Hi,
I can help you with your niche/product research project.
I have set-up numerous Amazon affiliate sites and sold one for close to 6-figures. To do this kind of work I'm always looking at niches and products that would provide a good return.
I think it's also essential to analyze the level of competition that already exists, any gaps in the market and any "Low hanging fruit".
Regarding finding the communities of buyers, I would investigate if they are in the following places:
- Social Networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, Instagram, LinkedIn
- Forums & Bulletin Boards
- Coming through Organic Search (shown by monthly search volume).
I always like to use the Google search operand "forums: <product>" to see what people are saying about products and how they could be improved.
You mention "Dropshipping". I would need some further details around this.
For example, are you purchasing from Asia and then importing? Would you be looking to either alter existing products or make prototypes for a FBA business?
Like I say, my expertise (as it were) is Affiliate Marketing which I've been doing for three years.
I have read a few case studies on FBA with Spencer Hawes from Niche Pursuits where I think he performed the same kind of research and improved a cat carrier by adding padding (for example).
I find this work really interesting and would love to help you find the right projects.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Simon.