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Forbes
12-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How These E-Commerce Side Hustlers Made $1,000+/Month
You don't need more resources; you need strategy Imagine checking your phone during breakfast and realizing that you've raked in $1,000 or more that month…not from your job, but from your own side hustle. How would this improve your ability to live in comfort, pay off your debts, and cover your bills when the cost of living is already high? Picture the joy and satisfaction that would come from knowing that you just bumped up your salary by an extra $12,000 a year, all without needing to beg your employer for a raise. That's the reality for a growing number of American professionals with e-commerce side hustles right now. A new survey of 1,000 American professionals by Omnisend revealed that of the respondents who did ecommerce as a side hustle, about 12% make $1,000 or more from their e-commerce side hustles each month. (The survey's findings were shared via email correspondence for this story.) And they're not putting in excessive hours either. About 46% spend between five to 10 hours a week working on their business, while only a quarter report using 11-20 hours on their e-commerce business. And if you think you'd need extensive years of experience to achieve this level of success, you're wrong, because a sizeable proportion--a third of the e-commerce side hustlers surveyed--have only launched their side hustle less than a year ago. Some are as fresh as six months into their business. So what is it that is making this small percentage of ecommerce side hustle businesses wildly successful? According to the survey, these U.S. professionals share three tips or principles that they adhere to, which ensures long-term profitability and financial freedom (and these tips apply to other types of side hustles too so are not limited to ecommerce alone): Many of these side hustle business owners bootstrapped and were financially savvy, funding their ventures on a shoestring budget. 'One-third launched their store with just $500–$1,000 of investment,' Omnisend analysts revealed. Their most common ongoing expenses are logistics (46%), equipment and supplies (36%), and marketing (29%). This proves that you don't need enormous sums of money in your savings account to launch and grow a successful side hustle business. What matters more than the amount of money you have, is how strategic you are with where you allocate it in your business, and how you prioritize spend and reinvest your profits. You can turn a little into something lucrative if you spend wisely, start small, and be resourceful with what you already have. These side hustlers defy conventional marketing wisdom. Instead of forking out money on PPC (pay-per-click) social media and Google ads, most of them are restricting their spend and committed to leveraging their own resources and online presence, which is free. They're getting traffic by building it with their own hands, not jumping on ad solutions. The survey reports that about 57% rely on owned social media to drive traffic (this means their personal and business accounts which they manage and run), while only 25% use digital ads. 'Word-of-mouth (43%) and online marketplaces like Amazon (50%) remain critical. Email marketing (32%) plays a big role as well,' Ominsend continues. Last but not least, technology advancements have made it tremendously easier than ever to start an ecommerce side hustle. 'Starting an ecommerce side hustle has never been more accessible,' says Greg Zakowicz, senior ecommerce expert at Omnisend. 'With tools like dropshipping, print-on-demand, and Shopify, anyone can go from idea to income with just a smartphone and a few spare hours.' Some print-on-demand tools you can use include: You can also use generative AI tools to help you create compelling sales copy, email marketing copy, and product page copy/product descriptions that are SEO-optimized. These tools save you time, especially when your schedule is limited due to work and other life constraints infringing on your day. Being more lean is the name of the game. You don't need more time, more resources, or more investment. With your laptop and/or smartphone, a few hours, and a focus on strategy and sustainability, you can scale your ecommerce side hustle to bring in as much as $1,000 or more each month. Being lean allows you to make and save more money Today, your job is to find your niche and get started.
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Could Tariffs On Chinese Goods Open A Door For Small Businesses?
Rytis Lauris is the cofounder and CEO of Omnisend, a marketing automation platform built for e-commerce. We are at the beginning of a potential trade war with China, but the majority of Americans view tariffs on Chinese goods negatively and are worried that the tariffs will drive up prices. Shoppers looking to save money may shift to low-cost marketplaces like Amazon and Temu, but there's an elephant in the room: Marketplaces and tariffs are heavily intertwined. Many of the goods sold on these marketplaces are manufactured in China and thus subject to tariffs. The questions then become: How will tariffs impact these companies and how will they impact consumers' willingness to shop with them? More importantly, what is the effect on small to medium businesses and what can brands do to make the most of this potential opportunity? Temu has established its reputation as a low-cost marketplace and competitor of Amazon. Most of its products are sold by Chinese manufacturers and shipped directly to consumers via low-cost shipping options that take upward of 30 days, and because of the low price of products, orders were previously exempt from de minimis (no duty on imports valued less than $800). Yet even with low prices and increased popularity, trust in the platform remains low. My company surveyed 4,000 people across the U.S., U.K., Australia and Canada and found that only 6% of shoppers surveyed trust Temu over Amazon. If prices increase, will they continue to shop on a less-trustworthy site? Twenty-nine percent say no, reporting that if prices increase on Chinese marketplaces like Temu they'd immediately stop buying or buy less. One in five, however, said they will still shop there unless the increase is more than 20%. Amazon also relies heavily on Chinese manufacturers and sellers that use the Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) program. In this model, goods sold on the platform are imported and subject to tariffs. Amazon's Temu competitor, Amazon Haul, follows a similar business model as Temu, where manufacturers ship directly from China to consumers. Thus, a rescission of de minimis exemption has the same impact as it does on Temu. Takeaway: Beyond de minimis, any Chinese good, whether it's sold on Amazon, Walmart or another retailer, will face the same tariff. If prices increase with one retailer, it's logical to assume they'll increase with the others. When shoppers say they'll stop purchasing from Temu if prices rise, it may be moot if prices simultaneously increase at other retailers. If Amazon and Temu both see drastic price increases, it could leave the door open for small and medium-sized business (SMB) ecommerce brands to seize some of their lost market share. But will it be possible? While large corporations may have the financial flexibility to adjust their supply chains to lessen the impact of tariffs, most SMBs don't have the same luxury. Many source their materials or finished goods from China due to cost efficiency and supply chain reliability, but don't have the buying power to demand lower prices. Some companies may pivot to domestic manufacturing, but this transition takes time and may not solve the issue. Domestic manufacturers may not be fully equipped to take on the influx of production, and even if the products are manufactured in the U.S., many of the materials are sourced from overseas, exposing them to tariffs. Not to mention, the labor costs of domestic manufacturing are typically higher, which is one reason so much manufacturing happens offshore. Others may look to alternative countries such as Vietnam or India for lower-cost production, though shifting supply chains is a complex process that involves logistical, regulatory and quality control challenges. Plus, these countries are also currently experiencing higher tariffs, albeit at a lower rate than China. Takeaway: Even though price increases can make large retailers like Walmart, Amazon and Temu less attractive, it doesn't mean it will make SMBs more competitive. In fact, it could weaken their positioning, especially if a recession comes to fruition. This leaves consumers between a rock and a hard place, forcing them to make tough decisions. E-commerce is in for an uncertain year as shopping behaviors change, forcing brands to adapt. As we navigate 2025, I believe businesses must focus on reinforcing their value to consumers and maximizing marketing channel sales. Whether it's fast and free shipping and returns, product quality or exceptional customer service, brands can highlight these value-adds in their emails, websites and social media channels. Some brands may be forced to lower their minimum threshold to qualify for free shipping to compete, but proving value to customers is essential. Brands can also use high-performing marketing channels, such as automated email marketing, to generate sales and increase customer retention. Use behavior-based emails to target customers at high-intent stages of their shopping journeys. Dedicated post-purchase emails can also engage shoppers and improve their experience, resulting in repeat purchases. With fewer sales to go around, retention is key to profitability. By reassessing competitive differentiators and streamlining marketing channel return on investment, brands can formulate a plan to weather the storm and grow at a time when spending is expected to slow. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
5 Ways To Avoid Burnout as You Climb the Career Ladder
Climbing the career ladder can lead to higher pay and greater success — but it can also push you toward burnout if you're not careful. Long hours, constant pressure and the drive to get ahead can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being, making it harder to enjoy the success you're working so hard to achieve. Learn More: 5 Portfolio Diversification Techniques Millionaires Use — and You Can Use, Too Check Out: The New Retirement Problem Boomers Are Facing The good news? With the right strategies, you can stay productive, motivated and balanced while advancing in your career. Here are five ways to avoid burnout and keep moving forward without sacrificing your well-being. 1. Recognize the Signs of Burnout The first step to avoiding burnout is recognizing that you're experiencing it. Burnout can look different for each person, according to Sara Briggs, PhD, an instructor in the clinical mental health counseling program at University of Phoenix. For some, burnout may present as emotional or even physical exhaustion, she explained, while others may experience feelings of cynicism at work or detachment from colleagues. 'Burnout may feel like dissatisfaction with work projects or achievements,' she said. Even people who love their jobs can experience burnout, which can trigger biological, psychological and social responses, Briggs added. For You: Financial Confidence Survey: Gen Z and Millennials Say Thinking About Their Future Keeps Them up at Night 2. Set and Maintain Healthy Boundaries Having healthy boundaries in the workplace is one of the most important steps in preventing — or recovering from — burnout, Briggs pointed out. 'Increasing self-awareness as well as reflexivity are important to recognizing mental health needs,' Briggs said. Setting boundaries could look like turning off notifications after hours, delegating tasks when appropriate, or learning to say no to nonessential commitments. Developing these habits can help protect your energy and preserve a healthier work-life balance. 3. Get Organized and Manage Stress Proactively Managing stress is a key to avoiding burnout, and it often requires changing up how you work. Getting organized and building in stress-reducing activities throughout your day can make a big difference. 'A detailed and constantly updated calendar with to-do items can be super helpful,' said Lijana Vaulinait, talent acquisition specialist at Omnisend. 'However, managing stress mostly comes down to your ability to take care of yourself, things like regular sleep, meals, and exercise are the fundamentals for sustaining productivity.' Janice Litvin, founder, Banish Burnout Academy, recommends a variety of self-care strategies, including the following: Get outside. Sunlight boosts vitamin D and dopamine levels, and exercise is known to reduce stress. Savor fun experiences. Not only do you need to take time to do fun things, but it helps to keep reminders of them around. For example, keep a photo of your vacation (destination or post-trip) at work. Activate friendships. Social connection combats loneliness and reinforces emotional support systems. 4. Create a Strong Support System It's important to have trusted people you can rely on, according to Tara Kermiet, a burnout prevention strategist and leadership coach. She recommends building a support system that includes five key roles: role model, mentor, coach, cheerleader, and sponsor. Role model: Someone who has qualities and characteristics you admire, which contributes to self-awareness and confidence building. Mentor: Someone who is a few steps ahead of you professionally. They can show you what's possible and help guide your growth. Coach: Focuses on helping you develop specific skills for your personal or professional development. Cheerleader: Your unconditional supporter. This person knows and understands your strengths and will remind you of them when needed. Sponsor: The most strategic ally in your support system. This person is in rooms you're not in and has access to opportunities you don't. Their job is to get you in front of the right people for the right opportunities. 5. Strive for Financial Stability Burnout can also be a product of overworking or overspending. 'When you don't have financial stability, you may begin making decisions out of fear or necessity,' Vaulinait said. 'But once you have a solid reserve, there's more breathing room to make career choices that actually align with your wants.' One way to build financial stability is to set aside a small percentage of your earnings in a savings fund that grows over time, according to Lorraine Lee, an instructor with Stanford Continuing Studies and LinkedIn Learning. 'Another key strategy is to avoid lifestyle creep — spending more as your income increases, such as upgrading to a bigger apartment or dining at more expensive restaurants,' Lee said. While it's important to enjoy your success, be mindful of living within your means. Overspending can create long-term financial stress, making it harder to save and potentially forcing career decisions based on financial desperation rather than thoughtful strategy. More From GOBankingRates Sources: This article originally appeared on 5 Ways To Avoid Burnout as You Climb the Career Ladder
Miami Herald
17-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Temu quietly makes drastic decision as consumers switch gears
Temu, a Chinese online marketplace that sells a wide range of products priced between $1 and $50, is facing a significant threat. Last week, President Donald Trump imposed a massive 145% tariff on all goods imported from China, a startling increase from the previous 34% tariff he enforced on the country earlier this month. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Tariffs are taxes companies pay to import goods from overseas, and the additional cost frequently filters down to consumers through price hikes. Related: Temu lawsuit says low prices on app covers its harmful intentions Many consumers are already concerned that Trump's tariffs could potentially increase the prices of products produced in China. According to a recent survey from Omnisend, 56% of Americans are worried that tariffs will increase prices. Also, 29% of Americans said that if prices rise, they would immediately stop or make fewer purchases from sellers in China. Amid this growing threat, Temu has decided to dramatically pull back its advertisements on Google and Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook. According to recent data from Tinuiti, Temu purchased almost 20% of U.S. Google Shopping ad impressions on April 5. By April 12, that number had declined to zero and has remained at or below 10% since then. Image source: Raul Ariano/Bloomberg via Getty Images Mike Ryan, head of e-commerce insights at Smarter Ecommerce, flagged on LinkedIn that "starting April 9th, Temu turned off all their Google Shopping ads in the U.S." Temu's U.S. ad spending on Meta also declined by 10% year-over-year during the first quarter of 2025, according to market research firm Sensor Tower. The firm also found that the Temu app now ranks No. 80 on a list of the top free apps in the U.S. on the App Store. Previously, it consistently made the top 10. The sharp decline in app downloads comes after Temu posted a notice on its website warning customers that it will have to raise prices due to the global trade war. Related: Amazon changes a cheap service amid growing threat "Due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs, our operating expenses have gone up," said Temu on its website. "To keep offering the products you love without compromising on quality, we will be making [a] price adjustment starting April 25, 2025." Greg Zakowicz, senior ecommerce expert at Omnisend, previously warned in a February press release that if Temu hiked prices in response to tariffs, it may impact several particular categories on its website. "Temu may still be able to undercut the prices of domestic products on Amazon as they have such high margins," said Zakowicz. "However, I expect consumers will soon see price hikes, particularly in categories including consumer electronics, beauty, children's clothing, and household goods – all categories that are popular on Temu. If manufacturers have a reason to raise prices – even on existing inventory – they will." Over the past few years, many Americans have gravitated toward Temu for its ultra-cheap prices, giving Amazon significant competition. According to a survey from Omnisend last year, 57% of American consumers shop at Temu, and 58% of those consumers said that its lower prices were one of the main qualities that attracted them to the platform. More Retail: AT&T quietly issues stern warning to customersSam's Club makes a big change to a beloved membership perkGameStop announces risky move amid store closures To combat this growing threat, Amazon (AMZN) introduced its Temu copycat Amazon Haul in November last year. When it was first introduced, Amazon said that most of these items, which are largely unbranded and shipped from sellers in China, would sell for $10 and under, with some priced as low as $1. However, shortly after Trump announced tariffs on goods from China, Amazon later introduced a new section on Amazon Haul labeled "Brand Faves" that allows customers to shop for name-brand items from Champion, Adidas, Steve Madden, and others. These items are shipped from Amazon's inventory held in U.S. warehouses, and some are sold for over $20. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leopard Print Jeans, Faux Fur Coat, and Black Knee-High Boots Among Top Sellers in U.K., According to Shein
VALUE CONSCIOUS: Shein has revealed its own version of Lyst's hottest brands and items ranking. On Monday, the Singapore-based, China-focused fashion retailer, which inched one step closer to a London IPO last Friday after getting a green light from the U.K.'s financial watchdog Financial Conduct Authority, lifted the lid on customer spending habits for the first time, unveiling its top-selling items in the U.K. from the first quarter of 2025, and said it will publish trends data on a quarterly basis from now on. More from WWD Faherty Expands 'Second Wave' Resale Program With Mail-in Option Appetite for Home Collectibles Driving E-commerce Amid Slowdown Revolve Group Partners With Affirm, Ahead of the Festival Season and Summer Shopping Top sellers from Janurary to March included an 118-pound faux fur coat by Anewsta, black trousers, black knee-high boots, and leopard print jeans. Black, white and beige were the most purchased colors, while the bestselling brands were loungewear and sleepwear brands and its in-house labels, including Shein Underwear & Sleepwear, Shein EZwear, and Shein Lune. Shihong Liu, director of Europe Markets at Shein, said consumers in the U.K. are grappling with a tough economic environment, which isn't stopping them from shopping but is driving their fashion choices toward more timeless options. 'We are seeing our customers gravitate towards a mix of cozy and classic pieces, choosing muted colors that are easy to style on a day-to-day basis,' said Liu, who joined Shein from Uber last year. Shein's quarterly findings dovetail with a recent online survey by The Harris Poll, commissioned by Shein, that 61 percent of the surveyed Britons said inflation is the issue that will affect them the most in 2025. Some 80 percent of them said product quality is the most important consideration when selecting a retailer, and 92 percent believe clothes don't have to be expensive to offer them long-lasting value. As spring blossoms in the U.K., Liu said demand for more colorful choices is on the rise, with apricot and pink emerging as the next top colors. 'Although the squeeze on people's wallets is showing no sign of abating, it's clear that sunny getaways are still on people's minds — online searches for holiday outfits and bikinis both picked up in March. The overall most popular clothing item in the quarter was a pair of white crochet shorts, and sandals have been the bestselling shoe of the year so far,' he added. According to data compiled by email marketing firm Omnisend, Shein has been successful at winning over British consumers, who are placing greater emphasis on value. Some 60 percent of U.K. consumers surveyed by Omnisend said they have shopped on Chinese marketplaces like Shein and Temu in the past year. Best of WWD Dawn Staley's Outfits Through the Years: The Basketball Coach's Designer Looks Looking Back at Mugler's Best Celebrity Fashion Moments Through the Years: Beyoncé, Zendaya and More Happy Birthday, Sarah Jessica Parker: Her Style Through the Years From the '90s to Today
