How to Make Money on the Internet in 2025 (12 Easy E-commerce Hustles That Actually Pay)

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Remember the last time you looked at your account balance and just thought ‘I need to make more money’?

That was probably yesterday. You probably also rechecked your account balance before reading this article. Not so fun fact: it’s not just you. 

Even if you’ve not had this thought recently, if it has ever crossed your mind and you’ve been considering starting a new business or hustle, or even a part-time business to juggle with your 9-5 or studies, then this article is for you. 

The internet economy is booming right now, especially in Nigeria, where more people are shopping online than ever before. In 2025, your smartphone isn't just for taking selfies and watching TikTok videos—it's a powerful money-making machine hiding in plain sight!

From busy professionals who don't have time to visit physical stores to young people hunting for unique items they can't find locally, there's a huge audience ready to buy what you're selling.

But here's the exciting part: you don't need millions to start (there are businesses you can start with as little as ₦20,000), you don't need a fancy degree, and you don't need to rent a shop! All you need is a good idea, a smartphone, and an e-commerce platform like Bumpa to handle the boring stuff like payments and inventory.

I've personally watched friends go from struggling to pay rent to making six figures monthly just by selling the right products online. A popular Bumpa merchant, Miwabeauty, launched her skincare business in Nigeria with just ₦10,000 at the time, and now has a very successful skincare brand that caters to customers in different parts of the country.

What's the secret? Finding something people already want, making it easy for them to buy, and creating a smooth customer experience that makes them come back (and tell their friends).

In this article, I'm sharing 12 proven e-commerce ideas that regular people are using RIGHT NOW to make serious money online. These aren't complicated get-rich-quick schemes—they're simple business models that work with just a few hours of effort each day.

The best part? You can start any of these businesses with less than ₦50,000, run them from your phone, and scale them as big as you want. Some of these can even become passive income streams that make money while you sleep!

Let’s dive in! 

1. Beauty and Skincare Products 

This is probably the hottest market right now. Everyone wants to look good, and Nigerian beauty enthusiasts are always hunting for new products.

What to sell: Face creams, serums, makeup, hair care products, or even beauty tools like gua sha stones and facial rollers.

Why it works: Beauty products are consumables - people run out and need to reorder. Plus, Nigerians love trying new skincare routines they see on social media.

Pro tip: Even if you're reselling, market them as gentle and suitable for African skin. Take before-and-after photos (with permission) to show results.

Related: How to Start Selling Korean Skincare Products in Nigeria

2. Phone Accessories

Everyone has a phone, and everyone needs accessories. This business is practically recession-proof.

What to sell: Phone cases, screen protectors, power banks, wireless earphones, phone rings, car mounts.

Why it works: Phones break, accessories get lost, and new phone models need new accessories. It's a never-ending cycle of demand.

Pro tip: Follow phone release cycles. When a new iPhone or Samsung drops, immediately stock cases for that model. You'll be the first seller people find.

Related: How to Start Selling Phone Accessories Online

3. Fashion and Clothing 

Nigerians love fashion, and online shopping for clothes is exploding. You don't need to be a designer - you can start by reselling.

What to sell: Trendy outfits, work clothes, casual wear, shoes, bags, or accessories like watches and jewelry.

Why it works: Fashion is personal and emotional. When people like your style, they become loyal customers and buy multiple items.

Pro tip: Create outfit combinations and sell them as bundles. Instead of just selling a dress, sell "the complete look" with shoes and accessories.

4. Home and Kitchen Items

With more people working from home and caring about their living spaces, home goods are in high demand.

What to sell: Kitchen gadgets, storage solutions, home decor, cleaning tools, small appliances, or organisational items.

Why it works: People are spending more time at home and want to make their spaces comfortable and functional.

Pro tip: Focus on space-saving solutions. Many Nigerians live in smaller spaces, so anything that helps organise or maximise space sells well.

5. Baby and Kids Products 

Parents will spend money on their children no matter what. This market is both emotional and necessary.

What to sell: Baby clothes, toys, feeding accessories, educational materials, baby care products, or kids' fashion.

Why it works: Children outgrow things quickly, and parents are always buying new items. Plus, safety-conscious parents prefer buying new rather than used.

Pro tip: Partner with new parent groups on Facebook or WhatsApp. Word-of-mouth is powerful in this market.

6. Fitness and Health Products 

The health and fitness trend isn't slowing down. People want to look good and feel good.

What to sell: Workout equipment, yoga mats, fitness trackers, supplements, water bottles, or resistance bands.

Why it works: Health is a priority, especially after recent global health concerns. People invest in their wellness.

Pro tip: Create simple workout guides to give away with your products. This adds value and makes customers more likely to buy.

7. Digital Products and Services

This is the ultimate low-overhead business. Once you create the product, you can sell it infinitely.

What to sell: E-books, online courses, digital planners, social media templates, website templates, or consulting services.

Why it works: No inventory, no shipping, no physical storage. Pure profit after the initial creation.

Pro tip: Start with your existing skills. If you're good at Excel, create spreadsheet templates. If you know Photoshop, sell design templates.

8. Pet Products 

Pet ownership is growing in Nigeria, and pet parents are willing to spend money on their furry “children”.

What to sell: Pet food, toys, accessories, grooming products, pet clothes, or training aids.

Why it works: Pet owners are emotionally invested and buy regularly. Pets need constant supplies.

Pro tip: Join pet owner groups on social media. This community is tight-knit and shares recommendations freely.

9. Educational Materials and Books

Education is highly valued in Nigeria. Parents and students are always looking for learning materials.

What to sell: Textbooks, educational toys, study guides, stationery, art supplies, or professional development books.

Why it works: Education is seen as an investment. People will spend money on materials that help them or their children learn.

Pro tip: Time your marketing with academic calendars. Back-to-school season is your Christmas.

10. Food and Snacks

Everyone needs to eat, and busy lifestyles mean people want convenient, tasty options.

What to sell: Healthy snacks, spices, packaged foods, baking ingredients, or specialty items like organic products.

Why it works: Food is a necessity, and people are always trying new flavors and healthy options.

Pro tip: Focus on convenience. Busy professionals and students want grab-and-go options or easy-to-prepare meals.

11. Tech Gadgets and Electronics 

Technology is part of daily life. From work to entertainment, people need gadgets.

What to sell: Bluetooth speakers, smart watches, laptop accessories, gaming accessories, or small electronics.

Why it works: Tech products have good profit margins, and there's always demand for the latest gadgets.

Pro tip: Stay updated on tech trends and reviews. Being knowledgeable about your products builds customer trust.

12. Craft and Hobby Supplies 

More people are picking up creative hobbies, especially after spending more time at home.

What to sell: Art supplies, crocheted clothes, craft materials, DIY kits, sewing supplies, or hobby tools.

Why it works: Hobbies are emotional purchases. When people are passionate about something, they invest in quality supplies.

Pro tip: Create beginner starter kits. Many people want to try new hobbies but don't know what supplies they need.

Getting Started: Your Checklist

Step 1: Pick ONE idea that excites you. Don't try to do everything at once.

Step 2: Research your competition. See what they're selling and what prices they're charging.

Step 3: Start small. Buy a few products to test the market before investing heavily.

Step 4: Set up your online store with Bumpa. It handles payments, inventory, and customer management so you can focus on selling.

Step 5: Take great photos. Your product photos are everything in online selling.

Step 6: Start marketing on social media. Post consistently and engage with your audience.

Step 7: Provide excellent customer service. Happy customers become repeat customers and refer others.

The Secret Sauce: What Makes Online Selling Work

The difference between thriving online sellers and those who struggle isn't talent or luck. It's understanding what moves the needle.

Here's what consistently successful sellers focus on:

• Posting new products regularly (keeps customers engaged)

• Responding to messages quickly (builds trust)

• Asking for feedback and actually using it (improves the business)

• Tracking what sells and what doesn't (helps you make smart decisions)

• Reinvesting some profits into growing the business (compounds your success)

These are all learnable skills, not special talents. Every successful seller started as a beginner and figured these things out through practice.

If you're just starting, don't worry about being perfect. Focus on being consistent and customer-focused. The rest will come naturally as you gain experience.

Conclusion

The internet isn't going anywhere. E-commerce isn't a trend - it's the future of business. While you're reading this, someone just like you is making their first ₦10,000 online sale.

The question isn't whether you can make money online. The question is: When will you start?

Pick one idea from this list, start with whatever money you have available, and take action today. Your future self will thank you.

Remember: every successful business started with someone who decided to begin, even when they didn't feel completely ready.

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