How to Start an Online Store Without Inventory

Traditionally, starting an online store meant three things: Big investment, storage space, and keeping track of stock. 

But in 2025? Selling products online without inventory has become the new pathway for brands

Starting an ecommerce business without inventory is thriving in 2025 more than ever. In fact, statistics show a significant rise in inventory-free businesses like print-on-demand. 

According to a report, the print-on-demand market was worth $10.2 billion in 2024. Also, It’s also projected to reach nearly $103 billion by 2034: 

Image via Precedence Research

This substantial growth shows just how profitable a business without inventory can be. 

So, if you’re wondering how to start an online store without inventory, this is your sign.

This guide will show you exactly how to do it with beginner-friendly platforms, tools, and actionable tips.

Let’s get into it. 

Why Should You Sell Without Inventory?

If you’re low on funds or just testing business ideas, no-inventory ecommerce is your smartest start.

By learning how to start an online store without inventory, you can skip the stress of stocking, packaging, and MOQs.

All you need to begin is a:

• Great idea
• Simple product mockup
• Beginner friendly platform to bring your idea to life 

No-inventory businesses like dropshipping, digital products or print-on-demand on Etsy and online stores are a great examples. 

Knowing how to sell product without inventory lowers the risk that stops many businesses from starting. It’s this simplicity and scalability that makes ecommerce business without inventory ideal for:

• First-time entrepreneurs with limited funds
• Creators launching merch for an existing fan base
• Designers testing product ideas before going all in

Watch TikTok creator Kate Robb explain how to start an online store without inventory on Etsy: 

Video via Katerobbllc

Business

In 2025, low-risk ecommerce offers flexibility with minimal risk, here’s why this business model works so well:

• Minimal startup costs: No bulk inventory needed
• Quick product testing: You can idea launches quickly
• No shipping stress: Supplier handles fulfillment
• Scalable operations: You can grow without limits

5 Inventory-Free Business Models You Can Start Today

To create an online store without inventory, these business models can help you start and scale easily:

1. Print-On-Demand (POD)

Print-on-Demand is an ecommerce model where custom products are printed and shipped when someone places an order. 

To know how to start a POD business, here’s all you need:

• Unique designs
• Beginner friendly platform 
• Well-defined print-on-demand niche to serve (e.g., gamers, pet lovers)

Platforms like Podbase make POD easy with beginner-friendly tools and a catalog of trending products:

Image via Podbase

2. Dropshipping

In this model, you serve as the storefront while a third-party supplier handles inventory and shipping. 

To build a profitable dropshipping business, focus on:

• Choosing the right niche by researching trends and demand
• Selecting the best dropshipping products

• Prioritizing items with strong profit margins
• Reliable suppliers for smooth fulfillment
• Customer satisfaction

Watch the video below to discover some of the best dropshipping products for success in 2025:

Video via YouTube

3. Selling Digital Products

Selling digital products means offering instant downloads like eBooks, courses, or printables with no shipping needed. 

Additionally, these digital products are easy to make and sell repeatedly without shipping or restocking. You can also sell on Etsy or your own store.

Popular digital product niches include:

• Self-improvement
• Education
• Productivity
• Health & wellness
• Finance & budgeting
• Photography
• Marketing & social media

To get started effectively, focus on the following:

• Research the best digital product ideas
• Create valuable content that solves problems or entertains
• Choose platforms with a ready audience to sell

Here’s a screenshot showing some of the top selling digital products on Etsy:

Image via Etsy

4. Affiliate Marketing + Content

Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by promoting brand products with your content via blogs or social media. It’s a low-risk, inventory-free way to monetize your audience by recommending items they’ll love.

Use these tips to drive sales and build trust as a creator:

• Choose products that align with your niche and audience interests
• Create honest reviews 
• Share valuable tutorials or helpful guides
• Add affiliate links to your bio with tools like Linktree for easy access

Here are a few content ideas:

• How-to guides featuring affiliate products
• Product reviews and comparisons
• Video demos and unboxings

‍

5. AI-Generated Product Bundles

AI is changing marketing and AI-generated product bundles are a rising no-inventory ecommerce trend. Thanks to AI tools like ChatGPT, you can now auto-generate product bundles based on a prompt.

You create the concept, the AI handles the visuals and copy. Then, use tools like Canva to design your product and list it on your online store. package it using a tool like Canva

The image below shows the result of an AI prompt that can be converted to a bundle:

Image via ChatGPT

How to Launch an Online Store With No Inventory

Selling online without inventory is simple once you follow the right steps. Here's how to go from having a bright idea to making income with little to no risk involved:

Step 1: Choose a Business Model

Start by picking an inventory-free business that fits your strengths and goals, like the options listed above. Your model will shape everything you need, from your tools to your marketing strategy.

Pick a model based on your strengths because choosing the right model makes the rest of the process much smoother and less overwhelming.

Step 2: Pick a Platform

Choose a platform that align with your business model, budget, and audience. Here are a few options to pick from:

Podbase

Easy to setup and perfect for beginners in print-on-demand 

Shopify

Ideal for long-term growth and great for full control and customization

Etsy

Best for handmade, vintage, or niche products with a built-in traffic and audience

Gumroad

Great for selling digital products like courses, eBooks, and templates

For Print-on-demand, Podbase also offer integration with Shopify and Etsy.

Step 3: Find the Right Suppliers and Tools

Your suppliers and tools will handle the heavy lifting like product fulfillment, payments, and delivery so choose dependable ones to ensure smooth operations and a better customer experience. 

Step 4: Create Your Products

Focus on clean, niche-specific designs that people will want to buy and share. You don’t need to be a pro designer to create beautiful products. 

Use tools like Canva for easy design layouts or AI tools like Kittl, Midjourney, and ChatGPT for mockups, copy, and even product ideas.

Step 5: Set Up Your Storefront

To create a professional, trustworthy storefront, you should keep these tips in mind:

• Customize your store to reflect your brand’s personality
• Write clear, benefit-focused product descriptions
• Organize products into categories for easy browsing
• Make sure your store is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate
• Add clear policies, helpful FAQs, and high-quality product mockups to build trust

Step 6: Promote and Optimize for Sales

No matter how great your products are, they won’t sell themselves. To bring traffic to your online store, use these strategies to attract, engage, and convert for sales:

• Use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest to showcase your products
• Collaborate with micro-influencers or small creators to expand your reach
• Run giveaways to build buzz and grow your audience
• Test different hashtags to boost visibility
• Track top-performing products and adjust titles, visuals, or pricing when needed
• Use bio tools like Beacons to drive traffic and increase your conversions

Print-on-Demand vs. Dropshipping

As much as print-on-demand and dropshipping let you sell products without holding inventory, they’re not the same. 

Understanding how they differ will help you choose the right model based on your niche, goals, and design involvement. Here’s a breakdown of the pros, cons, and ideal product types for each:

Why POD is Better for Personalization and Margins

If you want to build a brand with original products, print-on-demand gives you full creative control. 

Print-on-demand items are unique, you can design to reflect your style, message, or audience and even let customers personalize items. 

Additionally, you can charge higher prices and stand out from competitors because you don’t compete directly on price like in dropshipping, where anyone can sell the same item because they’re ordering from the same source. 

Why Podbase Stands Out

Podbase is made for sellers who want speed, simplicity, and standout products. If you're looking for a beginner-friendly print-on-demand platform that keeps up with creators, Podbase delivers. Here’s why Podbase stands out:

• Faster shipping times: Most orders ship within 1–3 business days
• Tech-focused product catalog: Podbase specialize in trending accessories
• Simplified setup: You can launch your store without needing advanced tech skills
• Fewer customer issues: Fast fulfillment means happier buyers and fewer support headaches

Hidden Tools & AI Tips for 2025 Entrepreneurs

Want to move faster and smarter? Here’s a compact tech stack to help you brainstorm, design, test, and grow your online store.

Best products to sell without inventory in 2025

Choosing the right products is key when launching an inventory-free online store. In 2025, trending items are in high demand because they’re easy to personalize and appeal to diverse audiences. Some of the best products include:

• Customized phone cases
• Digital planners
• Stickers and decals
• eBooks and digital guides
• Apparel and merch
• Wall art and posters
• Tech accessories 
• Printable stationery

Combining digital and physical products can create an appealing bundle that increase in value.

For example, selling a digital planner alongside printed accessories through print-on-demand lets you tap into both markets with no upfront stock.

Final thoughts

Now you’ve got a clear path on how to start an online store without inventory.

With flexible business models, low startup costs, and fast fulfillment options, there’s never been a better time to start.

As the saying goes, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Now is your chance to create a business without the risks of traditional inventory.

All you need is the right idea, the right tools and the confidence to begin. You can also experiment with different models and platforms to find what works for you. 

If you’re ready to test the print-on-demand waters, Podbase offers a risk-free way to launch your products with minimal upfront investment. Your breakthrough could be just one smart launch away - so, start with Podbase today.