You don’t need a massive budget to launch a profitable online side hustle. With under $1,000 in startup capital, you can build a real ecommerce store that sells real products — all from your laptop.

We break down 10 ecommerce side hustles you can realistically start for less than $1,000 below. These are actual businesses, not just business models – complete with pros, cons, cost breakdowns, and tips for getting started the right way. And if you’re interested in learning about the top ecommerce success secrets, check out our article on what thriving ecommerce brands know that others don’t. 

Reasons People Start Ecommerce Businesses

If you're considering launching an ecommerce business with a limited budget, it helps to understand why so many people choose this path in the first place. Here are some of the most common motivations for starting an ecommerce business with $1,000 or less:

• Lifestyle Freedom: The ability to work remotely, be your own boss, and set flexible hours.
• Low Barrier to Entry: Easier setup compared to traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores.
• Scalability: Potential to expand reach quickly with digital marketing.
• Global Customer Base: Sell to anyone with internet access.

Of course, everyone and every business is unique. Understanding your motivations, budget, and target market can help you pick the best type of ecommerce business and create the best products for your skills and goals. 

Ecommerce Business with Less Than $1,000 Startup Costs 

Each of these ecommerce side hustle ideas can be launched with minimal upfront investment — many with as little as a few hundred dollars. We've selected ecommerce businesses where the product, marketing, and fulfillment can be done lean, especially for solopreneurs. 

1. Curated Gift Boxes 

With a curated gift box business, you bundle together themed items into a single package and sell them as thoughtful gifts for specific occasions, interests, or recipients. Think: self-care boxes, birthday kits, travel-themed packages, or boxes for new parents, pet lovers, or teachers.

Unlike dropshipping, you’ll purchase and assemble the items yourself, giving you full control over the unboxing experience. Customers love these types of products for their convenience and aesthetic appeal, and they’re highly shareable on social media, especially when you design unique packaging and thoughtful combinations.

You can sell curated boxes through your own ecommerce store or use marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon Handmade.

Curated Gift Boxes Pros

• Full control over product quality and branding
• High perceived value — customers often pay more for convenience and presentation
• Flexible product sourcing (wholesale, handmade, or even local finds)

Curated Gift Boxes Cons

• You’ll need to pre-purchase some inventory
• Time required for assembly and fulfillment
• Inventory risk if products don’t sell

Curated Gift Box Startup Cost Breakdown

You can start a curated gift box business on a limited budget by keeping your first box simple and sourcing inexpensive or sample-sized items. Here's a sample breakdown of how to stay under $1,000:

• Inventory for First 10–20 Boxes: $200–$400 (e.g., small-batch soaps, candles, teas, journals, or novelty items)
• Packaging Supplies: $50–$150 (boxes, filler, tape, stickers, and thank-you cards)
• Website & Hosting: $50–$100/year (Shopify Basic or WooCommerce)
• Logo & Visual Branding: $0–$100 (DIY in Canva or hire a freelancer)
• Product Photography: $0–$100 (DIY with good lighting, or hire a beginner photographer)
• Initial Marketing Spend: $200–$300 (Instagram/Facebook ads or influencer gifting)

Estimated Total: $500–$950 depending on your box size, sourcing, and marketing plans.

2. Niche Sticker or Decals 

Stickers and decals are one of the most accessible ecommerce businesses to start. With low production costs, lightweight shipping, and endless design possibilities, a niche sticker shop can be a profitable online side hustle or full-fledged brand, especially if you cater to a specific audience. 

Whether you’re targeting dog moms, teachers, plant lovers, gamers, or mental health advocates, niche sticker designs resonate strongly with buyers when they reflect identity, humor, or community.

You can print stickers at home using tools like a Cricut or Silhouette, or outsource printing through a print-on-demand service like Sticker Mule, Printify, or Gelato. Once you have a few designs ready, you can sell on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or even through TikTok Shop.

Niche Stickers or Decals Pros 

• Very low cost to design and produce
• Small, lightweight, and cheap to ship
• Strong appeal for repeat purchases and impulse buys
• Easy to test new designs and respond to trends quickly

Niche Stickers or Decals Cons 

• High competition in some categories
• POD margins are lower than in-house printing
• Requires ongoing creative effort and marketing to stay fresh

Sticker Shop Startup Cost Breakdown 

Your actual startup costs will vary depending on whether you print your own stickers or outsource fulfillment. Here’s a sample breakdown for both approaches:

Option 1: Print Stickers at Home (~$300–$700)

• Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine: $200–$300
• Printer & sticker paper: $50–$100
• Packaging supplies (mailers, backing cards, label printer): $50–$100
• Domain & Ecommerce Platform: $50–$100
• Logo/Branding (DIY or freelance): $0–$50
• Initial Marketing Spend (ads or social): $100–$200

Option 2: Print-on-Demand (~$100–$300)

• POD Account Setup (free on most platforms)
• Sample Orders for Quality Testing: $50–$100
• Branding & Packaging Add-Ons: $50–$100
• Domain & Ecommerce Platform: $50–$100
• Marketing Budget: $100–$200

Estimated Total: $300–$700 depending on setup and print method. 

3. Custom T-Shirts or Apparel 

Launching a custom clothing line is a creative and cost-effective way to build an ecommerce business with strong brand potential. You can keep things lean by starting with small production runs using a local screen printer, heat transfer vinyl, or even print-on-demand (POD) services.

Instead of aiming for mass appeal, the most successful small apparel brands go deep into a niche: think witty shirts for teachers, minimalist gear for outdoor dads, or bold slogans for mental health advocates. What sets you apart isn’t just the design — it’s the connection you build with your target audience.

POD can be a helpful tool when testing new ideas without upfront inventory, but many entrepreneurs eventually transition to in-house or local production for better margins, quality control, and customization.

Custom Apparel Pros

• Apparel has universal appeal and repeat-purchase potential
• Strong creative control over design and brand message
• Easy to launch small and expand with proven designs
• Multiple fulfillment options (DIY, local, POD)

Custom Apparel Cons 

• Managing sizes, returns, and inventory adds complexity
• Fast-moving trends can make designs obsolete quickly
• Visual branding and packaging matter and take effort
• Lower margins if sticking with POD long-term

Custom Apparel Startup Cost Breakdown 

Here’s a sample breakdown of what your launch might look like if you're producing a limited batch:

• Initial Inventory (25–50 shirts): $200–$400 (screen printed locally or via heat press)
• Packaging Supplies: $50–$100 (mailers, custom tags, inserts)
• Website & Domain: $50–$100 (Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy)
• Design & Branding Tools: $0–$100 (Canva, Adobe, or freelance help)
• Product Photography: $0–$100 (DIY or basic photoshoot)
• Marketing Budget (ads or influencer seeding): $200–$300

Estimated Total: $500–$1,000 depending on fulfillment method, design needs, and ad spend.

4. Digital Downloads & Templates 

Selling digital products is one of the most accessible and profitable ecommerce side hustles you can start for less than $1,000, and in many cases, for nearly nothing. Rather than selling physical goods, you create downloadable items that customers can instantly access after purchase. These can range from planner pages, resume templates, and business spreadsheets to lesson plans, eBooks, digital art prints, social media content packs, and more.

Because there’s no inventory to manage or products to ship, digital downloads scale easily and require minimal effort once created. You can list your products on Etsy, Gumroad, Shopify, or your own website, and reinvest profits into expanding your catalog or running paid ads. 

This business model is especially attractive for designers, writers, educators, and anyone with specialized knowledge or creative assets others would pay for. 

Digital Downloads Pros 

• Extremely low overhead and no inventory
• High profit margins — sell the same product repeatedly with no additional cost
• Easy to automate delivery and scale once listings are live
• No shipping, packaging, or physical fulfillment needed

Digital Downloads Cons 

• You’ll need strong design, writing, or software skills
• Lots of competition, especially on marketplaces like Etsy
• Risk of product piracy or unauthorized sharing
• Success often depends on niche clarity and SEO visibility

Digital Downloads Startup Cost Breakdown

You can start a digital download business with as little as a laptop and design software. Here’s a sample breakdown of startup costs:

• Design Software: $0–$100 (Canva Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud, or Affinity Designer)
• Digital Asset Licenses: $0–$100 (fonts, stock photos, or illustrations)
• Website & Ecommerce Platform: $50–$100 (Shopify, Etsy, or Gumroad)
• Domain Name: $10–$20/year
• Branding Assets (Logo, Templates): $0–$100
• Marketing Budget (ads or influencer gifting): $100–$300

Estimated Total: $200–$700 depending on your tools and marketing approach. 

5. Online Thrift Store or Flipping Business 

An online thrift or flipping business is a great way to start selling online with minimal upfront investment. You source gently used or undervalued items from thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, clearance racks, or Facebook Marketplace, then resell them at a profit through platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, Etsy, or your own Shopify site.

This model works best when you specialize in a particular category or aesthetic – vintage clothing, rare books, home décor, collectibles, sneakers, or refurbished electronics. By narrowing your focus, you build knowledge and increase your chances of spotting valuable deals others overlook.

Flipping stands out for its ability to generate profit almost immediately. You can often start by reselling items you already own to build your initial budget and momentum.

Online Thrift Store & Flipping Pros

• Low startup costs as inventory can come from thrift stores or even your own closet
• High profit margins on well-sourced items
• No need to create or manufacture anything
• Great for people who have a passion for bargain hunting or vintage finds

Online Thrift Store & Flipping Cons 

• Time-intensive as sourcing, listing, and shipping take effort
• Inventory may be inconsistent and unscalable
• Condition and authenticity issues can lead to returns or disputes
• Requires photography, descriptions, and SEO for each individual item

Online Thrift Store & Flipping Startup Cost Breakdown 

You can easily get started with a small batch of inventory and basic tools. Here's a typical breakdown for under $1,000:

• Initial Inventory: $100–$300 (10–30 items, depending on category)
• Shipping Supplies (mailers, boxes, scale, tape): $50–$100
• Domain & Store Platform (optional): $50–$100
• Photography Setup (lighting, backdrop): $50–$100 (or DIY with natural light)
• Listing Tools / Seller Fees: Varies by platform (e.g., eBay, Poshmark, Mercari fees)
• Marketing or Promotion Budget (optional): $100–$200

Estimated Total: $300–$800 depending on sourcing strategy and platform use. 

6. Personalized Gifts & Engraved Products 

Personalized products are a growing category in ecommerce and for good reason – people love gifting items that feel custom, thoughtful, and one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re engraving cutting boards, etching glassware, personalizing mugs, or printing names on ornaments, there’s a year-round market for high-quality, customized items.

This business works especially well around holidays, weddings, baby showers, graduations, and other major life events. You can sell your items through Etsy, Amazon Handmade, your own website, or even at craft fairs and pop-ups if you want to build a local presence.

Production can be done in-house using tools like a Cricut, laser engraver (such as Glowforge or xTool), or heat press. Or, you can work with a fulfillment partner to print and ship on your behalf. Many makers start with simple equipment and scale into more advanced tools as they grow.

Personalized Gifts Pros 

• High perceived value since most customers are willing to pay more for personalization
• Repeat gift potential around birthdays, weddings, holidays, and milestones
• Creative and hands-on – great for makers who enjoy working with physical products
• Strong customer satisfaction when quality and presentation are prioritized

Personalized Gifts Cons 

• Labor-intensive as each item often requires manual setup or design tweaks
• Longer lead times due to customization and production
• Quality control is crucial as errors in names, dates, etc. can mean lost sales
• Equipment can be expensive to upgrade as you grow

Personalized Gifts Startup Cost Breakdown

Startup costs depend heavily on your production method and tools. Here's a sample breakdown for getting started with basic in-house personalization:

• Cutting or Engraving Equipment: $200–$700 (Cricut, laser engraver, heat press)
• Initial Inventory (blanks like mugs, boards, ornaments): $100–$300
• Packaging Supplies: $50–$100 (protective mailers, gift wrap, thank-you cards)
• Website & Domain: $50–$100 (Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce)
• Design Software or Fonts: $0–$100 (Canva, Adobe, or font licenses)
• Marketing Budget: $100–$300

Estimated Total: $500–$1,000 depending on the tools you use and how much inventory you order up front.

7. Custom Party Supplies or Event Decor 

From birthdays and bridal showers to graduation parties and baby announcements, people are constantly looking for unique, themed decorations to make their events memorable. A custom party supply business lets you create banners, table decor, centerpieces, cupcake toppers, favor tags, or editable digital invitations, all tailored to specific themes or occasions.

This is especially rewarding for people with design skills, crafting ability, or experience in event planning. You can sell physical products, digital downloads, or both, and your shop can specialize in specific celebrations (like kids' birthdays or weddings) or aesthetics (like rustic, floral, or beachy themes).

Products can be made by hand, cut with a Cricut or Silhouette machine, or designed as digital templates for customers to print at home. You can sell through Etsy, your own website, or craft marketplaces, and market your work through Instagram, Pinterest, or local event planners.

Custom Party Supplies Pros 

• Constant demand for birthdays, showers, weddings, and holidays
• Easy to niche by theme, aesthetic, or customer group 
• High perceived value since customers are often willing to pay more for customized or coordinated sets
• Great for visually driven marketing on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest
• Can sell both physical and digital products to diversify revenue

Custom Party Supplies Cons  

• Trends can shift quickly as what’s popular this month may fade by next season
• Handmade products require significant production time and attention to detail
• Shipping delicate or oversized items can be challenging
• Personalization errors or order delays can be high-stress for event-related purchases
• High seasonality may require planning for busy windows like graduation, holiday, or wedding seasons

Custom Party Supplies Startup Cost Breakdown

Your startup costs will depend on whether you focus on digital products, handmade physical items, or a combination of both. Here’s a breakdown for a hybrid model that includes basic tools and materials:

• Cutting Machine (Cricut, Silhouette): $200–$400
• Initial Craft Supplies (cardstock, vinyl, ribbon, glue, adhesives): $100–$200
• Packaging Supplies (rigid mailers, boxes, tissue paper, thank-you inserts): $50–$100
• Design Software or Digital Assets: $0–$100 (Canva Pro, Adobe Illustrator, or commercial-use graphics)
• Ecommerce Platform & Domain Name: $50–$100 (Etsy, Shopify, or WooCommerce)
• Photography Setup or Styled Samples: $0–$100 (DIY with natural light or small lightbox)
• Marketing Budget: $100–$200 (Pinterest ads, promoted posts, influencer seeding)

Estimated Total: $500–$1,000, depending on your product focus and equipment choices.

8. Themed Subscription Boxes 

A themed subscription box is a recurring product bundle delivered to customers on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis. Boxes can be built around just about any niche: plant lovers, new parents, bookworms, self-care routines, international snacks, pet toys, hobbies, or even regional products from your hometown.

What makes this online side hustle powerful is the combination of predictability and personalization. Customers love the surprise and delight of discovering new items tailored to their interests, while you benefit from recurring revenue and consistent customer relationships.

You can start with a single box to test interest before scaling into a full subscription model. Boxes can be curated from wholesale items, handmade goods, or even private-label products sourced from manufacturers.

Subscription Boxes Pros 

• Predictable recurring revenue
• High customer loyalty and lifetime value
• Flexible to start – launch with a single box before committing to a full subscription
• Strong opportunities for branding, influencer marketing, and gift appeal
• Easy to niche around interests, identities, or values

Subscription Boxes Cons  

• Requires careful inventory management and upfront purchasing
• Shipping delays or fulfillment issues can damage trust
• Customer churn can hurt cash flow if not managed well
• Complex logistics as your subscriber base grows
• Subscription fatigue — customers may cancel if the value doesn’t stay consistent

Subscription Boxes Startup Cost 

You can launch a small subscription box business for under $1,000 by starting with limited quantities and a highly focused audience. Here’s a sample cost breakdown:

• Initial Inventory for First 10–20 Boxes: $200–$400 (wholesale items or handmade products)
• Branded Packaging (boxes, tape, labels, inserts): $100–$200
• Website & Domain: $50–$100 (Shopify or a subscription box platform like Subbly or Cratejoy)
• Photography or Styled Shoots: $0–$100 (DIY or with beginner equipment)
• Design Tools or Templates: $0–$100 (Canva, Adobe, or custom templates)
• Marketing Budget: $100–$200 (influencer boxes, referral rewards, Instagram/Pinterest ads)

Estimated Total: $500–$1,000, depending on your product selection, packaging, and launch strategy. 

9. Niche & Custom Greeting Cards or Stationery 

A greeting card or stationery business focused on a specific audience is a low-cost, high-impact way to enter ecommerce. Rather than competing with generic cards from big-box stores, you can create niche cards that reflect underrepresented experiences, like first-generation college graduates, sober anniversaries, new dads, or therapist appreciation days. You can also offer custom cards where buyers can personalize names, dates, professions, or inside jokes, making each item feel one-of-a-kind.

This category works especially well because people are always searching for more meaningful and thoughtful ways to connect, especially around milestones that don't always get the spotlight. Whether you focus on a specific niche, allow personalization, or do both, your cards can serve customers who feel overlooked by traditional brands.

Greeting Card Pros

• Low startup and production costs for digital or batch-printed cards
• Personalized cards command higher prices and increase customer satisfaction
• Easy to niche by audience, profession, or life moment 
• Lightweight, low-shipping-cost products
• Highly giftable and shareable, which is great for organic social growth
• Simple to expand into related products like notepads, stickers, or journals

Greeting Card Cons

• Competitive category so strong messaging and branding are essential
• Customization adds time to fulfillment and increases margin for error
• Product pricing can be low without bundling or upsells
• Requires consistent creative energy to release new designs or seasonal drops
• Higher order volume needed to hit significant revenue if not offering add-ons

Greeting Card Startup Cost Breakdown

You can launch a niche or custom greeting card online side hustle for under $1,000 by starting with a small collection and lean fulfillment setup. Here’s a sample cost breakdown:

• Design Software: $0–$100 (Canva Free, Inkscape, or upgrade to Canva Pro or Illustrator)
• Initial Printing (100–200 cards): $100–$300 (Vistaprint, GotPrint, or local print shop)
• Packaging Supplies: $50–$100 (envelopes, mailers, clear sleeves)
• Website & Domain: $50–$100 (Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy & custom domain)
• Photography or Mockups: $0–$100 (DIY flat lays or styled mockups)
• Marketing Budget: $100–$200 (Instagram, Pinterest, or Etsy ads)

Estimated Total: $300–$900, depending on format, print volume, and promotion strategy.

10. Custom Pet Accessories

Pet owners love to spoil their animals, especially when the products feel personalized, stylish, or Instagram-worthy. With custom pet accessories, you can create personalized bandanas, collars, treat jars, feeding mats, pet name signs, or even birthday boxes tailored to specific breeds or personalities.

You can niche down by pet type (dogs, cats, or small pets like bunnies), breed (e.g., golden retrievers, Frenchies), or lifestyle (outdoorsy, pampered, minimalist). Personalization options might include the pet’s name, birth year, favorite phrase, or matching accessories for pets and humans.

Products can be made using vinyl, embroidery, laser engraving, or sublimation. You can fulfill in small batches or test ideas using print-on-demand platforms for apparel or bowls.

Pet Accessories Pros 

• Pet owners are highly engaged and emotionally motivated
• High gift potential for holidays, pet birthdays, or new pet welcomes
• Personalization adds perceived value and encourages repeat purchases
• Works well on social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest

Pet Accessories Cons 

• Sizing and material quality are critical as misfits can lead to returns
• Inventory management can be tricky if you offer multiple colors/sizes
• Customization adds production time and fulfillment complexity
• Need to account for safety and durability when producing wearable items

Pet Accessories Startup Cost Breakdown 

You can start a custom pet accessory line with a few basic tools and a small run of materials. Here's a sample breakdown:

• Craft Equipment (Cricut, embroidery machine, or heat press): $200–$500
• Initial Materials (bandanas, vinyl, jars, tags): $100–$200
• Packaging Supplies: $50–$100 (mailers, branded inserts, tissue, stickers)
• Website & Domain: $50–$100 (Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy & domain)
• Product Photography or Pet Models: $0–$100 (DIY or with friends’ pets)
• Marketing Budget: $100–$200 (TikTok content, pet influencer gifting, or Instagram ads)

Estimated Total: $500–$1,000, depending on production method, number of SKUs, and launch strategy.

Quick Comparisons: Ecommerce Side Hustle Ideas Under $1,000

Do You Need an LLC to Start an Ecommerce Side Hustle?

While it's possible to start selling online without forming a business entity, forming an LLC offers important advantages as you grow. An LLC provides liability protection, makes your business look more legitimate, and makes it easier to handle taxes and open a business bank account.

Most ecommerce founders wait too long to formalize their business. But the truth is, setting up an LLC early can save time, stress, and money down the line. Whether you're selling custom stickers, pet accessories, or personalized baby gifts, having an LLC for your side hustle builds credibility with customers, partners, and marketplaces, giving you peace of mind as you grow. 

How to Form an LLC for Ecommerce Businesses 

1. Choose a Business Name: Pick a name that reflects your brand identity and confirm it’s available in your state (use our Business Name Generator for inspiration)
2. File Articles of Organization: Submit these documents through your state’s Secretary of State or equivalent agency to officially form your LLC
3. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number): You can register for an EIN through the IRS at no cost to handle taxes and open business accounts.
4. Designate a Registered Agent: Name a person or service responsible for receiving important legal notices on behalf of your business.
5. Open a Business Bank Account: Keep your personal and business finances separate for easier bookkeeping and to maintain liability protection.

Forming an LLC for ecommerce side hustles can be straightforward and cost-effective, even for beginners. If you find the idea of filling out business formation forms daunting, consider working with a trusted expert like LLC Attorney to handle the critical steps of establishing your business.

Start Small, But Smart 

You don’t need a massive budget to launch a successful online side hustle. With under $1,000 and the right idea, you can create products that are thoughtful, creative, and profitable — and build something that grows with you.

Start with what you know. Choose a niche you care about. Focus on making something people genuinely want. And when you're ready to make it official, we’re here to help you form your LLC and take the next step with confidence.