Have you ever thought about starting an online business?
If yes, you’ve probably heard names like Amazon, Shopify, and eBay — and maybe you’re wondering, “Which one is right for me?”
The truth is — all of them are good, but it depends on where you stand right now.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which business model suits you best and how to start confidently.
Three Key Factors to Consider Before Starting
Before jumping in, let’s evaluate yourself based on three simple parameters:
- 💵 Money (Capital in Dollars)
- 🧠 Skills (Business and Computer Knowledge)
- ⏰ Time (Availability and Patience)
These three elements determine where you should begin your online journey.
Option 1: Amazon FBA Wholesale (For Those with More Capital and Less Time)
If you have around $2,000 or more, limited business experience, and not much time, Amazon FBA Wholesale is a great starting point — even for beginners.
Here’s why:
- You simply buy branded products from a wholesale dealer.
- The dealer ships your products to Amazon’s warehouse.
- Amazon then fulfills your orders and deposits the money into your account.
Simple, right?
However, you’ll need a few essentials:
✅ An LLC (Business Registration)
✅ A Reseller Certificate
✅ A Professional Business Email
This model involves more upfront investment but carries lower operational risk since Amazon handles logistics and customer service.
Option 2: Building Your Own Brand (For Skilled Entrepreneurs)
If you have moderate capital but strong business or marketing skills, you can create your own brand using Amazon Private Label or Shopify.
This approach gives you complete control over your brand, but it also comes with challenges:
- You’ll need to design and launch your own product.
- You must run paid ads (Facebook, Google, etc.).
- You’ll invest more time in testing, marketing, and optimization.
For absolute beginners, this can feel overwhelming — many give up early.
So, if you’re just starting out, it’s better to gain some experience first through a simpler model.
Option 3: eBay Dropshipping (Perfect for Beginners)
If you’re new to online business and want a low-risk starting point, eBay Dropshipping is your best option.
Here’s why:
- Lowest monthly cost – eBay’s store subscription is cheaper than Amazon or Shopify.
- No upfront inventory – you only pay your supplier after you receive an order.
- No need for advertising – eBay’s platform automatically promotes your listings.
Let’s look at the worst-case scenario:
You pay around $30/month for your eBay store. Even if you make zero sales in six months, your total loss is just $180 — a small investment for valuable hands-on experience.
That’s why eBay Dropshipping is perfect for beginners. You learn how online business works, gain confidence, and can later move toward Amazon or Shopify once you’ve built experience and funds.
Final Advice
Start simple. Don’t chase every trend.
If you’re just entering the eCommerce world:
👉 Begin with eBay Dropshipping.
👉 Learn how online platforms, products, and customers work.
👉 Then move to Amazon FBA Wholesale or your own Shopify brand as you grow.
Remember, every big seller once started small.
Your online business journey begins today — just take the first step.