Selling products online offers numerous opportunities, as you can reach a wide audience and sell almost anything you can imagine. It is important to understand the different types of products you can sell and choose those that best suit your interests and target audience.
Let’s take a look at the main types of products you can sell online.
Simple Product
This is the most basic and common type of product in online stores. It’s a product that has no customization options or variations. Buyers simply select the product, add it to the cart, set the quantity, and proceed without any additional choices.
Examples of simple products:
- hardcover book
- monitor
- phone
- perfume
- lawnmower
Variable Product
A variable product offers different versions, such as various sizes, colors, or materials. The buyer selects the variation that best suits them before adding the product to the cart. This is particularly useful for clothing, footwear, and other items with multiple options.
I’ve noticed that many online stores do not fully utilize the potential of variable products. Ideally, a variable product combines several related items into a single product listing with various options. This approach can simplify the shopping experience and make it easier for customers to find and select their preferred options.
Examples of variable products:
- t-shirt available in different sizes and colors
- shoes available in various sizes
- bedding available in different dimensions and materials
- handbag available in several color variations
Booking
This allows customers to book a service or product for a specific date and time. It is particularly useful for service providers such as hotels, wellness centers, restaurants, or even events. Customers can select a date and time that suits them and make the booking directly online.
Examples of bookings:
- hotel room
- massage
- concert ticket
- table at a restaurant
Membership
This allows visitors to join a club or community and gain access to exclusive content or benefits. Members pay a monthly or annual fee in exchange for specific perks.
Examples of memberships:
- gym membership with access to all classes
- online community with exclusive webinars
- online courses
Virtual Product
A virtual product doesn’t require physical delivery but is a digital good or service. This means the buyer receives the product in digital form or gains access to a service online. Virtual products are popular because they can be delivered instantly without additional shipping costs.
Examples of virtual products:
- e-books that the buyer downloads to their device
- digital educational content in the form of videos, quizzes, and materials
- license keys for various software or applications
- digital downloads of music albums
