How to Choose the Right Products to Sell Online and Set Clear Goals for Your Store?

Starting an online business is more than just launching a website or creating a Facebook page. It begins with choosing the right product and setting clear, realistic goals. For many Nepali entrepreneurs, especially those exploring eCommerce for the first time, this can be a challenging step.

Here’s a practical guide to help you make smart decisions when launching or growing your online store.

1. What Should You Sell Online?

The best place to start is with what you already know, make, or can access easily. Your initial product ideas can come from:

• Things you create or produce yourself
  
  

• Items you can buy locally in bulk and resell
  
  

• Niche products related to your skills or community
  
  

• Services you can package and sell online
  
  

Examples: Clothing, homemade pickles, handicrafts, digital designs, stationery, handmade gifts, or gadgets.

2. What Makes a Product Suitable for Online Selling?

Not every product is ideal for online sales. Look for items that have the following characteristics:

• Lightweight: Easy and inexpensive to ship
  
  

• Durable: Won’t break or spoil during delivery
  
  

• Unique: Handmade or hard to find in local shops
  
  

• Niche appeal: Serves a specific audience with specific needs
  
  

• High perceived value: Looks or feels worth more than it costs to make
  
  

These traits make it easier to attract customers, reduce risks, and increase your profit margins.

3. How to Research Market Demand in Nepal

You don’t need expensive tools to understand what people want. Use these simple methods:

• Explore online marketplaces like Daraz, Thulo, or Facebook Marketplace
  
  

• Visit local stores to see what’s in demand
  
  

• Ask your network what they often look for or buy online
  
  

• Look at seasonal or trending products (e.g., winter wear, exam stationery, wedding gifts)
  
  

Understanding local buying behavior helps you choose products that actually sell.

4. What Types of Products to Avoid

Even if something seems easy to get or cheap to buy, that doesn’t mean it’s a good choice. Avoid:

• Fragile items that can break during delivery
  
  

• Very low-margin products like tissue rolls or Rs. 10 pens
  
  

• Products with high competition but no unique branding, like generic phone covers
  
  

Selling such products leads to low profits and customer complaints. Choose wisely.

5. Set Clear and Realistic Goals for Your Store

Before launching, define what success looks like for your business. Here are some useful types of goals:

• Revenue Goal: For example, earn Rs. 50,000 in the first month
  
  

• Order Volume Goal: Aim for 10 orders per week
  
  

• Audience Growth Goal: Get 1,000 Facebook or Instagram followers in 30 days
  
  

• Operational Goal: Fulfill all orders within 24 hours of receiving them
  
  

Having these goals will guide your day-to-day efforts and help you track progress.

6. Quick Action Steps to Get Started

If you're ready to take the first step:

1. Make a list of 5 product ideas you can realistically start with
   
   

2. Select the top 2 products based on shipping ease, uniqueness, and potential margin
   
   

3. Write down 3 specific goals for your first month of sales
   
   

Even small, consistent actions—guided by a clear plan—can lead to major success over time.

Choosing the right product and setting your store goals isn’t about guesswork. It’s about strategy, research, and alignment with what customers actually want. Take the time to plan before you start, and your online business will have a much stronger foundation.