Make or Pick? Selling Physical Products Online
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about selling physical products online. Physical means real things you can touch!
Every way to earn starts with an offering: what you actually sell. In an Own Online Shop, it’s a real product. And there are two ways to have one: you MAKE it, or you SELL another brand’s. Remember the four kinds of offering? What you can sell online explains them!
Option 1: You make it!
You make or put together the product yourself. All by hand, or partly with tools, machines or parts you buy. Either way, you’re the maker!
The value is in the product AND in how it’s made. Small batches feel special and personal!
Why handmade can cost more
Handmade things stand out because of quality, where they come from, and their story. Knowing who made something makes it worth more!
Big factories usually can’t copy that. Your story is part of your product!
It doesn’t have to be all handmade
Putting parts together into something new can be just as special! Remember Steve from the shop examples? He puts 3D-printed tubes, rooting powder and a plant guide together into a brand-new kit.
Ask yourself: what do I add that nobody else does?
Option 2: You sell another brand’s things!
Here, someone else makes the product, and you’re officially allowed to sell it. Your special touch comes from choosing great things, showing them nicely, and being reliable.
Illa, who sells Japanese memo boards in packs, is a great example!
Sending is part of it!
Here’s something important. When you sell real things, you also always offer a service: getting it to the customer! Even when a delivery company or a partner does the shipping, it’s still YOUR job to make sure it arrives safely.
In a regular shop, the customer comes to get the product. Online, you bring it to them! So clear info about delivery and returns is part of what you offer.
Which one suits you?
Love making things? Being a maker fits you! Your time goes into making, and your story helps you sell. But at first, you can only make as much as your hands can.
Love finding great products? Selling other brands might fit you better. You can grow faster, but you have to work harder to stand out, because others might sell the same thing.
Lots of shops do both!
Small and private
You can start with a social store and free payment links, or a marketplace. You’d be surprised how little it costs! No monthly payments before you have visitors. Your making-of videos and product photos can bring visitors, no agency needed.
And you don’t need to be the face of your shop. Your cups, candles or crystals can be the stars!
What’s next?
The next article shows how an online shop works, step by step, with two routes. All ten ways to earn are in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help with your offering? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What do I sell in an Own Online Shop?
Real things, made by you or by a brand you’re allowed to sell.
Does it have to be all handmade?
No! Putting parts together into something new counts too.
Why can handmade cost more?
Because of quality, where it comes from, and its story.
How do sellers of other brands stand out?
By choosing well, showing nicely, and being reliable.
Why is sending part of what I sell?
Online, you bring the product to the customer. It’s your job to make sure it arrives!
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Can I sell another brand’s products?
Yes, if you’re officially allowed to.
Can I sell handmade AND other brands in one shop?
Yes! Lots of shops do.
Where can I get help starting a shop on a small budget?
Lynnaider shows you how to start an Own Online Shop for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
