Do you want to start a business but are unsure where to start? If yes, a reseller business can be a good choice. One of the biggest advantages of starting a reselling business is that you do not need extensive capital to start this business. From drop shipping to vintage clothing, the range of reseller business ideas is vast and diverse. In this article, we will explore some of the best reseller business ideas that can fetch good profit returns
25 Reseller Business Ideas
1. Dropshipping
A dropshipping business is a retail model where the seller does not hold inventory of the products they sell. When a customer places an order, the seller purchases the item from a third-party supplier, typically a wholesaler or manufacturer, who then ships the product directly to the customer. The seller acts as a middleman, facilitating the transaction between the customer and the supplier without ever handling the product themselves.
Dropshipping requires minimal investment in inventory. Hence it makes it a low-risk option for aspiring entrepreneurs. You can sell a wide range of products without the hassle of storage or shipping.
How to Start:
- Choose a niche
- Find reliable suppliers
- Set up an online store
- Market your products
Read: How to Start a Dropshipping Business
2. Print-on-Demand
Print on demand (POD) business is a model where products are customized and produced only after an order is received from a customer. In a print-on-demand business, the products are generally printed with custom designs, logos, or artwork according to the customer’s specifications.
This business can be started with little upfront costs as it eliminates the need for holding inventory or managing production. Print-on-demand businesses often specialize in a variety of products. It includes apparel (such as T-shirts, hoodies, and hats), accessories (such as phone cases and mugs), home decor items (such as posters and canvas prints), and more.
How to Start:
- Design your products
- Partner with a print-on-demand service
- Set up an online store
- Promote your unique offerings
3. Handmade Crafts
A handmade craft reselling business involves selling handmade products created by artisans and craftsmen to customers for a profit. In this business model, the reseller acts as an intermediary between the artisans who create the products and the customers who purchase them. The reseller can source handmade items from artisans or crafters, either locally or globally. And then markets and sells these products through various channels, such as online marketplaces, e-commerce websites, craft fairs, or retail stores.
Handcrafts reselling businesses typically offer a wide range of handmade products. It includes jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, art, and more.
How to start:
- Create your products
- Set up an online store or sell at local markets
- Build a brand around your craft
- Engage with your customers to build loyalty
4. Resale Vintage Clothing
Purchasing and reselling antique or retro clothing items to clients in order to make a profit is the business of vintage clothing resale. The reseller in this business model purchases antique apparel items from a variety of vendors. Using their own retail platform or storefront, they resale items to clients after finding them at thrift stores, estate auctions, flea markets, or internet marketplaces.
attire from bygone eras is referred to as vintage attire. Usually from the 1920s to the 1990s, each piece has its own distinct aesthetic appeal, history, and style. Dresses, coats, sweaters, denim, accessories, and more are common pieces of antique apparel that frequently have recognisable patterns, materials, and workmanship from earlier times.
How to Start:
- Source quality vintage items
- Curate a collection
- Sell online through platforms like Etsy or eBay
- Market your unique offerings to vintage enthusiasts
5. Resale Refurbished Electronic Items
Reselling refurbished electronic goods involves purchasing pre-owned or used electronics, giving them a makeover to bring back their original functioning and aesthetic, and then reselling the finished products to consumers at a profit. Under this business model, the reseller serves as a middleman between consumers looking for reasonably priced, dependable electronics and sellers trying to get rid of their old equipment.
Smartphones, computers, tablets, gaming consoles, cameras, and other consumer electronics can all be considered refurbished electronics. These products are reconditioned to like-new condition by the reseller after being returned by customers for minor flaws, cosmetic flaws, or just being out-of-date.
How to Start:
- Source used electronics,
- Refurbish and repair them if necessary
- Set up an online store or sell through marketplaces like Amazon or Craigslist
- Provide excellent customer service to build trust
6. Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes provide convenience and surprise, appealing to consumers looking for curated experiences. You can offer niche products and create recurring revenue streams.
How to Start: Choose a niche or theme for your box, source products, set up a subscription model, market your boxes through social media and influencers, and deliver a delightful unboxing experience.
7. Home Decor Items Reselling
Home decor is a lucrative market driven by trends and personal style. You can cater to consumers’ desire to beautify their living spaces and express their individuality.
How to Start:
- Source stylish and affordable decor items
- Create appealing product displays
- Sell online or in a physical store
- Leverage social media to showcase your products and inspire customers
8. Resale Health and Wellness Products
The health and wellness industry is booming as more people prioritize self-care and holistic health solutions. You can capitalize on this trend by offering supplements, skincare products, and fitness gear.
How to Start:
- Research popular health trends
- Source high-quality products from reputable suppliers
- Create informative content to educate customers
- Market your products through health blogs, social media, and influencers
9. Gourmet Foods
Gourmet foods appeal to food enthusiasts and gift buyers looking for unique and indulgent treats. You can cater to this market by offering specialty foods like artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and gourmet snacks.
How to Start:
- Partner with gourmet food producers or importers
- Curate a selection of high-quality products
- Package them attractively, sell them online or at specialty food markets
- Participate in food fairs and events to reach your target audience
10. Pet Supplies
Pet ownership is on the rise. And pet owners are willing to spend on their furry companions’ well-being. You can tap into this market by offering a wide range of pet products, from toys and accessories to food and grooming supplies.
How to Start:
- Research popular pet trends and preferences
- Source products from reputable suppliers
- Create a user-friendly online store or set up a pet boutique
- Engage with pet owners through social media and pet-related events
- Offer personalized recommendations and customer support
11. Educational Toys
Parents are increasingly focused on their children’s development. More and more parents seek toys that are both fun and educational. You can cater to this market by offering a curated selection of toys that stimulate learning and creativity.
How to Start:
- Research age-appropriate educational toys and games
- Source products from trusted manufacturers or wholesalers
- Create engaging product descriptions and demos
- Market your toys to parents and educators through parenting forums, blogs, and social media
- Offer personalized recommendations based on children’s interests and developmental stages
12. Eco-Friendly Products
With growing environmental awareness, consumers are seeking eco-friendly alternatives to reduce their ecological footprint. You can meet this demand by offering a range of sustainable products, such as reusable bags, bamboo utensils, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
How to Start:
- Partner with eco-conscious suppliers and manufacturers
- Verify the sustainability credentials of your products
- Educate consumers about the benefits of eco-friendly living through content marketing and social media
- Participate in eco-friendly events and initiatives to raise awareness and attract environmentally conscious customers
13. Beauty Products
The beauty industry is ever-growing. Consumers are increasingly seeking new products to enhance their appearance and skincare routine. You can tap into this market by offering a variety of cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products.
How to Start:
- Research popular beauty trends and products
- Source from reputable beauty brands or manufacturers
- Create engaging product descriptions and tutorials
- Market your products through social media platforms, beauty blogs, and influencers
- Provide personalized recommendations and skincare consultations to your customers.
14. Outdoor Gear
Outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and adventuring have seen a surge in popularity. This trend is driving demand for outdoor gear and equipment. You can cater to outdoor enthusiasts by offering a wide range of gear and accessories for their outdoor adventures.
How to Start:
- Research popular outdoor activities and gear preferences
- Source high-quality outdoor gear from trusted brands and suppliers
- Create informative guides and gear reviews to educate customers
- Market your products through outdoor and adventure-themed websites, forums, and social media channels
- Participate in outdoor events and expos to showcase your products and connect with your target audience.
Read: Best Wholesale Business Ideas
15. Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts add a special touch and sentimentality to any occasion. This makes them highly sought after by gift-givers and recipients alike. You can capitalize on this market by offering a variety of customizable products for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events.
How to Start:
- Source customizable products like engraved jewelry, monogrammed items, and personalized home decor
- Offer customization options such as names, initials, or dates
- Create a user-friendly online store with easy-to-use customization tools
- Market your products through gift guides, social media campaigns, and targeted advertising
16. Stationery and Office Supplies
There is still a big demand for physical stationery and office supplies for work, school, and creative endeavors. You can cater to this market by offering a wide range of stationery items, from pens and notebooks to planners and desk accessories.
How to Start:
- Source high-quality stationery products from trusted suppliers or manufacturers
- Curate a diverse selection of items to appeal to different preferences and needs
- Create an online store with clear categorization and easy navigation
- Market your products to students, professionals, and creative individuals through social media, email campaigns, and collaborations with influencers
- Offer promotions and discounts to incentivize purchases and attract new customers
17. Digital Products
Digital products offer convenience, instant access, and scalability. As a result, digital products are popular choices for both creators and consumers. You can leverage your expertise and creativity to develop and sell digital products like ebooks, online courses, and digital downloads.
How to Start:
- Identify your area of expertise or passion, and create valuable digital content such as ebooks, guides, or video tutorials
- Choose a platform to host and sell your digital products (e.g., your own website, online marketplaces, or digital product platforms)
- Market your products through content marketing, email lists, social media, and paid advertising
- Continuously improve and update your digital products based on customer feedback and market trends.
18. Party Supplies
Parties and celebrations are a universal part of human culture, creating a constant demand for party supplies and decorations. You can capitalize on this market by offering a wide range of party supplies for various occasions, themes, and celebrations.
How to Start:
- Source party supplies such as balloons, banners, tableware, and decorations from wholesale suppliers or manufacturers
- Curate themed party packages or bundles for different occasions (e.g., birthdays, weddings, baby showers)
- Create an online store with easy navigation and themed categories
- Market your products through event planning websites, social media influencers, and party-related forums and groups
- provide personalized party planning services or DIY party ideas to inspire and engage your customers
19. Resale Thrift Store Products
Thrift stores offer a treasure trove of unique and affordable items, making them a popular destination for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts. You can capitalize on this market by sourcing and reselling interesting and valuable finds from thrift stores and secondhand shops.
How to Start:
- Regularly visit thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales to hunt for unique and valuable items
- Carefully inspect and evaluate each item for quality
- Resale potential, clean, repair, and refurbish items as needed to enhance their appeal and value
- List your finds for sale through online marketplaces, auctions, or consignment shops
- Market your products as eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to new items, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
20. Kitchen Gadgets
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and innovative kitchen gadgets can make cooking and meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. You can cater to home cooks and food enthusiasts by offering a selection of useful and innovative kitchen tools and gadgets.
How to Start:
- Research popular kitchen gadgets and tools that are trending
- Source high-quality and durable kitchen gadgets from reputable manufacturers or suppliers
- Create engaging product demonstrations and tutorials to showcase the features and benefits of each gadget
- Market your products through cooking blogs, recipe websites, and social media channels
- Offer promotions or discounts to encourage the trial and purchase of your kitchen gadgets
21. Plant Nursery
Plants bring beauty, freshness, and tranquility to indoor and outdoor spaces. Hence, plant nursery is a popular choice for home and garden enthusiasts. You can capitalize on this market by offering a wide selection of plants, flowers, and gardening supplies to customers looking to beautify their homes and gardens.
How to Start:
- Research popular plants and gardening trends
- Source a variety of plants, flowers, and gardening supplies from local nurseries or wholesalers
- Create an inviting and well-organized plant nursery with clear signage and plant care information
- Offer gardening workshops, events, and demonstrations to educate and engage customers
- Market your plant nursery through local advertising, social media, and gardening forums
- Provide personalized gardening advice and recommendations to help customers select the right plants for their needs and preferences
22. Board Games and Puzzles
Board games and puzzles offer entertainment, challenge, and social interaction for individuals and families, making them a timeless and beloved pastime. You can cater to board game enthusiasts and puzzle lovers by offering a diverse selection of games and puzzles for all ages and interests.
How to Start:
- Research popular board games and puzzles, including classic favorites and trending titles
- Source a variety of games and puzzles from game manufacturers or distributors
- Create engaging product displays and demo areas to encourage hands-on exploration and play
- Host game nights, tournaments, and events to foster community and social interaction
- Market your products through gaming websites, forums, and social media groups
23. Fashion Accessories
Fashion accessories add style, personality, and flair to outfits, making them a must-have for fashion-conscious individuals. You can cater to fashion enthusiasts by offering a curated selection of trendy and stylish accessories such as jewelry, handbags, scarves, and sunglasses.
How to Start:
- Research current fashion trends and accessory styles
- Source high-quality and on-trend accessories from fashion wholesalers or designers
- Create visually appealing product displays and outfit inspiration boards to showcase accessory styling ideas
- Market your products through fashion blogs, social media influencers, and online fashion communities
- Offer personalized styling advice and accessory recommendations to help customers elevate their look and express their style.
24. Art Supplies
Art supplies inspire creativity, self-expression, and artistic exploration, making them essential tools for artists, crafters, and hobbyists. You can cater to the creative community by offering a comprehensive selection of art materials, supplies, and tools for various artistic disciplines and techniques.
How to Start:
- Research popular art supplies and materials used in different artistic mediums and techniques
- Source a diverse range of art supplies from reputable art supply manufacturers or distributors
- Organize your art supply store by category and medium to facilitate easy browsing and shopping
- Host art workshops, classes, and demonstrations to educate and inspire customers
- Market your art supplies through art blogs, social media platforms, and artist forums
25. Mobile Accessories
Mobile devices have become essential tools for communication, productivity, and entertainment, creating a demand for accessories that enhance and protect these devices. You can capitalize on this market by offering a wide range of mobile accessories such as phone cases, screen protectors, chargers, and headphones.
How to Start:
- Research popular mobile accessories and trends in smartphone technology
- Source high-quality and compatible accessories from trusted manufacturers or suppliers
- Create attractive product displays and demo areas to showcase accessory features and functionality
- Offer personalized recommendations and compatibility advice to help customers select the right accessories for their devices,
- Market your products through mobile tech blogs, social media influencers, and online mobile device forums
How to Start a Reseller Business?
Here is a step-by-step guide to starting a successful reseller business:
Choose Your Niche
Decide on the products or services you want to resell. Consider your interests, expertise, and market demand when selecting your niche. Focus on a specific category or niche to differentiate yourself from competitors.
Research Suppliers
Identify potential suppliers or wholesalers for your chosen products. Research different suppliers, compare prices and quality, and negotiate terms to ensure favorable pricing and product availability.
Read: Best Wholesale Websites for Buying Products in Bulk
Create a Business Plan
Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections. A well-thought-out business plan will guide your decisions and help attract investors or lenders if needed.
Register Your Business
Choose a legal structure for your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC) and register your business with the appropriate government authorities. Obtain any necessary permits or licenses required to operate legally in your jurisdiction.
Set Up Your Sales Channels
Decide on your sales channels, whether it’s an online store, physical storefront, or both. Create a professional website or online store to showcase your products and facilitate sales. If you’re selling online, consider platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy to reach a broader audience.
Source Your Products
Start sourcing your products from suppliers or wholesalers. Place orders, manage inventory, and ensure timely delivery of products to meet customer demand. Consider testing different suppliers to find the best quality and pricing for your products.
Build Your Brand
Develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target market. Create a memorable logo, design professional packaging, and establish a consistent brand voice across all your marketing materials and communications.
Market Your Business
Implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote your reseller business and attract customers. Utilize digital marketing channels such as social media, email marketing, content marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach your target audience.
What is a Reselling Business?
A reselling business is all about buying products or services from a manufacturer, wholesaler, or another retailer and then selling them to customers for a profit. Resellers act as intermediaries between suppliers and consumers. They leverage their marketing, sales, and distribution channels to reach a wider audience. The main focus of resellers is to source in-demand and trending products and add value through marketing, branding, and customer service.
Reselling businesses can operate online or through physical storefronts. They generally specialize in specific product categories or niches to target particular market segments. It goes without saying that reselling businesses plays a crucial role in the supply chain by connecting suppliers with consumers and providing valuable goods and services to meet market demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a reseller business make money?
Reseller businesses make money by purchasing products at wholesale or discounted prices and then selling them to customers at retail prices. The difference between the wholesale and retail prices represents the profit margin for the reseller.
What types of products can be sold in a reseller business?
Reseller businesses can sell a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and more. The specific products sold depend on the niche or market segment targeted by the reseller.
Do I need a physical storefront to start a reseller business?
No, a physical storefront is not always necessary to start a reseller business. Many resellers operate exclusively online through e-commerce platforms, websites, or online marketplaces. However, some resellers may choose to also have a physical storefront to reach local customers.
How do I find suppliers for my reseller business?
Suppliers for a reseller business can be found through various channels, including trade shows, industry events, online marketplaces, wholesale directories, and direct outreach to manufacturers or wholesalers. It’s essential to research and vet potential suppliers to ensure product quality and reliability.
What are the advantages of starting a reseller business?
Some advantages of starting a reseller business include low startup costs, flexibility in product selection and pricing, access to a wide range of products without the need for manufacturing, and the ability to scale quickly by leveraging existing suppliers and distribution channels.
What are the challenges of running a reseller business?
Challenges of running a reseller business may include competition from other resellers and retailers, fluctuating product availability and pricing, managing inventory and logistics, maintaining profit margins in a competitive market, and ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
