What is 3PL? The Ultimate Guide to Third-Party Logistics

Thought about your New Year’s resolution yet? Perhaps your aim for 2025 is to take up jogging, get back into the gym, or cut down on your alcohol intake — but have you considered a money-making venture?
Maybe you’ve never explored the world of ecommerce before, or it could be that you’re a grizzled veteran of online sales and you’re keen to kick things up a notch come January. Either way, there’s potential to generate significant income if you’re savvy enough.
Selling online has never been more accessible — nowadays it’s even possible to have your store made for you by AI, but picking the right products is still one of the key deciding factors between success and failure.
So, with that in mind, let’s explore some of the most in-demand items to stock your virtual shelves with in the new year. Below, we’ll outline some of the categories we think customers will flock to in 2025, along with a few tips on how to manage the logistics side of things.
Going green isn’t simply a trend; it’s becoming a baseline expectation. As consumers seek to make sustainable choices and lower their carbon footprints, demand for eco-friendly products continues to soar — in fact, 62% of people say they “always or often” consider sustainability when shopping for products, with sustainable goods typically selling better online than in physical stores.
Many everyday products now have “green” alternatives, and data shows that consumers are actually willing to pay a so-called sustainability premium to make more environmentally-friendly purchases, even in the face of cost-of-living concerns.
Whether reusable tote bags, bamboo toothbrushes, chemical-free cosmetics, activewear made from recycled materials, or edible crickets (yes, really), consumers are increasingly invested in adopting greener shopping habits — and many are willing to spend more to do so.
Why sell this? More and more, consumers are prioritising planet-friendly products. Not only this, but they’re willing to pay a premium for them, and selling sustainable, biodegradable, and reusable items reflects positively on your brand, too. People like spending their money with businesses that care about the environment, and that isn’t likely to change any time soon.
Profit potential: Moderate to high, depending on what you’re selling. Eco-friendly products tend to have a solid markup thanks to their perceived value and ‘premium’ image, but a lot of this comes down to marketing — so be prepared to do your research.
Logistics consideration: Look for suppliers who already have eco-friendly packaging. Customers buying sustainable products will expect the entire process, from production to shipping, to be environmentally friendly. Partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider who can source sustainable packaging is a great way to do this.
From smart thermostats to automated lighting systems, people love turning their homes into “smart” hubs. The trend really took off in 2013, with the introduction of Amazon’s now ubiquitous Alexa smart speakers, and now, with AI advancing by the second, there’s no sign of this market slowing down.
Popular products include smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat, which saves users an average of 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling bills, or the Ring Video Doorbell, which allows homeowners to “answer” the door to visitors even when they’re away from home (and keep tabs on any would-be parcel thieves, too).
Why sell this? The smart home market is one of the fastest-growing tech sectors. With the global market size projected to grow to $633.20bn by 2032, demand isn’t likely to slow down anytime soon. Smart devices simplify life and even help save money in the long run, appealing to consumers across various demographics, from tech-savvy Millennials to security-conscious families.
Profit potential: High. Many smart devices carry significant markups, and customers are willing to invest in quality tech that enhances their lives. Especially with devices that promise long-term savings (like smart thermostats), it’s not hard to justify a premium price.
Logistics consideration: Smart home devices are typically sensitive and can be fragile, so secure packaging is a must. Work with a 3PL provider experienced in handling tech to avoid damage during transit. The best 3PLs will also offer advanced tracking services, so customers purchasing high-value tech products can keep an eye on their item’s whereabouts.
If you think humans are loyal customers, wait until you meet their pets! Unsurprisingly, pet ownership in the UK hit record highs following the pandemic, and the market continues to boom as pet parents invest in premium treats, interactive toys, and even high-tech pet gadgets for their furry family members.
From organic pet treats to pet-friendly furniture (think stylish scratching posts), pet products cover a wide range of price points and appeal. At the higher end, you’ve even got items like interactive pet cameras and feeders, such as the Furbo, which allows doting owners to check in on their pets when they’re away.
Why sell this? Pet products are nearly recession-proof, with more than half of households owning at least one animal companion. The global pet care market is expected to reach $597 billion by 2033, and there’s a growing emphasis on pet wellness, natural foods, and high-quality accessories.
Profit potential: Moderate to high. While some products have smaller margins, premium or specialty items — like organic treats or tech gadgets — allow for higher markups, and many pet owners are willing to splurge on their pets.
Logistics consideration: Pet food or treats may require specific storage conditions, so make sure your 3PL provider can handle perishables. You might also consider implementing a “just-in-time” inventory model for these types of goods. Non-perishable items like toys and grooming supplies are more straightforward, but you’ll still want to ensure sturdy packaging to withstand curious claws!
People are more health-conscious than ever, and they’re ready to invest in products that help them feel their best. The best part? There’s a health and wellness product for just about everyone, making this an incredibly flexible market to tap into.
From collagen powders (great for skin and joint health) to essential oils for relaxation, there’s also been a spike in demand for products that support mental health, like mindfulness journals or weighted blankets — the kind of stuff people are using to stay zen in a hectic world.
Funghi-based supplements are enjoying a surge in popularity too, with the benefits of Lion’s Mane and turkey tail mushrooms widely praised for their purported cognitive health benefits.
It’s advisable to tread carefully with this market, however, since many so-called “wellness products” are considered ineffective (and even potentially harmful) by experts. It’s crucial to do your research, seek informed advice, and be fully transparent around product benefits.
Why sell this? The global health and wellness market is expected to be worth over $1 trillion. And with more people prioritising self-care and wellness than ever before, it’s an area where customers are willing to pay a little more for high-quality, genuinely effective products.
Profit potential: High. Health and wellness products, especially supplements or skincare items, typically have excellent margins. Since they’re often used daily, you’re also likely to attract repeat buyers who keep coming back when they run out. Be wary though, the market is strictly regulated — make false claims or over-egg the effectiveness of your products and you could face repercussions.
Logistics consideration: Depending on what you’re selling, some health products may require specific storage conditions or regulatory compliance. A good 3PL provider with experience in health and wellness products will make sure everything is stored and shipped correctly, giving you — and your customers — peace of mind.
Everyone loves a kitchen gadget that makes them feel like a professional chef, even if the closest they’ve come to culinary school is binge-watching The Bear. From veggie spiralisers that turn courgettes into “pasta” (noodles without the carbs!) to uber-trendy air fryers, kitchen gadgets are flying off the shelves faster than you can say “sous vide”.
Air fryers are still a big deal — especially around key shopping seasons like Black Friday. UK broadcasters such as Channel 4 have even aired (no pun intended) documentaries exploring the nation’s obsession with these so-called “miracle” gadgets.
Immersion blenders for soups and sauces are another hot item, as are aeropresses for barista-style coffee without the hassle — or the cost of the average high-street cup of Joe. And let’s not forget meal-prep containers for anyone trying to stay organised and eat healthy on a tight schedule.
Why sell this? The global kitchen appliance market is expected to reach nearly $300 billion by 2032, and gadgets are a huge part of that. The rising cost of living means more people are opting for at-home meals rather than eating out, and these tools offer a simple way to upgrade anyone’s culinary skills. Plus, they make excellent gifts during the holiday season, so you’ll likely see an uptick in sales in Q4.
Profit potential: High. Many kitchen gadgets drive high margins, and consumers are often willing to pay more for quality or “trendy” items. You can increase your profit margins even further by selling bundles, like a “home chef starter’s kit” that includes an immersion blender, digital scale, and prep containers, for example.
Logistics consideration: Gadgets can be bulky, fragile, and oddly shaped. Work with a 3PL that can handle a wide variety of products and ensure secure packaging to prevent any breakage. Since these items are popular as gifts, quick and reliable shipping is key to meeting holiday demand.
Babies might be small, but the baby product market is anything but. From organic cotton swaddles to stylish diaper bags, parents are constantly on the lookout for high-quality baby-safe products. And let’s be honest — the baby market is as close to recession-proof as it gets, because people are always going to need necessities for their little ones.
Organic baby clothes do particularly well — partially due to their skin-safe properties, but mostly because of their environmentally-friendly credentials. Diaper bags with loads of pockets (because baby gear can be endless), and bamboo washcloths (super soft and eco-friendly) are also surefire hits. And for parents who want their baby to sleep soundly, white noise machines and smart baby monitors are becoming must-haves.
Why sell this? Parents tend to be loyal to brands they trust, which means repeat customers if you can provide high-quality products that meet strict expectations. Plus, many buyers are willing to pay extra for baby items that are natural, non-toxic, or designed to promote better sleep. With the baby product market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of almost 6% from 2024 to 2030, this category is on the up-and-up.
Profit potential: High. Many baby products come with a higher perceived value (safety and quality are paramount), allowing for generous markups. Repeat purchases, such as baby formula or wipes, can also be a big win; but again, this market is tightly regulated, so keep that in mind when planning (and marketing) your product range.
Logistics consideration: Baby products often need to be handled with care. Many of these items are fabric or fragile (like baby monitors), so you’ll want a 3PL provider with experience shipping soft goods and delicate items. Make sure your packaging is secure and ideally eco-friendly, as parents often prefer sustainable options.
Whether it’s watercolour painting, knitting, or building model aeroplanes, the hobby and craft market is booming — no doubt influenced by a desire for more “mindful” activities in the wake of the pandemic and amidst our increasingly hectic lives. This appeal has likely been boosted by a shift in consumer’s perceptions, too.
Many retailers whose products were previously aimed at children are now making a concerted effort to appeal to adults, with Lego’s recent ‘adults welcome’ campaign encouraging grown-ups to “unplug, unbox, and unwind”. The recent boom in adult colouring books is another prime example of the appetite for calming, creative pursuits.
Why sell this? Crafting is as much a social activity as a solo endeavour, and it’s becoming a popular way for people to spend time, relax, and create something unique. It’s a niche packed with upselling opportunities, too — and if you’re up for a little marketing fun, they’re fun products to demonstrate!
Profit potential: Moderate. Craft supplies have the potential to drive significant margins, particularly if you bundle items into full kits. For instance, you could create a “beginner’s watercolour kit” with paints, brushes, and paper for a higher price point. And because many crafters are repeat customers, this category can lead to steady sales over time.
Logistics consideration: Hobby supplies vary widely in size and fragility. Smaller items like beads or yarn are straightforward, but larger equipment (such as Cricut machines or canvas boards) will need sturdier packaging. Work with a 3PL who’s flexible and experienced with mixed inventory, so you can ship everything from delicate paints to chunky yarns without any hassle.
From hiking and camping to fishing and mountain biking, people are increasingly eager to ditch their screens and embrace the great outdoors. Outdoor pursuit gear is a booming market, and as more people look to connect with nature, they’re ready to invest in the tools and toys that make it happen.
Hiking boots with waterproof protection, compact camping stoves for those cosy campfire dinners, and lightweight backpacks are all popular items. Then there are portable hammocks (because what’s more relaxing than hanging between two trees?) and solar-powered chargers for staying juiced up off the grid.
Fitness apparel continues to be a lucrative sector too, with almost 1 in 6 UK adults having a gym membership in 2024 — a figure which has steadily risen since 2022. Physical pursuits such as yoga also retain strong popularity, with the global yoga market forecast to be worth $288 billion by 2034.
Why sell this? The sporting goods market has grown 6.7% annually since 2018, outpacing the overall economy. People want experiences, and for many, that means getting outside and disconnecting. Whether they’re avid campers, occasional runners, or just someone looking to take the kids out on weekends, the demand for outdoor gear is strong and diverse. And there’s much to be said for capitalising on the tendency for consumers to catch the “outdoor bug” — gear acquisition syndrome is a real thing.
Profit potential: High. Outdoor gear can come with solid margins, especially for branded, high-quality items like waterproof tents or hiking boots. The perceived value is also high, as people expect to pay more for equipment that’s durable, comfortable, and reliable. And because these products can appeal to a range of enthusiasts, you’ll see repeat purchases as customers “level up” their gear over time.
Logistics consideration: Outdoor gear ranges from heavy-duty items to lightweight accessories, so you’ll need a logistics partner that can handle it all. Durable packaging is essential for things like hiking poles or paddleboards, which need protection during shipping. And if you’re selling bulky items like tents or sleeping bags, look for a 3PL provider who can manage larger, odd-shaped inventory with ease.
For those lucky enough to have secured a place on the housing ladder, many are trying their hand at do-it-yourself home renovations — particularly as tradesperson labour costs are soaring and how-to videos are increasingly ubiquitous across platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
This trend is somewhat driven by Millennial homeowners, many of whom value their unique living spaces (and the opportunity to put their stamp on a property they own rather than rent) yet would rather “have a go” themselves than fork out for a professional. This makes the DIY and hardware market potentially very lucrative.
High-demand products are likely to include tools and equipment such as workbenches, power drills and circular saws, decorating supplies like paint and wallpaper, and bulkier items such as flooring, lighting fixtures and skirting boards.
Why sell this? With a projected annual growth rate of 7.9% between 2024 and 2029, DIY and hardware is one of the fastest-growing ecommerce industries. The rise of remote work has made home improvement a top priority as homeowners adapt their living spaces to be more functional and inspiring, while social media platforms help fuel the trend by promoting DIY projects as both a creative outlet and a cost-effective way to personalise a home.
Profit potential: High. DIY products often come with a healthy profit margin, particularly for high-ticket items like power tools. The repeat purchase potential is significant, too — homeowners undertaking extensive renovations will frequently return to restock essentials like paint, hardware, or replacement parts. Seasonal peaks, such as the New Year or the start of spring, often create spikes in demand and significant revenue opportunities.
Logistics consideration: Bulky items like flooring can incur high shipping costs, making it essential to optimise packaging and partner with reliable shipping carriers. Offering local delivery or in-store pickup options can also help reduce costs and add convenience for customers. Additionally, fragile products like lighting fixtures require secure packaging to avoid damage in transit.
Woe betide anyone who still regards video games as mere toys for children. No matter what your opinion, the fact remains that gaming is now an Olympic sport. And with millions of people gaming daily across multiple platforms, the demand for gaming accessories is at an all-time high.
Think headsets, ergonomic chairs, custom controllers, and even fancy RGB lighting that makes every gaming setup look more like it’s been modified by the crew of Pimp My Ride — for those who remember MTV’s souped-up series from the 2000s.
High-quality gaming headsets with surround sound are a must for serious players, along with customisable controllers for that personal touch. And let’s not forget about cooling fans and charging docks that help keep devices running smoothly — because there’s nothing worse than losing power in the middle of a big game.
Why sell this? Gaming has exploded into a massive, global industry, and it’s not just the hardcore players anymore; casual and mobile gamers are also jumping on the accessory bandwagon. From teenagers to working professionals, gamers are a diverse crowd, and they’re willing to spend to enhance their experience.
Profit potential: High. Many gaming accessories, especially ones with brand recognition or premium features, have excellent margins. Since accessories can make or break the gaming experience, customers are often willing to pay for quality.
Logistics consideration: Gaming accessories range from small and delicate (like controllers) to bulky and complex (like chairs), so choose a 3PL provider with experience in tech products. These items need to be shipped with care to avoid any damage that might affect performance, especially for sensitive equipment like headsets. Speed is also key — gamers often want their gear ASAP, so consider working with a 3PL partner who offers fast shipping options to keep those gamers happy and ready to play.
And there you have it — 10 high-potential product categories primed to define the online market in 2025. Whether you’re selling eco-friendly products or kitchen gadgets, remember that your supply chain plays a critical role in the overall customer experience. Partnering with a reliable 3PL provider who understands the requirements of these unique product types can make all the difference between a loyal repeat customer and a one-time shopper.