chairs. 

Via Google Trends

Toward the end of March 2020, searches for greens screens exploded to nearly triple the previous highest point, then peaked again in August 2020. With video conferencing becoming more common, expect green screens to be a big seller in 2021. 

iPhone tripods

Tripods designed to hold iPhones and other smartphones have become more and more popular over the last few years. They can be sold for outdoor use, as a fancy new piece of studio equipment, or just a convenient way to take a hands-free FaceTime call. 

Via Google Trends

Smartphone tripods have been a popular stocking stuffer for years, but a huge surge of search interest in March has made 2020 their biggest year yet. Numbers this year have remained the highest month to month and should continue into 2021.

Mobile skins

Mobile skins are an especially flexible type of phone case, usually made from padded rubber. Phone cases are an incredibly adaptable product. They can come in infinite styles, colors, and designs and can be sold alongside pretty much any product targeting a niche. 

Via Google Trends

Searches for mobile skins have been steadily climbing since March 2018, but in 2020, they’ve been higher than ever before, and may continue trending throughout 2021.

Gaming

Gaming monitors

In gaming, a lagging monitor can be a death sentence. Gaming monitors are specially designed to optimize the speed and quality output of your CPU and reduce lag. They’re sold in many different sizes and are slightly curved to better display elements at the edges of your screen. 

Via Google Trends

Search interest in gaming monitors has climbed over the years, usually peaking in November. But this year, search interest skyrocketed in April and again in November. Gaming monitors are set to continue experiencing big sales over the next year. 

Gaming mouse pads

Gaming mouse pads are ultra wide and include a friction-resistant surface meant to accommodate broader, smoother mouse movements. In first-person shooters, where a lower mouse sensitivity is required for more precise aiming, they’ve become essential. 

Via Google Trends 

Search interest in gaming mouse pads has peaked higher and higher each November, but in April 2020, search interest hit its highest point of the year, with another big increase in November. Gaming mouse pads should continue a positive trend in the coming year. 

Gaming headsets

Gaming headsets are over-ear headphones equipped with a small hands-free mic. A high-quality gaming headset is required equipment in online gaming, where verbal communication between teammates is crucial. 

Via Google Trends 

Searches for gaming headsets typically peak toward the end of November, but like other gaming products, search interest in 2020 hit an unprecedented peak in the middle of April and again in November, creating a positive outlook for the foreseeable future.

Ergonomic chairs

Ergonomic chairs aren’t exclusively for gamers but their popularity among them is so prevalent that they’re often branded as “gaming chairs.” Equipped with features like lumbar support, reclining footrests, and adjustable legs, arms, and headrests⁠—ergonomic chairs are designed for anyone who needs to sit comfortably for hours at a time. 

Via Google Trends

Searches for ergonomic chairs shot up in April this year, to a peak nearly triple the previous record. Then the peak grew even higher. With popularity holding steady, we predict a steady trend for ergonomic chairs in 2021.

Cars accessories

Ceramic coating

Ceramic coating is a chemical solution applied to the exterior of vehicles, creating a layer of protection against rusting and external paint damage. Since its development in the early 2000s, ceramic coating has grown to become a common, low-cost alternative to waxing. 

Via Google Trends

Search interest has been climbing steadily for years. Since hitting its peak in May of this year, numbers have remained high. The numbers held throughout winter and shows signs of growth for the upcoming year. 

Socket wrenches

Socket wrenches are tools used for tightening hard-to-reach nuts and bolts sunken into a “socket” (hence the name). Using a ratcheting mechanism, socket wrenches easily allow users to tighten bolts by pivoting back and forth.

 

Via Google Trends

Search interest in socket wrenches has been growing for a number of years, but this year has been their biggest yet. They’re a must-have for any toolbox and tend to be popular gifts any time of the year. 

Digital tire-pressure gauge 

A good tire-pressure gauge is crucial to road safety, but traditional gauges (which use a clock-face-like display and moving needle) aren’t always precise. Digital tire-pressure gauges use sensors and a digital display to provide a more accurate readout of tire pressure. 

Via Google Trends

Tire pressure gauges tend to see more interest during the holiday seasons, yet remain consistent throughout the year. Search interest is growing and digital gauges are still new, meaning their novelty value is likely to put them over the edge as the more sought after in coming years.

Portable power stations

Portable power stations are rechargeable, battery-powered generators used to recharge car batteries or electronics on the road. Newer models are usually fitted with USB ports, and some heavy-duty power stations even double as jump starters for your car. 

Via Google Trends

Portable power stations are still relatively new, but sales and search interest skyrocketed this summer and have remained steady since. They’re quieter, cheaper, and give off less pollution than gas-powered generators, making them more marketable to environmentally mindful customers. 

Things to consider when selecting dropshipping products

The perfect price

Make sure you strongly consider the price point relative to the level of pre-sale service you’ll need to provide. Most people feel comfortable placing a $200 order online without talking to someone on the phone. But what about a $1,500 item they’re unfamiliar with? Chances are, most would want to chat directly with a sales representative before making such a large purchase, both to ensure the item is a good fit and to make sure the store is legitimate.

If you plan to sell high-priced items, make sure you’re able to offer personalized phone support. You’ll also want to ensure that the margins are rich enough to justify the pre-sale support you’ll need to offer. Often, the $50 to $200 price range is the sweet spot to maximize revenue without having to provide extensive pre-sale support.

MAP pricing

Some manufacturers will set what’s called a minimum advertised price (MAP) for their products and require that all resellers price their products at or above certain levels. This pricing floor prevents the price wars that often break out—especially for products that are easily dropshipped⁠—and helps ensure that merchants can make a reasonable profit by carrying a manufacturer’s products.

If you can find a niche where manufacturers enforce MAP pricing it’s a huge benefit, especially if you plan on building a high-value and information-rich site. With prices the same across all competitors, you can compete on the strength of your website and won’t have to worry about losing business to less-reputable but cheaper competition.

Marketing potential

The time to think about how you’ll market a business is before you launch it, not three months in when you realize that customer acquisition is a nightmare. Can you brainstorm a number of ways you could promote your store by, for example, writing articles, giving away products, or reaching out to active online communities that use the products you’re selling? If not, you may want to reconsider your plans.

Additional accessories to sell

As a general rule of retail, margins on lower-priced accessories are significantly higher than those of high-priced items. While a cellphone store may only make a 5% margin on the latest smartphone, it will almost certainly make a 100% or 200% margin on the case that goes with it.

As customers, we’re much more sensitive about the price on a big-ticket item and care less about the price of smaller accessories. To use the previous example, you’d likely shop around for the best price for an expensive Apple iPhone. But are you going to call around to find the best price on a $20 to $30 case? Probably not. You’ll likely purchase it from the same store where you bought the phone.

Low turnover

We hope you’re convinced by now that investing in an education-rich, high-quality site will pay big dividends. But if the products you sell change every year, maintaining that site is quickly going to turn into a mountain of work. Try to find products that aren’t updated with new models every year—like tools or personal care products. That way, the time and money you invest in a superb site will last longer.

Smaller is usually ideal

In a world where free shipping is often expected, it can be a challenge to sell large, heavy equipment that’s expensive to ship. The smaller the items, the easier they are to ship cheaply to your customers.

Picking the best dropshipping products isn’t easy and requires you to consider numerous factors. These guidelines should give you a good idea of the types of dropshipped products that work well. For more on these attributes, please see this extended article on picking a profitable niche market.

Hard to find locally

Selling a product that’s hard to find locally will increase your chances of success as long as you don’t get too specific. Most people needing a garden rake or a sprinkler would simply run down to the local hardware store. But where would you buy a medieval knight’s costume or falcon-training equipment? You’d probably head to Google and start searching.

Building a successful dropshipping business online

Aspiring dropshipping entrepreneurs commonly want to know, “How can I be sure these niche products will work out?” Well, you can’t be 100% certain. While the dropshipping tips and guidance in this chapter will dramatically increase your chances and help you make an informed decision, there’s no way to know for sure if you’ll succeed in a market without diving in.

We’ve started numerous businesses, some of which succeeded and some of which flopped, and we’ve always had doubts at the beginning. That’s part of the uncertainty that comes with starting a dropshipping store and venturing into the unknown. What separates successful business owners from mere dreamers is a willingness to move forward despite the uncertainty and give it their best.

So do your homework, research, and gather as much information as possible. But then make the best decision you can and move forward despite your hesitations and fears. If you wait for all uncertainties to be resolved with “the perfect market,” you’ll never get started.

---

Ready to create your first business? Start your free 14-day trial of Shopify—no credit card required.