5 Online Shopping Business Success Stories [2024]

Updated: November 19th, 2023
Start An Online Shopping Business

Here are some real life success stories of starting a online shopping business:

1. Combat Flip Flops ($6M/year)

Combat Flip Flops is the brainchild of CEO Matt Griffin, an army veteran who witnessed the futility of armed conflict and wanted to make a positive impact. The idea came to him during a trip to Kabul, where he visited a combat boot factory that employed local workers. Inspired by their resilience, Griffin decided to repurpose the factory to produce footwear in order to create sustainable business and job opportunities in Afghanistan.

How much they make: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 2

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Growing an E-commerce Company With a Positive Mission to $350,000/mo

Combat Flip Flops is an e-commerce business that employs artisans and entrepreneurs in conflict zones and has funded 217 years of school for Afghan girls and cleared 2814 square meters of landmines in Laos through direct-to-consumer sales and social media distribution.

About
Matt started Combat Flip Flops about 11 years ago
Revenue
Matt grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Matt $2000 to start the business
Read by 11,780 founders

2. Mazing ($120K/year)

Marco, the founder of MazingXR, came up with the idea for his business after attending a startup event and reconnecting with a talented software developer named Stefan. They saw the potential for augmented reality and spent two months researching and developing their product before launching. They focused on sales and meeting potential customers in person to attract and retain them.

How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100
Current team size: 3

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We Developed A $120K/Year Augmented Reality Solution For E-commerce

MazingXR is an augmented reality solution for e-commerce that generates $120k/year, and has grown from an MVP to a team of 9 people, with a focus on organic growth, personal customer connections, and continuing to develop the innovative potential of AR and NFTs.

About
Marco started Mazing almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Marco grew the business to $10K/month
Costs
It cost Marco $100 to start the business
Read by 2,478 founders

So... can you actually make money with a online shopping business?

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3. Celer ($30K/year)

Sarah Anderson, the founder of Celer Ergonomics, came up with the idea for her athletic training brand after experiencing overuse injuries throughout her running career. With a background in engineering and kinesiology, as well as a passion for biomechanics, Sarah developed the RunCeler strap, a functional resistance band worn while running to promote improved running form and decrease the risk of injury. With four published patents and 20% month-over-month growth, Celer is focused on expanding its presence in the fitness community, particularly among runners.

How much they make: $30K/year
How much did it cost to start: $14.5K
Current team size: 1

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How This Biomedical Engineer Invented A Device To Run Better

Celer Ergonomics, a small 2-person start-up out of NYC, has developed the RunCeler strap, a functional resistance band worn over the sock and shoe while running to promote improved running form, reducing the risk of injury and improving performance, with 4 published patents and growing 20% month over month.

About
Sarah started Celer almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Sarah grew the business to $2.5K/month
Costs
It cost Sarah $14500 to start the business
Read by 3,177 founders