12 Profitable products to sell online in the UK​

Thinking about starting an online business? One of the most important steps is deciding what products to sell. It sounds simple, but it's a huge decision that needs a bit of research.​​

Will you sell digital planners or custom clothing? Unique toys for children or beautiful handmade jewellery? The possibilities are endless.​

We’re here to help you get started. Here’s a list of the best things to sell online right now in the UK.​ Whether you're starting from scratch or using a print-on-demand partner, this guide will help you find your winning idea.​

12 Best things to sell online​

From tech accessories to custom apparel and kids' toys, we've broken down the best money-making categories and trending products for your new eCommerce business. 

1. Tech and mobile phone accessories​

Remember when Hailey Bieber's Rhode lip gloss mobile phone case went viral? It was an instant hit, proving that tech accessories aren't just for gadget fans – they're for everyone.​

Source: Pinterest

Everybody has a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, creating a massive market for accessories. People want personalised products that reflect their style, serving as a fashion statement as much as protective gear.​

Tech accessories are brilliant products to sell online because they're cheap to produce and light to post, allowing for a healthy markup and great profit margins. Plus, things like mobile phone cases wear out, which means your customers are likely to come back for more.​​

2. T-shirts​

It’s no surprise that the t-shirt is one of the most profitable products to sell online. The global market for t-shirts is huge, and with the right niche and marketing, you can carve out a successful corner for your eCommerce store.​

So, what makes them one of the best things to sell? As a wardrobe staple, t-shirts are in constant demand. They’re also incredibly easy to customise, allowing you to jump on trends quickly, from pop culture moments to seasonal designs for Bank Holidays, maximising your sales potential. ​

Best of all, t-shirt printing is relatively inexpensive, which means strong profit margins. When you're just starting, the print-on-demand (POD) model is a fantastic, risk-free way to test your designs without any upfront investment.​

Source: Printful

3. Hoodies​

​Another classic piece of apparel to stock in your eCommerce store is the hoodie. It's a must-have item in any British wardrobe – perfect for unpredictable weather.

Hoodies are a comfortable, casual staple that won’t go out of style. They're just as customisable as t-shirts, so you can adapt your designs for different seasons or trends. Plus, hoodies are seen as a more premium item, so you can charge a bit more for them.​

Quality and design are key. You need a reliable partner that offers high-quality products and plenty of customisation options. With Printful, you can create a range of unique custom hoodies that your customers will love.​

Source: Printful

4. Athleisure 

​If you're wondering what the defining fashion trend of the 2020s is, look no further. It's athleisure.​

Think cycling shorts with oversized blazers, tennis skirts, stylish trainers, and comfy leggings. Scroll through any social media feed, and you'll see influencers and celebrities rocking the athleisure look.​​

These are fantastic products to sell online because consumers increasingly want comfortable, stylish clothing that works for any occasion, from running errands to a gym session. This means a growing audience and fantastic profit potential. Certain athleisure pieces are also considered premium items, so people are willing to pay more – boosting your profit margins.​

5. Eco-friendly products​

As concern for the environment grows, British consumers are becoming more eco-conscious. A 2024 survey revealed that 54% of shoppers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. This shift in consumer behaviour creates a massive opportunity for entrepreneurs.​

Source: Printful

If you're looking to start an eco-friendly eCommerce business, the first step is to find a reliable supplier. At Printful, we have a dedicated collection of eco-friendly products, making it easier for you to build a brand that not only makes money but also makes a difference.​​

6. Pet products​

​The UK is a nation of animal lovers. Aound 62% of UK households own at least one pet. That’s a lot of furry, feathered, and scaled friends who need looking after.

This is brilliant news for any aspiring business owner. You can find success by focusing on a specific niche, like personalised accessories for popular UK dog breeds, such as Labradors or Cocker Spaniels.​

​If you want to design your own pet products, check out Printful’s stainless steel pet bowl, the fun all-over print bandana, or our pet collar and leash combo.​

7. Beauty and skincare products​

​The global beauty market is massive, and its largest segment is personal care. This niche is a goldmine – think soaps, face masks, scrubs, and natural skincare.​

If you’re interested in selling handmade beauty products, be sure to do your research. In the UK, you must follow strict safety and labelling regulations outlined by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).​

To ensure you're fully compliant, partner with trusted manufacturers to create safe, high-quality products that you can confidently sell to your customers.​

8. Jewellery​

​What makes jewellery so profitable for online sellers? It has broad appeal, endless possibilities for customisation, and a high markup potential.​

While luxury jewellery has its place, the market is currently dominated by affordable, non-luxury items – there's a huge demand for personalised pieces. You can lean into this trend by creating handmade jewellery or partnering with a supplier to offer gift-ready designs.​​

9. Baby products and kids’ toys​

The baby market wants high-quality, premium products. One reason this category is so profitable is its predictability. Demand is consistent – parents and families are always looking for new clothing, toys, and accessories.​

This creates a fantastic opportunity for repeat business. For example, if you offer clothing with the same popular designs for babies, toddlers, and older kids, a happy customer will likely return to your store when their child needs the next size up. 

Creating matching "Mummy and Me" or "Daddy and Me" sets is another brilliant way to tap into this market and increase average order value. ​

10. Digital products​

​Digital products – like eBooks, online courses, website templates, and printable wall art – are excellent things to sell online. They often have very low overheads, which means fantastic margins.​​

If you're an expert on a topic, from DIY home projects to digital marketing, you could create an online course and sell it on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare. If you have a knack for design, you could sell digital planners, invitation templates, or custom art prints on marketplaces like Etsy, which is hugely popular in the UK. 

The beauty of digital products is that there's no inventory or shipping to worry about, just pure profit.​

11. Health and wellness products​

​Health and wellness have become top priorities for many Brits. People are actively looking for products that support healthier lifestyles, whether it's staying active, eating better, or managing stress.​

This market is incredibly diverse. You could sell anything from yoga mats and resistance bands to essential oil diffusers and weighted blankets. These products are profitable because many are lightweight and easy to post, keeping your costs down. Plus, some items are consumable or wear out over time, leading to repeat purchases.​

Source: Printful

12. Kitchenware​

​The home and kitchenware market has always been strong, but recent trends like smart appliances and space-saving gadgets have sent its popularity soaring.​

Kitchenware is a great product to sell because it has a high perceived value. From university students to growing families, your potential audience is huge. To stand out, focus on niche products that solve a common problem, like compact spice organisers or multi-functional blenders.​

What makes a product profitable?​

​Beyond having great design ideas, it’s good to understand why certain products are more profitable. Here’s what to look for.​

High profit margin​

A high profit margin means you spend significantly less to source or create an item than your customer pays for it. For example, if it costs you £7 to produce and fulfil a t-shirt and you sell it for £20, your gross profit is £13. The higher your margin, the healthier your business.​​

High demand​

The best products to sell online are those with high demand, as they help you achieve more sales and secure better profit margins. Use tools like Google Trends to see what people in the UK are searching for and keep an eye on social media to spot emerging trends.​​

Low competition in a niche​

While high-demand items are great, targeting a less competitive niche can be even more profitable. If a market is oversaturated, you’ll have to fight hard to stand out. It's often smarter to find a specific audience.​

For example, "pet products" is a broad, competitive market. But "custom-designed, eco-friendly leads for sight-hounds" is a niche with growing demand and less competition. Offering unique, personalised products is a good way to stand out. When you design your own products, these one-of-a-kind items allow you to charge a premium.​​

Scalability​

When choosing products, think about how easily you can scale up production as your business grows. A product that is difficult or expensive to produce in large quantities can limit your long-term success.​

Using a print-on-demand partner like Printful gives you effortless scalability. There's no need to buy stock upfront. As your sales grow, we handle all the production and fulfilment, meaning you can expand your product catalogue and sell more without any extra strain on your resources.​​

How to start selling profitable products​

​Ready to turn your idea into a real online business? Here are the steps to get you started.​

1. Define your niche​

​There's a saying – if you're selling to everyone, you're selling to no one. You need a specific target audience in mind when setting up your store. A well-defined niche helps you stand out, especially in a crowded market. 

Instead of just "t-shirts," think "t-shirts with retro designs for fans of ‘90s football."​

2. Find a supplier​

​Unless you're creating everything by hand, you'll need a reliable supplier. If you're planning to sell clothes online, a print-on-demand partner is the perfect choice.​

With a provider like Printful, you get total creative freedom over a huge product catalogue. More importantly, we have fulfilment centres right here in the UK and in Europe. This means orders reach your British customers in just a few days, with no cross-border customs fees. 

Most orders are shipped via local carriers like Royal Mail, giving your customers a familiar and trusted delivery experience.​​

3. Set up your online business​

​Before you start selling, you'll need to register your business. In the UK, you can operate as a sole trader or set up a limited company (Ltd). As a sole trader, you'll need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC to handle your taxes and National Insurance. 

If your turnover exceeds a certain threshold, you'll need to register for Value Added Tax (VAT).​

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. We recommend that you consult a professional to understand your legal obligations before selling in the UK.

4. Create an online store​

Once the legal side is sorted, it's time to build your shop. You don't need to spend a fortune creating a website from scratch. Start with a popular eCommerce platform like Shopify or an online marketplace like Etsy. 

These platforms make it quick and easy to create a professional-looking store that integrates seamlessly with Printful.​

5. Start selling​

​Now that your store is live, it's time to market your products.​ Use social media to see what works for other brands in your niche. Keep an eye on your competitors, and don't be afraid to experiment with different marketing strategies, from influencer marketing to paid ads. 

Pay close attention to major UK shopping events like Bank Holiday weekends and Boxing Day sales to maximise your revenue.​​

Ready to start your business?​

​While creating a store only takes a few clicks, building a brand takes time. Don't be discouraged if you don't get a flood of sales straight away. Keep learning, stay on top of trends, and be patient.​

Listen to customer feedback – it’s the best way to improve your products and marketing. By staying connected to your audience, you can build a loyal customer base and a truly profitable business.​

Keen to get started? Register for Printful for free and let us handle UK fulfilment for you.​