DEV Community

Cover image for 10 crazy ideas for a marketplace. Real examples
Alexey Kramin
Alexey Kramin

Posted on

10 crazy ideas for a marketplace. Real examples

1. Funereal Ephemera: Exploring the Mysteries of Death

For those fascinated by the mysteries of death, Funereal Ephemera is the Etsy shop of your dreams. This haunting emporium specializes in "vintage cemetery, funeral, and postmortem photography." From flower-covered cemeteries to poignant images of bodies in coffins, this shop offers a glimpse into a different era. You'll find religious and medical artifacts, taxidermy, and even glimpses of the macabre. Prices vary, but most photographs range from $10 to $40, allowing you to embrace your dark side without breaking the bank.

Image description

2. The Pastel Purgatory: Embrace Your Inner Feline

Are you a cat lover who's eager to unleash your inner feline? Look no further than The Pastel Purgatory on Etsy. This whimsical shop offers accessories that'll make you feel like a purrfect kitty, from fuzzy ears to stylish collars and leashes. It might sound strange, but don't be fooled—this shop has earned top ratings and impressive sales. With prices ranging from $20 to $80 (or more), you'll be ready to pounce on these feline treasures.

Image description

3. Wild Things Inc.: For the Lovers of Creepy Crawlies

Calling all bug enthusiasts and lovers of the macabre! Wild Things Inc. is the Etsy shop for you. Embracing all things creepy and crawly, this store specializes in exotic animal parts and art. Whether you're seeking holiday ornaments filled with snakeskin or itching to create your own masterpiece using tarantula and cockroach molts, turtle shells, or animal bones, Wild Things has everything your heart (or your dark side) desires. Even arachnophobes might consider it a nightmare—but for those who dare, the inventory is ever-changing, and custom orders are welcome.

Image description

4. Flavored Toothpicks: Adding Zest to Your Dental Routine

Toothpicks are handy, but have you ever thought they could use a little flavor? Flavored Toothpicks on Etsy agrees! With enticing options like cinnamon, grape, wintergreen, and even bacon, this shop takes toothpick indulgence to the next level. But hold on tight, because they also offer some truly bizarre flavors, including baby formula and breast milk. Yes, you read that right! If you're in the mood for a unique dental experience, check out their selection of over 140 flavors, conveniently packaged in a small, sliding metal tin for just $6.87.

Image description

5. Cappy Sue Creations: Turning Trash into Treasures

You've heard the saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure," right? Well, Cappy Sue Creations takes that sentiment to a whole new level. This Etsy shop is a haven for the eclectic, offering everything from random paintings and jewelry to art pieces that range from strange and unusual to traditional and beautiful. But here's the kicker—they also specialize in transforming your unwanted junk into something fresh, interesting, and even more appealing. So, don't know what to do with all those office gift exchange items? Cappy Sue Creations has your back. And if you're feeling a little adventurous, they even have a selection of not-so-safe-for-work items. Prices vary depending on the item, so start exploring and see what hidden gems you can find!

Image description

6. MillionDollarHomepage.com: From Pixels to Pockets

Imagine selling pixels on a website and becoming a millionaire overnight. Sounds crazy, right? Well, for Alex Tew, it turned out to be the jackpot ticket. Initially just a way to pay for college, his website, MillionDollarHomepage.com, became a sensation, propelling him to unimaginable success. Suddenly, major news networks were clamoring for interviews, and the young man found himself swimming in a sea of publicity. But here's the kicker: other people tried to copy his idea! Talk about a ridiculously successful concept.

Image description

7. The Curiositeer: Where the Extraordinary Meets the Bizarre

What if you could wear a bat's skull around your neck or sport a spider as a ring? The Curiositeer turns these extraordinary ideas into reality. This Etsy shop offers jewelry and other curious items crafted from materials like human teeth, insects, and animal skeletons. With preserved frog hearts, scorpions, and bird skulls embedded in resin and mounted to pendants or rings, you can flaunt your love for the peculiar. And for those seeking something slightly less spine-chilling, The Curiositeer also offers jewelry made with flowers and rocks. Prices range from $20 to $50, allowing you to indulge in the extraordinary without breaking the bank.

Image description

8. Doggles.com: When Fido Rocks the Shades

Who would've thought that selling sunglasses for dogs could lead to millions? Meet Ken and Roni di Lullo, the brilliant minds behind Doggles.com. While most dog owners never considered decking out their pooches with eyewear, the moment these "Doggles" were marketed as UV radiation shields, a frenzy began. Dog owners worldwide rushed to get their furry friends a pair, resulting in cool-looking canines and two brand-new members of the millionaires club. With shops in 16 countries, these doggy sunglasses entrepreneurs struck gold.

Image description

9. aKNITomy: An Icky and Cuddly World of Knitted Wonders

Step into the icky and cuddly world of aKNITomy, where knitted anatomy takes center stage. This unique Etsy shop sells framed, knit versions of human anatomy and dissected creatures—think frogs, rats, bats, and even aliens. It's a strange blend of cute and bizarre that's bound to catch your eye. And if you fancy taking on your own scientific knitting projects, aKNITomy has you covered with patterns and DIY kits available for a small fee. Finished projects range from $75 to around $200, so embrace your love for the peculiar and snag a knitted masterpiece.

Image description

10. Terrible Origami: When Imperfection Becomes Art

And my favourite one!

Origami is an art form known for its delicate precision and beauty. But who says imperfection can't be art too? Welcome to Terrible Origami, where crumpled paper becomes a masterpiece. This Etsy shop takes the "OMG" factor to new heights with its collection of delightfully terrible origami creations. While the prices may seem outrageous—many exceeding $100—the shop's true purpose is more of a joke than a serious business. However, for die-hard fans, Terrible Origami-branded T-shirts are available for purchase. Believe it or not, a few of these "terrible" origami pieces have actually found their way into customers' hands. So, embrace the imperfect and let the crumpled art speak to your soul.

Image description

Don’t be afraid of your ideas

As you can see, even the most creepy and bizarre ideas could be loved by people. Everything is up to you. And if you have something special to say, stop keeping it inside and shout it loud. And Fleexy’s marketplace builder is here to help test your ideas. Everything you need is just an idea and a short prompt. AI will generate your own marketplace with your special products in 5 seconds.

Top comments (3)

Collapse
 
n_demia profile image
Natalia Demianenko

He-he, cool examples 😃

Collapse
 
kramin_alexey profile image
Alexey Kramin

thanks a lot 🤗

Collapse
 
khoon_khar_ profile image
Khoon Khar

Absolutely! It's amazing how even the wildest ideas can resonate with people. Fleexy's marketplace builder sounds like a perfect tool to bring those unique ideas to life. With just an idea and a prompt, you can quickly create a marketplace and see how your creativity takes off!