If you’ve been thinking about dipping your toes into the world of online business, Shopify side hustles are one of the easiest ways to start. You don’t need years of experience, fancy tech skills, or a huge investment. In fact, many people launch profitable Shopify stores as complete beginners. All it takes is the right idea, consistency, and a willingness to learn.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 15 beginner-friendly Shopify side hustles that anyone can start today. Along the way, we’ll also sprinkle in remote work tools, freelance productivity hacks, and digital nomad tips so you can build a side hustle that fits into your lifestyle.
Why Start a Shopify Side Hustle?
The beauty of Shopify side hustles is that they allow you to create an extra income stream while keeping your day job. Whether you’re aiming to replace your 9-to-5, build passive income, or just test a business idea, Shopify makes it simple.
Here are a few reasons why Shopify is perfect for beginners:
- Low barrier to entry – No need to code or hire a developer.
- Flexible schedule – Work on your store during evenings or weekends.
- Scalable – Start small and grow at your own pace.
- Built-in tools – Shopify handles hosting, payments, and analytics.
If you’re already exploring work from home essentials or building a freelancer workflow, Shopify can become a natural extension of your online career.
15 Profitable Shopify Side Hustles for Beginners
Let’s dive into the best ideas you can start even if you have no experience.
1. Print-on-Demand Store
A print-on-demand (POD) store lets you sell custom-designed items like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. You don’t need to buy inventory upfront. Instead, products are printed and shipped directly to your customers by suppliers like Printful or Printify.
- Why it works: Low risk, creative, and scalable.
- Beginner tip: Use free design tools like Canva to create simple but eye-catching designs.
2. Dropshipping Business
With dropshipping, you don’t hold inventory. Instead, you list products on your Shopify store, and when someone orders, your supplier ships directly to them.
- Why it works: Zero upfront inventory costs.
- Beginner tip: Focus on a niche market like pet accessories or eco-friendly gadgets.
This is one of the most popular Shopify side hustles for people who want to test products without risk.
3. Digital Product Store
Selling digital products is one of the easiest side hustles. Think ebooks, templates, stock photos, or digital planners.
- Why it works: No shipping hassles and 100% profit margin after creation.
- Beginner tip: Start with something you already know—like a fitness guide, resume template, or budgeting sheet.
This is perfect for anyone focused on freelance productivity or time management for freelancers, since you can create once and sell forever.
4. Subscription Box Business
Curated subscription boxes are trending, from beauty kits to self-care packages. Shopify makes it simple to set up recurring billing.
- Why it works: Recurring revenue provides predictable income.
- Beginner tip: Start small with a niche audience, like “coffee lovers” or “bookworms.”
5. Handmade Goods Store
If you’re crafty, turn your handmade creations into an online business. Whether it’s candles, jewelry, or home décor, Shopify gives you a professional storefront.
- Why it works: Personal, unique products often sell at a higher price point.
- Beginner tip: Use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase your creations.
6. Niche Clothing Brand
You don’t need to be a fashion designer to launch a clothing brand. With POD or dropshipping, you can focus on marketing and community building.
- Why it works: People love supporting unique, mission-driven brands.
- Beginner tip: Create clothes around a theme—like motivational quotes, eco-friendly fabrics, or local pride.
7. Pet Product Store
Pet owners spend billions every year on their furry friends. From custom collars to pet toys, this niche is massive.
- Why it works: Emotional buying—people love spoiling their pets.
- Beginner tip: Consider dropshipping trending pet products like slow-feeder bowls or interactive toys.
8. Health and Wellness Store
Fitness gear, supplements, and wellness products are always in demand. Shopify makes it easy to set up.
- Why it works: Growing global market.
- Beginner tip: Focus on a narrow niche like yoga gear or vegan snacks.
This ties perfectly into digital nomad tips—since many remote workers are health-conscious.
9. Eco-Friendly Products Store
Sustainable products like reusable bags, bamboo utensils, and biodegradable phone cases are on the rise.
- Why it works: Growing eco-conscious consumer base.
- Beginner tip: Highlight your sustainability mission in your branding.
10. Online Course Store
If you have skills, turn them into online courses. With Shopify apps, you can host and sell access easily.
- Why it works: High demand for online learning.
- Beginner tip: Start small with a mini-course, like “Beginner Excel for Freelancers.”
This connects well with improving freelancer workflow and remote work tools.
11. Home Décor Store
People love decorating their homes, especially while spending more time working remotely.
- Why it works: Constant demand, especially during holidays.
- Beginner tip: Focus on affordable yet stylish items like wall art or minimalistic furniture.
12. Tech Accessories Store
Everyone uses gadgets, which means accessories like phone cases, chargers, and headphones always sell.
- Why it works: High demand, broad audience.
- Beginner tip: Differentiate with unique or personalized designs.
13. Kids and Baby Products Store
Parents are always shopping for their kids. Think baby clothes, educational toys, or safety gear.
- Why it works: Large market, high repeat purchases.
- Beginner tip: Make safety and quality your selling point.
14. Seasonal Products Store
From holiday décor to summer essentials, seasonal shops can be profitable if timed well.
- Why it works: Limited-time urgency drives sales.
- Beginner tip: Plan early—promote Christmas items in October, for example.
15. Affiliate Marketing with Shopify
Not interested in selling your own products? You can still build a Shopify store showcasing affiliate products.
- Why it works: Low effort, no inventory.
- Beginner tip: Focus on a niche blog-style store, like “best work from home essentials.”
How to Set Up Your Shopify Side Hustle
Starting is easier than you think. Here’s a simple freelancer workflow to get your Shopify store running:
- Pick your niche – Choose one of the ideas above.
- Set up your store – Shopify guides you step by step.
- Find suppliers or create products – Dropshipping, POD, or your own goods.
- Design your store – Use Shopify themes.
- Promote your products – Use social media, SEO, and paid ads.
With the right remote work tools and time management for freelancers, you can do all of this in just a few hours per week.
Tips for Success with Shopify Side Hustles
- Stay consistent – Don’t quit if you don’t see instant results.
- Track your workflow – Use project management tools for asynchronous collaboration.
- Focus on one niche at a time – Avoid spreading yourself too thin.
- Keep learning – Stay updated with Shopify’s features and marketing tactics.
Final Thoughts
Starting Shopify side hustles is one of the best ways for beginners to break into online business. With so many options—from dropshipping to digital products—you don’t need prior experience. All you need is persistence and the willingness to take small, consistent steps.
If you’re already building a remote work lifestyle, these side hustles can fit seamlessly into your schedule. Equip yourself with the right work from home essentials, apply smart time management for freelancers, and you’ll be on your way to creating a profitable online business.
Your Turn: Which of these Shopify side hustles are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and check out our resources on Remote Hustle Tools for more digital nomad tips and productivity guides.