How to Earn Money with E-Commerce

Best Side Hustles in Canada to Earn Money with E-Commerce

E-commerce is booming, and Canada is no exception. With easy access to online platforms, you can build a successful side hustle by selling products online. Whether you're interested in dropshipping, print-on-demand, or selling handmade items, there are plenty of e-commerce opportunities that can help you earn extra income. Here are some of the best e-commerce side hustles in Canada.

1. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is one of the most popular and low-cost ways to start an e-commerce business. With dropshipping, you don’t need to hold any inventory. Instead, you work with suppliers who ship products directly to your customers. This reduces overhead costs and makes it easier to start selling products online.

How to get started:

• Choose a profitable niche (e.g., tech gadgets, home decor, fitness products).
• Set up a Shopify store or use platforms like WooCommerce or BigCommerce.
• Partner with suppliers from sites like AliExpress, Oberlo, or SaleHoo.
• Focus on marketing your store through social media, SEO, and paid ads.

Potential earnings: $1,000–$10,000/month depending on product margins and marketing.

2. Print-On-Demand (POD)

With Print-On-Demand, you can design and sell custom products like T-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, mugs, and more without holding inventory. Platforms like Printful, Printify, and Redbubble allow you to upload your designs, and they handle the printing and shipping.

How to get started:

• Create unique designs or hire a designer.
• Choose a POD platform like Printful or Printify, and integrate it with your Shopify or Etsy store.
• Focus on marketing your products through social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, or run targeted ads.

Potential earnings: $500–$5,000/month depending on product popularity and marketing efforts.

3. Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon)

Amazon FBA allows you to sell products on Amazon, and the platform handles inventory storage, packing, and shipping. This is a great way to leverage Amazon’s vast customer base and distribution network while minimizing logistics management.

How to get started:

• Find a product to sell using tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10 to identify trends and demand.
• Source products from suppliers via Alibaba or local manufacturers.
• Send inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
• Use Amazon PPC ads or social media marketing to drive traffic to your product listings.

Potential earnings: $2,000–$15,000/month, depending on the product, market demand, and competition.

4. Etsy Shop (Handmade Goods)

Etsy is a marketplace for unique and handmade items. If you're a creative individual with crafting skills, selling handmade products like jewelry, clothing, home decor, or personalized gifts on Etsy can be a great side hustle.

How to get started:

• Create a shop on Etsy and list your handmade products.
• Focus on good product photography and clear, detailed descriptions.
• Use social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook to promote your shop.
• Optimize your Etsy shop with SEO keywords to appear in Etsy’s search results.

Potential earnings: $500–$5,000/month depending on the uniqueness and popularity of your products.

5. Shopify Store (Selling Digital Products)

Selling digital products like eBooks, templates, printables, or online courses is a highly scalable side hustle. Once created, digital products have little to no overhead, making it a profitable venture.

How to get started:

• Identify a niche where digital products are in demand (e.g., business templates, graphic design assets, or educational courses).
• Create your products using software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator for templates and Teachable for courses.
• Set up a Shopify store or use platforms like Gumroad or Etsy for digital downloads.
• Market your products through SEO, email marketing, and social media.

Potential earnings: $500–$10,000/month, depending on your product's popularity and marketing efforts.

6. Flip Products on eBay or Facebook Marketplace

Product flipping involves buying items at a low cost from thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces and reselling them for a profit on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. This can range from clothing and electronics to furniture and collectibles.

How to get started:

• Search for undervalued items locally or online.
• List them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist for a profit.
• Focus on items with high resale value like vintage clothing, electronics, or home goods.
• Keep track of market trends to find in-demand items to flip.

Potential earnings: $500–$5,000/month, depending on the type and volume of items flipped.

7. Subscription Box Service

Subscription box services are increasingly popular as they provide curated experiences delivered to customers' doors. You can create a niche subscription box that offers products in categories like beauty, fitness, food, or hobby supplies.

How to get started:

• Choose a niche that has a dedicated audience (e.g., vegan snacks, fitness gear, or craft kits).
• Partner with suppliers or manufacturers to curate your box.
• Set up a website using platforms like Cratejoy or Shopify to manage subscriptions.
• Market your service through social media, influencer partnerships, and email campaigns.

Potential earnings: $1,000–$10,000/month depending on the number of subscribers and the price point of your box.

8. White Labeling Products

White labeling involves selling products manufactured by another company under your own brand. This allows you to offer high-quality products without needing to manufacture them yourself. Many companies offer white labeling options for items like cosmetics, supplements, and even electronics.

How to get started:

• Choose a product niche where white labeling is possible.
• Partner with manufacturers who offer white-label services.
• Create your own brand and packaging design.
• Set up a Shopify or WooCommerce store to sell your products online.
• Use influencer marketing and social media ads to promote your brand.

Potential earnings: $2,000–$20,000/month, depending on your niche, product pricing, and marketing.

9. Wholesale Product Sales

If you prefer buying in bulk and reselling at a markup, wholesaling might be the right e-commerce side hustle. You can buy products in large quantities at a discount and sell them individually for a profit on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or your own website.

How to get started:

• Identify products in demand, such as electronics, toys, or household goods.
• Buy bulk quantities from suppliers or manufacturers at discounted rates.
• List the products on Amazon, eBay, or Shopify.
• Focus on pricing strategies that allow you to compete while maintaining healthy margins.

Potential earnings: $3,000–$10,000/month, depending on product choice and sales volume.

10. Niche Online Store (Custom Products)

A niche online store focuses on a specific category of products, such as eco-friendly goods, pet supplies, or tech accessories. By specializing, you can cater to a dedicated audience and create a strong brand presence.

How to get started:

• Research trending niches with passionate customer bases.
• Source products through wholesalers, dropshipping suppliers, or by creating your own.
• Build an e-commerce store on Shopify, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce.
• Promote your niche store through content marketing, SEO, and paid ads.

Potential earnings: $1,000–$15,000/month, depending on niche popularity and marketing strategies.

Conclusion:

E-commerce offers diverse opportunities for side hustles in Canada. Whether you’re selling physical or digital products, dropshipping, or flipping items, the flexibility of e-commerce makes it possible to earn a substantial income with minimal upfront investment. By identifying the right niche, leveraging online platforms, and marketing effectively, you can turn your e-commerce side hustle into a profitable venture.