11 Online Shopping Business Success Stories [2024]
Looking to tap into the ecommerce boom with minimal overhead? An online shopping business might be the perfect fit. This venture involves setting up a digital storefront where customers can browse and purchase a wide array of products. By utilizing user-friendly platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, starting your own online store has never been more accessible.
Building an inventory, managing stock levels, and ensuring timely shipping are all part of the daily grind. But the reward? A highly scalable business model with global reach and the potential for significant profits.
If the idea of curating your own product line and reaching consumers worldwide excites you, then the online shopping business is worth considering. With dedication and the right strategies, you could build a thriving ecommerce empire.
In this list, you'll find real-world online shopping business success stories and very profitable examples of starting a online shopping business that makes money.
1. Chargeasap ($6M/year)
Chargeasap, a consumer electronics startup, was founded by a serial entrepreneur who had previous experience in the fashion accessories industry. Frustrated with the limitations of current power banks and cables, he saw an opportunity to develop innovative mobile phone accessories. Through the magic of crowdfunding, Chargeasap has successfully raised over $3.7 million and delivered products to more than 130 countries.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $40K
How many people on the team: 4
Chargeasap, a Sydney-based startup, has raised over $3.7 million and delivered to more than 130 countries, and now generates over $500,000 per month selling a range of portable batteries and charging accessories.
2. Combat Flip Flops ($6M/year)
Combat Flip Flops is the brainchild of CEO Matt Griffin, an army veteran who witnessed the futility of armed conflict and wanted to make a positive impact. The idea came to him during a trip to Kabul, where he visited a combat boot factory that employed local workers. Inspired by their resilience, Griffin decided to repurpose the factory to produce footwear in order to create sustainable business and job opportunities in Afghanistan.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
How many people on the team: 2
Combat Flip Flops is an e-commerce business that employs artisans and entrepreneurs in conflict zones and has funded 217 years of school for Afghan girls and cleared 2814 square meters of landmines in Laos through direct-to-consumer sales and social media distribution.
3. ShakeSphere ($3.6M/year)
ShakeSphere, an award-winning shaker bottle manufacturer, was founded by elite sprinter Rick Beardsell. After experiencing the limitations and inefficiencies of existing shaker bottles while training as an athlete, he set out to create a better solution. With a focus on innovation and functionality, ShakeSphere's unique design quickly gained popularity, leading to international success and partnerships with major supplement brands.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $75K
How many people on the team: 1
ShakeSphere, an award-winning shaker bottle manufacturer founded by an elite athlete, has generated $4 million in annual revenue globally, and has won awards from Men's Health and Amazon for its innovative design, including no-mesh grid or mixing ball, making cleaning and efficiency better than ever.
4. Dexpel ($1.44M/year)
In 2009, Sarim, a programmer and digital marketing expert, started Dexpel with a budget of $2,000 and a small A3 printer, laminator, and cutting system. Frustrated with the limited customization options available when shopping for apparel and merchandise, Sarim researched manufacturing processes and discovered that he could create these items in-house. With the introduction of an online customizer, Dexpel became the first company in Pakistan to offer this feature, leading to rapid growth and expansion into a full-fledged facility with over 30 employees. Their revenue has grown from $2,000 per month to $165,000 per year, but Sarim measures success by the team and product line growth.
How much money it makes: $1.44M/year
How much did it cost to start: $3K
How many people on the team: 10
Dexpel, a Pakistani custom print store, grew from a budget of $2,000 for just a few vinyl customization products to over 200+ unique products and $165,000/year in revenue, by prioritizing online sales and developing in-house technology for order fulfillment.
5. BIGFILMS ($720K/year)
Steven Liszka, a French filmmaker, came up with the idea for BIGFILMS after struggling to find funding for his own short film. He decided to create a business that could fund his projects and used his expertise in special effects to develop the Blockbuster Starter Pack. With a complete redesign of his website and a focus on storytelling, Liszka was able to turn BIGFILMS into a successful venture, generating over $35K in monthly revenue.
How much money it makes: $720K/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 1
French filmmaker Steven Liszka's BIGFILMS generates $35k+ per month by providing digital tools that give filmmakers access to special effects, with video ads proving to be a game-changer for the business.
6. Leze Apparel Inc. ($540K/year)
out of debt. In just 6 months, we have managed to turn our business around and are projected to generate 3 times more revenue than in 2019. We have experienced steady growth at a rate of 30% every month and have successfully attracted a community of women who resonate with our mission of comfortable and sustainable workwear.
How much money it makes: $540K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 0
This case study features LEZE the Label, a sustainable workwear brand that experienced 30% month-over-month growth and eliminated $180,000 in production debt, sharing insights on their crowdfunding strategy, customer-centric approach, and partnerships.
7. Utokia ($504K/year)
After overcoming a wrist injury and opioid dependency, Holly Hillyer discovered cannabis through her parents' homemade edibles. This, combined with Oregon's newly legalized cannabis market in 2016, inspired her to leave her project management job and launch Utokia, now generating $30,000 monthly.
How much money it makes: $504K/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
How many people on the team: 2
Discover the journey of a cannabis entrepreneur who transitioned from opioids to cultivating some of the best indoor flowers in the nation, generating $30,000 a month, and expanding into a hemp-derived product line that already rakes in $15,000 a month in revenue.
8. Knee Deep Limited LLC ($480K/year)
Garret "Buddy" Lamp and Taylor "Earl" Nees co-founded Muff Waders after Earl woke up to find a drawing he made during a night out back in 2017. Initially shared as a joke, they saw potential and now average $3,600 in sales per month, featuring a six-pack cooler in the bibs.
How much money it makes: $480K/year
How much did it cost to start: $34K
How many people on the team: 0
Muff Waders is a fun yet practical product that combines bibs for working outdoors with additional features such as insulated coolers, concealed pockets and a bottle opener; since launching in September 2019, they have been averaging $3,600 a month in sales.
9. EMUCoupon ($360K/year)
power of persistence and adaptation. Starting a business is not easy, and there will be challenges, setbacks, and unexpected obstacles along the way. However, by staying persistent, constantly learning and evolving, and being open to new ideas and opportunities, you can overcome these hurdles and find success.
How much money it makes: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $8K
How many people on the team: 13
Discover how EMUCoupon achieved a 16% annual growth rate by targeting the untapped Australian market for online discounts, growing to a team of 21, and now attracting 20% of their traffic internationally—a must-read for aspiring founders keen on market gaps and global expansion.
10. Mazing ($120K/year)
Marco, the founder of MazingXR, came up with the idea for his business after attending a startup event and reconnecting with a talented software developer named Stefan. They saw the potential for augmented reality and spent two months researching and developing their product before launching. They focused on sales and meeting potential customers in person to attract and retain them.
How much money it makes: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100
How many people on the team: 3
MazingXR is an augmented reality solution for e-commerce that generates $120k/year, and has grown from an MVP to a team of 9 people, with a focus on organic growth, personal customer connections, and continuing to develop the innovative potential of AR and NFTs.
11. Celer ($30K/year)
Sarah Anderson, the founder of Celer Ergonomics, came up with the idea for her athletic training brand after experiencing overuse injuries throughout her running career. With a background in engineering and kinesiology, as well as a passion for biomechanics, Sarah developed the RunCeler strap, a functional resistance band worn while running to promote improved running form and decrease the risk of injury. With four published patents and 20% month-over-month growth, Celer is focused on expanding its presence in the fitness community, particularly among runners.
How much money it makes: $30K/year
How much did it cost to start: $14.5K
How many people on the team: 1
Celer Ergonomics, a small 2-person start-up out of NYC, has developed the RunCeler strap, a functional resistance band worn over the sock and shoe while running to promote improved running form, reducing the risk of injury and improving performance, with 4 published patents and growing 20% month over month.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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