A product's margin on a spreadsheet is only part of the story. Some items look profitable and then cost you in ways that the spreadsheet does not show: broken parcels, returns, account bans, legal letters. Knowing what to avoid is just as valuable as knowing what to pick.
Fragile and heavy goods
Glass, ceramics, large mirrors, furniture. A long trip with several handovers is hard on anything breakable, and a heavy item has a high shipping cost that eats the margin. If you must sell something fragile, ask about packaging and test with a sample before you list it.
Products with high return rates
Clothing and shoes are a known example, because sizing varies between suppliers and customers cannot try before they buy. Returns from overseas rarely make economic sense, so you end up refunding without getting the product back. If you do sell apparel, pay attention to size charts in centimetres, and order samples in several sizes.
Branded and licensed items
Items with a famous logo or a character on them, even if the supplier lists them, may be counterfeit or unlicensed. Selling them risks a takedown, a frozen payment account or a legal claim. Avoid anything that depends on someone else's brand.
Regulated products
- Health and supplements: claims are tightly regulated in many countries.
- Cosmetics and skincare: often require safety documentation to sell legally.
- Electronics with batteries or chargers: may need certifications and have shipping restrictions.
- Children's products: safety standards are strict.
- Knives, weapons-like items and similar goods: restricted by carriers and ad platforms.
Rules differ by country. If you are not sure, check the regulations of the places you sell to, or choose a different product.
Products that are easy to copy at a lower price
If a product has no angle beyond being cheap, someone will sell it for less, and you will be in a price war you cannot win. Look for something where you can add value through the brand, the bundle, the content or the service.
Very cheap items with low margins
A product that sells for 8 may look easy to move but leaves little room after fees and ads, and a single refund wipes out many sales. Check the maths first, using the method in pricing and margins.
Short-lived fads
A viral product can bring a rush of orders and disappear in weeks. If your supplier lead time is long, the wave may be over before your first parcel arrives. See how to find products for choosing ones with steadier demand.
A quick risk check
Before listing any product, ask:
- Can it break, spoil or leak on the way?
- Will people return it often?
- Does it use someone else's brand or character?
- Is it regulated in the countries I sell to?
- Would the margin survive a refund and higher ad costs?
- Can I describe a reason someone would pick my store?
If you answer yes to the first four, or no to the last two, think again. There are plenty of other products out there.
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