1. Understand how e-commerce works
E-commerce means selling products online, either through a marketplace (such as Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy or TikTok Shop) or through your own store (such as Shopify). Marketplaces give you access to existing customers but have their own rules and fees. Your own store gives you more control, but you need to bring the traffic yourself.
2. Choose a business model
- Private label — selling products under your own brand.
- Wholesale — buying established brands in bulk and reselling them.
- Handmade — selling products you make or personalise.
- Retail arbitrage — buying discounted products and reselling them.
3. Learn the rules before you start
Every marketplace has policies on restricted products, account health, documentation and intellectual property. Reading them first protects your account and your money.
4. Prepare your documents and budget
Seller accounts usually require identity, address and bank details. Set a realistic budget that covers stock, fees, shipping, samples and a reserve for unexpected costs.
5. Research, check and test
Check demand, competition, costs and supplier evidence before you buy inventory. A product only makes sense if the numbers work after every fee.
6. Launch, improve and protect
Launch with a clear plan, monitor performance, improve step by step, and keep an eye on account health and compliance.
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