Are you looking for the best online reseller business ideas in the Philippines?
Well, the online reselling scene in the Philippines is booming, and for good reason.
I mean, check this out:
- In 2021, the Philippines ecommerce market reached $17 billion in sales, driven by 73 million online active users.
- The market is estimated to grow 17% to reach $24 billion by 2025.
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased ecommerce adoption, as Filipinos worked and studied from home more.
So, with more Filipinos shopping online than ever before, there’s never been a better time to jump into the e-commerce game.
But here’s the thing: starting an online business in the Philippines can feel overwhelming.
You might be wondering:
- What products should I sell?
- How do I find suppliers?
- Do I need a huge capital to get started?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
In this post, I’ll break down 7 online reseller business ideas that are perfect for the Philippine market.
These aren’t just any old ideas – they’re proven strategies real people use to make real money.
And the best part?
You can start most of these with minimal investment.
So whether you’re a college student looking for a side hustle or a professional wanting to build a full-time online business, there’s something here for you.
Let’s checkout these online reseller business ideas in the Philippines that could change your financial future.
1. Dropshipping: A Low-Risk Entry into E-commerce
Dropshipping is like the golden ticket to online reselling.
It’s a business model where you sell products without ever handling the inventory yourself.
Here’s how it works:
- You set up an online store
- A customer places an order
- You forward that order to your supplier
- The supplier ships the product directly to your customer
Sound too good to be true? It’s not.
I’ve seen countless Filipinos crush it with dropshipping.
Take Maria, for example. She started dropshipping beauty products from Korean suppliers last year.
Within 6 months, she was making enough to quit her day job.
Now, I’m not saying it’s easy money. It takes work. But the barrier to entry is low, and the potential is huge.
Here’s why dropshipping is perfect for the Philippine market:
- Low startup costs: You don’t need to buy inventory upfront
- Flexibility: You can run your business from anywhere with an internet connection
- Scalability: It’s easy to add new products or expand into new niches
But let’s be real – there are challenges too:
- Finding reliable suppliers can be tricky
- You have less control over product quality and shipping times
- Competition can be fierce in popular niches
So how do you stand out?
The key is to niche down.
Instead of trying to sell everything to everyone, focus on a specific market.
Maybe it’s eco-friendly home products for environmentally conscious Filipinos.
Or perhaps it’s specialized equipment for the growing number of Filipino fitness enthusiasts.
Find your niche, understand your audience, and provide value beyond just the products you’re selling.
Remember: in dropshipping, your real product is your customer service and brand experience.
Nail those, and you’ll have customers coming back for more.
2. Thrift Flipping: Turning Second-Hand Finds into Profit
Let’s talk about thrift flipping in the Philippines.
This isn’t just a business idea – it’s a movement.
And it’s taking the Philippines by storm.
Thrift flipping is all about buying second-hand items, sprucing them up, and reselling them for a profit.
It’s like alchemy, but instead of turning lead into gold, you’re turning ukay-ukay finds into cash.
Here’s why I love thrift flipping:
- It’s sustainable: You’re giving new life to old items
- It’s creative: Each flip is a chance to express your style
- It’s profitable: With a good eye, you can make serious margins
Now, you might be thinking, “But I’m not a designer or a DIY expert!”
Don’t worry – you don’t need to be.
Take my friend Juan. He started flipping furniture he found at local garage sales.
At first, he just cleaned them up and took better photos.
As he got more confident, he started repainting and reupholstering.
Now, he’s making custom pieces that sell for 5x what he paid.
Here’s how you can get started:
Source your items:
- Ukay-ukay shops
- Garage sales
- Online marketplaces
- Thrift stores
Choose your niche:
- Vintage clothing
- Retro furniture
- Antique books
- Collectibles
Add value:
- Clean and repair
- Upcycle or repurpose
- Style and photograph well
Sell smart:
- Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, or Carousell
- Tell the story behind each piece
- Price competitively but don’t undersell your work
The beauty of thrift flipping is that it rewards creativity and hustle.
The more unique your pieces, the more you can charge.
And in a world where everyone’s looking for something different, that’s a powerful position to be in.
But here’s a pro tip: don’t just flip anything and everything.
Develop a signature style.
Maybe you specialize in turning old denim into trendy bags.
Or perhaps you’re the go-to person for restored mid-century modern furniture.
Whatever it is, make it yours.
That’s how you build a brand, not just a business.
3. Print-on-Demand: Customized Products with Minimal Inventory
Another one of the best online reseller business in the Philippines!
Print-on-demand is like having your own merch line, minus the hassle of inventory.
It’s a business model where you design products – t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, you name it – and a third-party supplier prints and ships them as orders come in.
Here’s why it’s blowing up in the Philippines:
- Low risk: You only pay for products when you make a sale
- Creativity unleashed: Your designs, your rules
- Wide product range: From apparel to home decor
Now, you might be thinking, “But I’m not a graphic designer!”
Here’s the secret: you don’t need to be Picasso to succeed in print-on-demand.
Take my cousin, Lisa. She started with simple text-based designs celebrating Filipino culture.
Her bestseller? A tote bag that says “Mabuhay!” in a quirky font.
Simple, but effective.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Choose your niche:
- Filipino pop culture
- Local memes and inside jokes
- Regional pride (Cebuano, Ilocano, etc.)
- Social causes
Step 2: Create your designs:
- Use tools like Canva or Photoshop
- Hire freelance designers from platforms like Fiverr
- Collaborate with local artists
Step 3: Pick your platform:
- Shopify with Printful integration
- Teespring
- Redbubble
Step 4: Market smart:
- Leverage social media, especially Instagram and TikTok
- Collaborate with influencers
- Run targeted Facebook ads
The key to print-on-demand success? Understanding your audience.
What designs will resonate with Filipinos? What problems can your products solve?
Maybe it’s a line of eco-friendly tote bags with Tagalog puns.
Or custom phone cases featuring landmarks from different provinces.
The possibilities are endless.
But here’s the catch: the print-on-demand space is getting crowded.
To stand out, you need to offer something unique.
Consider these strategies:
- Limited edition drops: Create scarcity and urgency
- Personalization: Offer custom name or text options
- Bundles: Combine products for higher-value sales
Remember, in print-on-demand, your designs are your superpower.
Keep iterating, keep creating, and always be on the lookout for the next trend.
4. Digital Products: Selling Downloads and Online Courses
Let’s talk about the ultimate low-overhead, high-profit online reseller business in the Philippines: digital products.
We’re talking e-books, online courses, templates, software – anything that can be downloaded or accessed online.
Why is this such a game-changer for Filipino entrepreneurs?
- Create once, sell infinitely: No inventory, no shipping
- High profit margins: After initial creation costs, it’s mostly profit
- Leverage your expertise: Turn your knowledge into income
Now, you might be thinking, “But what do I know that’s worth selling?”
Trust me, you know more than you think.
Take my friend Carlo.
He was a graphic designer working for local businesses.
He created a course teaching logo design basics, specifically for the Philippine market.
It’s now his full-time income.
Here are some digital product ideas to get you started:
E-books:
- Filipino recipe collections
- Guide to starting a business in the Philippines
- Filipino language learning resources
Online courses:
- Filipino martial arts training
- Virtual Filipino cooking classes
- Local SEO for Philippine businesses
Templates and tools:
- Resume templates for OFWs
- Social media content calendars for local businesses
- Budgeting spreadsheets with Philippine-specific categories
Digital art:
- Printable Filipino-inspired wall art
- Digital stickers for messaging apps
- Custom Filipino-themed Zoom backgrounds
The key to success with digital products? Solve a specific problem.
Don’t just create another generic “how to make money online” course.
Instead, create “How to Land Your First VA Job as a Filipino Professional”.
Specific, targeted, valuable.
Here’s how to get started:
- Identify your expertise:
What skills or knowledge do you have that others would pay to learn? - Research your market:
What problems are Filipinos looking to solve? What questions are they asking online? - Create your product:
Start small. An e-book or a mini-course is a great way to test the waters. - Choose your platform:
- Gumroad for simple digital downloads
- Teachable or Thinkific for online courses
- Your own website for more control
Market strategically:
- Build an email list
- Offer free valuable content to establish authority
- Use social proof – testimonials are gold
But here’s the thing about digital products: the market moves fast.
What’s in demand today might be oversaturated tomorrow.
Stay ahead by:
- Continuously updating your products
- Listening to your customers for new ideas
- Staying on top of trends in your niche
Remember, your digital product isn’t just about information – it’s about transformation.
How can you help your customers achieve real results?
That’s where the real value – and the real profit – lies.
5. Wholesale Reselling: Bulk Buying for Better Margins
Wholesale reselling in the Philippines is like the heavyweight champion of online reselling.
It’s all about buying products in bulk at discounted prices and reselling them for a profit.
Why consider wholesale online reselling business in the Philippines?
- Higher profit margins: Bulk buying means lower per-unit costs
- Control over inventory: You choose what to stock and how much
- Opportunity for branding: Potential to create your own private label
Now, you might be thinking, “But doesn’t this require a lot of capital?”
Not necessarily.
Let me tell you about Ana. She started by buying small batches of Korean skincare products from a local wholesaler.
She sold them on Facebook and Shopee.
As her business grew, she increased her inventory and eventually created her own skincare line.
Here’s how you can get started with wholesale reselling in the Philippines:
Choose your niche:
- Beauty and skincare
- Electronics and accessories
- Home and kitchen products
- Fashion and accessories
Find suppliers:
- Local wholesalers in divisoria or baclaran
- Online platforms like Alibaba or Global Sources
- Trade shows and expos
- Start small:
Begin with a limited product range to test the market - Set up your sales channels:
- E-commerce platforms like Shopee or Lazada
- Your own website
- Social media selling on Facebook and Instagram
Implement smart inventory management:
Use tools to track stock levels and bestsellers
The key to success in wholesale reselling? Product selection and pricing strategy.
You need to find products that are in demand but not oversaturated.
And you need to price them competitively while still maintaining healthy margins.
Here are some tips to stand out:
- Focus on quality: Don’t just go for the cheapest products
- Offer excellent customer service: Fast shipping, easy returns
- Create product bundles: Increase average order value
- Consider private labeling: Build your own brand for long-term success
But let’s be real – wholesale reselling has its challenges:
- You need storage space for inventory
- There’s a risk of unsold stock
- Managing inventory can be complex
To mitigate these risks:
- Start with fast-moving, evergreen products
- Use pre-orders to gauge demand before bulk buying
- Implement a just-in-time inventory system where possible
Remember, in wholesale reselling, your profit is made when you buy, not when you sell.
Negotiating good deals with suppliers is crucial.
Build relationships, ask for samples, and always be on the lookout for new product opportunities.
Read also: Where To Get Suppliers For Online Business Philippines
6. Affiliate Marketing: Earning Commissions Through Recommendations
Let’s wrap up this list of best online reseller business ideas in the Philippines with affiliate marketing – the art of making money by recommending products you love.
It’s like being a digital matchmaker between brands and customers.
Why is affiliate marketing taking off in the Philippines?
- Low startup costs: No need to create or stock products
- Flexible: Work from anywhere, anytime
- Scalable: Your earnings can grow as your audience grows
Now, you might be thinking, “But don’t I need a huge following to make money with affiliate marketing?”
Not necessarily.
Meet Paolo.
He started a blog about budget travel in the Philippines.
He reviews budget hotels, recommends affordable tours, and shares money-saving tips.
By including affiliate links to booking sites and travel gear, he’s built a full-time income.
And he did it all with a niche audience of budget-conscious Filipino travelers.
Here’s how you can get started with affiliate marketing:
Choose your niche:
- Tech reviews
- Fashion and beauty
- Personal finance
- Fitness and wellness
Build your platform:
- Start a blog or YouTube channel
- Grow your social media presence
- Build an email list
Join affiliate programs:
- Amazon Associates
- Lazada Affiliate Program
- Shopee Affiliate Program
- Niche-specific programs in your industry
Create valuable content:
- Product reviews
- Comparison guides
- How-to tutorials
- Resource lists
Promote strategically:
- Use SEO to attract organic traffic
- Engage with your audience on social media
- Consider paid advertising to boost reach
The key to affiliate marketing success?
Trust and authenticity.
Your audience needs to believe in your recommendations.
That means being honest about products, including their downsides.
It also means only promoting products you genuinely believe in.
Here are some tips to maximize your affiliate marketing success:
- Disclose your affiliate relationships: Be transparent with your audience
- Focus on solving problems: Recommend products that genuinely help your audience
- Track your performance: Use analytics to see what’s working and what’s not
- Diversify your income streams: Don’t rely on just one affiliate program
But let’s be real – affiliate marketing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme.
It takes time to build an audience and earn their trust.
And you need to stay up-to-date with:
- Changing affiliate program terms
- New products in your niche
- Evolving marketing strategies
The good news? Once you build momentum, affiliate marketing can provide a steady passive income.
And as your audience grows, so does your earning potential.
Remember, in affiliate marketing, your audience is your most valuable asset.
Nurture your relationship with them, provide value consistently, and the commissions will follow.
Your Online Reseller Business Journey Starts Now
We’ve covered 7 exciting online reseller business ideas to try in the Philippines, from dropshipping to affiliate marketing.
Each of these models offers unique opportunities and challenges.
The key is to choose the one that aligns best with your skills, interests, and resources.
Remember, success in online reselling isn’t just about the products you sell or the business model you choose.
It’s about:
- Understanding your target market
- Providing exceptional value
- Building a strong brand
- Consistently delivering great customer experiences
Don’t be afraid to start small and experiment.
The beauty of these online reseller business ideas is that you can test them with minimal risk.
Start with one, learn from it, and expand as you grow.
And here’s a pro tip: don’t limit yourself to just one model.
Many successful online entrepreneurs combine multiple strategies.
You might start with dropshipping, then create your own digital products, and eventually move into wholesale.
The possibilities are endless.
Now, let’s address some common questions about online reselling in the Philippines:
FAQs
Q: Do I need a large capital to start an online reselling business?
A: Not necessarily. Models like dropshipping and affiliate marketing require minimal upfront investment. You can start with as little as a few thousand pesos for hosting and basic marketing tools.
Q: Is it legal to run an online reselling business in the Philippines?
A: Yes, but you need to register your business and comply with tax regulations. Consider registering as a sole proprietor with the DTI or setting up a corporation with the SEC.
Q: How do I handle shipping and logistics?
A: For dropshipping, your supplier handles shipping. For other models, you can use courier services like J&T, LBC, or Grab Express. As you grow, consider partnering with a third-party logistics provider.
Q: How can I stand out in a competitive market?
A: Focus on a specific niche, provide exceptional customer service, and build a strong brand. Consistently deliver value beyond just your products.
Q: How do I market my online reselling business?
A: Leverage social media, especially Facebook and Instagram. Use content marketing to attract organic traffic. Consider influencer partnerships and paid advertising as you grow.
The online reselling landscape in the Philippines is ripe with opportunity.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or aiming to build a full-fledged e-commerce empire, there’s a model that can work for you.
Remember, the most successful online resellers aren’t just selling products – they’re solving problems and creating experiences.
So, what are you waiting for?
Choose your model, do your research, and take that first step.
Your online reselling journey starts now.
Who knows? Your small start today could be the beginning of a thriving online business empire tomorrow.
Are you ready to join the ranks of successful Filipino online resellers?
The opportunity is there. The tools are available. The market is waiting.
It’s time to turn your online reselling dreams into reality.
Read also:
- How to Start an Online Business in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website in the Philippines?
- How to Start an Online Clothing Business in the Philippines