Table of Contents
Product Categories to Earn Commissions as a Gifting Platform
Rye
Nov 30, 2023
8 min read
Gifting platforms can expect up to a 14% hike in revenue this holiday season compared to last year as people send out presents for clients and employees, gift for loved ones, and arrange for secret santa gift exchange during get-togethers. Ultimately, you need to offer products that meet your users’ needs, whilst being able to capture value for facilitating the sales. Here’s how to build a killer seed inventory that generates commission revenue from day 1.
Making revenue as a gifting platform
In the world of eCommerce, the holiday season is a goldmine with $240 billion being moved last year in the US alone. Gifting platforms typically add and capture value in 3 ways:
Adding a margin on top of MSRP
Negotiating commissions with brands
Joining affiliate networks to earn commissions
We looked into average commissions per sale for each product category based on a sample of 4.5k online stores. We then hand-picked some example brands with attractive commission rates, including some from Rye's network.
Read on for the top product categories to consider, depending on your platform’s specific audience. To ensure the inventory caters to your users’ needs and preferences, look into analytics such as website traffic source, product search records, and order log.
Corporate gifting
Personal gifting
Seasonal/cultural gifting
Event-based gifting
In the world of eCommerce, the holiday season is a goldmine with $240 billion being moved last year in the US alone. Gifting platforms typically add and capture value in 3 ways:
Adding a margin on top of MSRP
Negotiating commissions with brands
Joining affiliate networks to earn commissions
We looked into average commissions per sale for each product category based on a sample of 4.5k online stores. We then hand-picked some example brands with attractive commission rates, including some from Rye's network.
Read on for the top product categories to consider, depending on your platform’s specific audience. To ensure the inventory caters to your users’ needs and preferences, look into analytics such as website traffic source, product search records, and order log.
Corporate gifting
Personal gifting
Seasonal/cultural gifting
Event-based gifting
In the world of eCommerce, the holiday season is a goldmine with $240 billion being moved last year in the US alone. Gifting platforms typically add and capture value in 3 ways:
Adding a margin on top of MSRP
Negotiating commissions with brands
Joining affiliate networks to earn commissions
We looked into average commissions per sale for each product category based on a sample of 4.5k online stores. We then hand-picked some example brands with attractive commission rates, including some from Rye's network.
Read on for the top product categories to consider, depending on your platform’s specific audience. To ensure the inventory caters to your users’ needs and preferences, look into analytics such as website traffic source, product search records, and order log.
Corporate gifting
Personal gifting
Seasonal/cultural gifting
Event-based gifting
1. Corporate gifting
Wellness Products:
Expected commissions: 14%
Popular amongst HR and team leaders for promoting health and well-being among employees.
Example brands, products, and commission rates:
Auri | Super mushroom focus gummies | 30%*MoreLabs | Dreamwell supplement | 25%*
Mojo | Brainboost gummies | 20%*
The Good Patch | Relax patches | 16%
Click and Grow | Smart Garden | 6%
* Get higher commissions via Rye’s network
Tech Gadgets:
Expected commissions: 9%
Sought-after for their practicality and appeal in modern work environments, suitable for tech-savvy professionals.
E.g.: Portable chargers, Bluetooth speakers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, or smart home devices.
Example brands:
Syncwire | Wireless in-car phone charger | 20%Mujjo | Laptop & tech organizer sleeve | 15%
Journey | Wireless charging desk mat | 15%
Luxury Items:
Expected commissions: 3-6% per sale
Chosen for their brand reputation and quality, ideal for impressing clients or rewarding top-performing employees.
E.g.: High-end pens, leather goods, or designer accessories.
Sustainable and eco-friendly products:
Growing interest due to corporate responsibility and environmental awareness in business practices.
E.g.: Reusable goods, eco-conscious apparel, sustainable gadgets.
Example brands:
Stojo | Collapsible cups | 35%
Gift Cards and Vouchers:
Versatile and convenient, allowing recipients the freedom to choose, making them a safe choice for diverse teams.
E.g.: Vouchers for coffee shops, bookstores, or online platforms.
Branded Merchandise:
Effective for building company loyalty and team spirit, often used in marketing, internal team-building activities, as well as client gifting.
E.g.: Custom-branded items like mugs, T-shirts, caps, or tote bags.
2. Personal gifting
Fashion and Accessories:
Expected commissions: 10%
Personal and expressive, these items cater to individual styles and are ideal for intimate gifts.
Example brands:
Baboon on the moon | Fanny pack | 25%*Rains | Backpack | 22%*
Felix Gray | Bluelight Sunglasses | 25%*
Beauty and Wellness Care:
Expected commissions: 12%
Daily items that displays the gift-sender’s thoughtfulness, whilst resonating with self-care and wellness trends.
E.g.: Fragrances, skincare sets, grooming kits, fitness gear, health supplements, or wellness retreats.
Example brands:
Canopy | Aroma Diffuser | 22%Pink Moon | Gua Sha Duo Kit | 18%*
Home Decor:
Expected commissions: 9%
Valuable in adding a personal touch to living spaces, reflecting the recipient’s taste and personality.
E.g.: Art pieces, small designer furniture, unique home accessories.
Hobby-Related Items:
Expected commissions: 8%
Tailored to the recipient's interests, making the gift thoughtful and engaging.
E.g.: Books, craft kits, sports equipment, or cooking tools.
Example brands:
Rains | Gym bag | 22%Urth | Camera sling bag | 10%
Tech Gadgets:
Expected commissions: 9%
High demand due to their utility and trendiness, appealing to tech enthusiasts of all ages.
E.g.: Smartwatches, headphones, or fitness trackers.
Example brands:
Underwater Audio | Earphones for Swimming | 1%
Collectibles and Memorabilia:
Expected commissions: 4%
Valued for their uniqueness and sentimental appeal, especially among recipients who are collectors.
E.g.: Limited edition items, signed merchandise, rare collectibles.
Subscription-based:
Offers ongoing delight and display of care, perfect for gift-senders who want to deliver regular treats or new experiences to their loved ones.
E.g.: monthly subscription boxes for books, food, beauty products, flowers.
Fashion and Accessories:
Expected commissions: 10%
Personal and expressive, these items cater to individual styles and are ideal for intimate gifts.
Example brands:
Baboon on the moon | Fanny pack | 25%*Rains | Backpack | 22%*
Felix Gray | Bluelight Sunglasses | 25%*
Beauty and Wellness Care:
Expected commissions: 12%
Daily items that displays the gift-sender’s thoughtfulness, whilst resonating with self-care and wellness trends.
E.g.: Fragrances, skincare sets, grooming kits, fitness gear, health supplements, or wellness retreats.
Example brands:
Canopy | Aroma Diffuser | 22%Pink Moon | Gua Sha Duo Kit | 18%*
Home Decor:
Expected commissions: 9%
Valuable in adding a personal touch to living spaces, reflecting the recipient’s taste and personality.
E.g.: Art pieces, small designer furniture, unique home accessories.
Hobby-Related Items:
Expected commissions: 8%
Tailored to the recipient's interests, making the gift thoughtful and engaging.
E.g.: Books, craft kits, sports equipment, or cooking tools.
Example brands:
Rains | Gym bag | 22%Urth | Camera sling bag | 10%
Tech Gadgets:
Expected commissions: 9%
High demand due to their utility and trendiness, appealing to tech enthusiasts of all ages.
E.g.: Smartwatches, headphones, or fitness trackers.
Example brands:
Underwater Audio | Earphones for Swimming | 1%
Collectibles and Memorabilia:
Expected commissions: 4%
Valued for their uniqueness and sentimental appeal, especially among recipients who are collectors.
E.g.: Limited edition items, signed merchandise, rare collectibles.
Subscription-based:
Offers ongoing delight and display of care, perfect for gift-senders who want to deliver regular treats or new experiences to their loved ones.
E.g.: monthly subscription boxes for books, food, beauty products, flowers.
Fashion and Accessories:
Expected commissions: 10%
Personal and expressive, these items cater to individual styles and are ideal for intimate gifts.
Example brands:
Baboon on the moon | Fanny pack | 25%*Rains | Backpack | 22%*
Felix Gray | Bluelight Sunglasses | 25%*
Beauty and Wellness Care:
Expected commissions: 12%
Daily items that displays the gift-sender’s thoughtfulness, whilst resonating with self-care and wellness trends.
E.g.: Fragrances, skincare sets, grooming kits, fitness gear, health supplements, or wellness retreats.
Example brands:
Canopy | Aroma Diffuser | 22%Pink Moon | Gua Sha Duo Kit | 18%*
Home Decor:
Expected commissions: 9%
Valuable in adding a personal touch to living spaces, reflecting the recipient’s taste and personality.
E.g.: Art pieces, small designer furniture, unique home accessories.
Hobby-Related Items:
Expected commissions: 8%
Tailored to the recipient's interests, making the gift thoughtful and engaging.
E.g.: Books, craft kits, sports equipment, or cooking tools.
Example brands:
Rains | Gym bag | 22%Urth | Camera sling bag | 10%
Tech Gadgets:
Expected commissions: 9%
High demand due to their utility and trendiness, appealing to tech enthusiasts of all ages.
E.g.: Smartwatches, headphones, or fitness trackers.
Example brands:
Underwater Audio | Earphones for Swimming | 1%
Collectibles and Memorabilia:
Expected commissions: 4%
Valued for their uniqueness and sentimental appeal, especially among recipients who are collectors.
E.g.: Limited edition items, signed merchandise, rare collectibles.
Subscription-based:
Offers ongoing delight and display of care, perfect for gift-senders who want to deliver regular treats or new experiences to their loved ones.
E.g.: monthly subscription boxes for books, food, beauty products, flowers.
3. Seasonal / cultural gifting
Themed Decorations / Apparel:
Expected commissions: 12%
Reflects the spirit of the season or cultural event, making it a timely and thematic gift choice. Essential and instantly useful for creating a festive atmosphere.
E.g.: Specific to holidays or cultural events (e.g., Christmas, Diwali).
Specialty Food and Beverages:
Expected commissions: 11%
Universally appealing treats that add an indulgent element to any occasion.
E.g.: Chocolates, gourmet baskets, or traditional foods.
Example brands:
Plum Deluxe | Iced Tea Bundle | 30%*Coasters Shop | Legent Bourbon | 15%*
Religious or Cultural Items:
Expected commissions: 10%
Important for honoring traditions and cultural heritage, making these gifts meaningful and respectful.
E.g.: Items of spiritual or cultural significance.
Experience-Based Gifts:
Especially popular during holiday seasons when family and friends can get together, and as people increasingly value quality time over material items.
E.g.: Gift cards, prepaid event tickets, subscription boxes.
Toys and Games:
Expected commissions: 9%
Central to family and cultural celebrations, especially appealing to children during festive times.
Themed Decorations / Apparel:
Expected commissions: 12%
Reflects the spirit of the season or cultural event, making it a timely and thematic gift choice. Essential and instantly useful for creating a festive atmosphere.
E.g.: Specific to holidays or cultural events (e.g., Christmas, Diwali).
Specialty Food and Beverages:
Expected commissions: 11%
Universally appealing treats that add an indulgent element to any occasion.
E.g.: Chocolates, gourmet baskets, or traditional foods.
Example brands:
Plum Deluxe | Iced Tea Bundle | 30%*Coasters Shop | Legent Bourbon | 15%*
Religious or Cultural Items:
Expected commissions: 10%
Important for honoring traditions and cultural heritage, making these gifts meaningful and respectful.
E.g.: Items of spiritual or cultural significance.
Experience-Based Gifts:
Especially popular during holiday seasons when family and friends can get together, and as people increasingly value quality time over material items.
E.g.: Gift cards, prepaid event tickets, subscription boxes.
Toys and Games:
Expected commissions: 9%
Central to family and cultural celebrations, especially appealing to children during festive times.
Themed Decorations / Apparel:
Expected commissions: 12%
Reflects the spirit of the season or cultural event, making it a timely and thematic gift choice. Essential and instantly useful for creating a festive atmosphere.
E.g.: Specific to holidays or cultural events (e.g., Christmas, Diwali).
Specialty Food and Beverages:
Expected commissions: 11%
Universally appealing treats that add an indulgent element to any occasion.
E.g.: Chocolates, gourmet baskets, or traditional foods.
Example brands:
Plum Deluxe | Iced Tea Bundle | 30%*Coasters Shop | Legent Bourbon | 15%*
Religious or Cultural Items:
Expected commissions: 10%
Important for honoring traditions and cultural heritage, making these gifts meaningful and respectful.
E.g.: Items of spiritual or cultural significance.
Experience-Based Gifts:
Especially popular during holiday seasons when family and friends can get together, and as people increasingly value quality time over material items.
E.g.: Gift cards, prepaid event tickets, subscription boxes.
Toys and Games:
Expected commissions: 9%
Central to family and cultural celebrations, especially appealing to children during festive times.
4. Event-based gifting
Commemorative Items:
Serve as lasting mementos of significant life events, adding a personal and sentimental value.
E.g.: Personalized trophies, plaques, or keepsakes for events like retirements or achievements.
Example brands:
Mementum | Photo Memory Necklace | 30%*
Personalized Gifts:
Valued for their custom and thoughtful nature, making events like birthdays and weddings more special. Names, initials, birthdays, and horoscope signs are popular personalizations.
E.g.: Customizable jewelry, cocktail making kit.
Example brands:
Astrid & Miyu | Zodiac Sign Pendant Necklace | 29%Sleefs | Initial Letter Pendant Chain | 23%
Party Supplies:
Essential for enhancing the festivities and theme of any event
E.g.: Decorations, themed items for weddings, birthdays, baby showers.
Flowers and Baskets:
Classic and universally appropriate gifts. Easy to customize by the recipient’s favorite colors, arrangements, and stems.
E.g.: Bouquets, gourmet baskets, or themed gift sets.
Example brands:
Freshsends | The Send | 15%*
Jewelry and Watches:
Symbolic and timeless. Often given to commemorate significant milestones and achievements.
Example brands:
Greenwich Jewelers | Round Tube Hoop Earrings | 40%
About Vintage | 1934 Watch | 25%*
Home and Kitchenware:
Expected commissions: 9%
Practical and desirable for events like weddings or housewarmings, contributing to the recipient's new beginnings.
Example brands:
Fluffco | Luxury Hotel Robe | 28%*
Commemorative Items:
Serve as lasting mementos of significant life events, adding a personal and sentimental value.
E.g.: Personalized trophies, plaques, or keepsakes for events like retirements or achievements.
Example brands:
Mementum | Photo Memory Necklace | 30%*
Personalized Gifts:
Valued for their custom and thoughtful nature, making events like birthdays and weddings more special. Names, initials, birthdays, and horoscope signs are popular personalizations.
E.g.: Customizable jewelry, cocktail making kit.
Example brands:
Astrid & Miyu | Zodiac Sign Pendant Necklace | 29%Sleefs | Initial Letter Pendant Chain | 23%
Party Supplies:
Essential for enhancing the festivities and theme of any event
E.g.: Decorations, themed items for weddings, birthdays, baby showers.
Flowers and Baskets:
Classic and universally appropriate gifts. Easy to customize by the recipient’s favorite colors, arrangements, and stems.
E.g.: Bouquets, gourmet baskets, or themed gift sets.
Example brands:
Freshsends | The Send | 15%*
Jewelry and Watches:
Symbolic and timeless. Often given to commemorate significant milestones and achievements.
Example brands:
Greenwich Jewelers | Round Tube Hoop Earrings | 40%
About Vintage | 1934 Watch | 25%*
Home and Kitchenware:
Expected commissions: 9%
Practical and desirable for events like weddings or housewarmings, contributing to the recipient's new beginnings.
Example brands:
Fluffco | Luxury Hotel Robe | 28%*
Commemorative Items:
Serve as lasting mementos of significant life events, adding a personal and sentimental value.
E.g.: Personalized trophies, plaques, or keepsakes for events like retirements or achievements.
Example brands:
Mementum | Photo Memory Necklace | 30%*
Personalized Gifts:
Valued for their custom and thoughtful nature, making events like birthdays and weddings more special. Names, initials, birthdays, and horoscope signs are popular personalizations.
E.g.: Customizable jewelry, cocktail making kit.
Example brands:
Astrid & Miyu | Zodiac Sign Pendant Necklace | 29%Sleefs | Initial Letter Pendant Chain | 23%
Party Supplies:
Essential for enhancing the festivities and theme of any event
E.g.: Decorations, themed items for weddings, birthdays, baby showers.
Flowers and Baskets:
Classic and universally appropriate gifts. Easy to customize by the recipient’s favorite colors, arrangements, and stems.
E.g.: Bouquets, gourmet baskets, or themed gift sets.
Example brands:
Freshsends | The Send | 15%*
Jewelry and Watches:
Symbolic and timeless. Often given to commemorate significant milestones and achievements.
Example brands:
Greenwich Jewelers | Round Tube Hoop Earrings | 40%
About Vintage | 1934 Watch | 25%*
Home and Kitchenware:
Expected commissions: 9%
Practical and desirable for events like weddings or housewarmings, contributing to the recipient's new beginnings.
Example brands:
Fluffco | Luxury Hotel Robe | 28%*
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© 2022-2024 Rye Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2022-2024 Rye Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.
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