Evergreen Niches…Churning Out Money

Q:  How do I know what type of store to open or product to sell online that will make me some money?

A:  It would help if you already have some ‘insider information’.  Take for instance, a hobby that you like and that you yourself already spend a considerable amount of money on.  You will already have a ton of info, including product models and numbers that people are looking to purchase.  If you bought ‘Product X’, than probably someone else will buy it too.  You can’t be the only one…think of the ‘Pet Rock’ craze!

Tips:
To find something that will always sell…

• Check out any electronic store or bookstore.
• Browse through any section on Amazon, Giving Assistant, Overstock, Slickdeals, or other deal-type websites.
• Look at the clearance sections of just about any local store to find things that people are looking for in other parts of the country or world.

The last tip has been paying my bills full time for the past 2 years and it’s a product line that most people have heard about, yet haven’t thought of for at least 20 years.  It’s still around and doing great.  So don’t give up while looking for your personal money maker!  Think of something that you already know a little, or a lot about, and go from there.  Good luck!

June 2010 Update:
Would everyone please stop sending emails asking me what my niche is…I’m not telling, but I will give you a few hints.  It’s sharp to step on, yet fun to play with, either alone or with friends AND it’s legal in every state and country of the world.  How do I know that?  Because I get orders from all around the globe, that’s how.  Yes, you CAN find it on eBay, but that’s not where I buy or sell mine.

January 2011 Update:
After nine years and nearly 1,200 positive reviews, I’ve switched niches.  I formerly sold new and used LEGO parts and sets, but I’ve since decided to switch from the “holding inventory” to the “remote servicing” model that online marketing and consulting affords me.  I still have very fond memories of the LEGO lifestyle.  From the excitement of finding someone’s collection at a flea market to the purchase of 28 acres of land and my first house, all of it was made possible by those tiny, plastic bricks (and a lot of hard work).  The Unites States Post Office was sad to see me go.  Ha ha.

October 2017 Update:
FatWallet has closed for unknown reasons, so I’ve removed their link.

March 2019 Update:
I’ve run across Slickdeals and Giving Assistant and so have added them above.

Further Reading:
Niche market – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Twenty Businesses You Can Start Tomorrow | Forbes.com