Starting a wholesale business in India is one of the smartest ways to build a stable and scalable income source. Wholesale businesses offer high margins, bulk order profits, fewer marketing expenses, and the ability to supply to retailers, online sellers, and distributors.
The biggest advantage?
You don’t need huge capital. Many wholesale business ideas can be started with ₹20,000 – ₹2 lakh, depending on the category.
This article lists the best low-investment wholesale businesses, their profit potential, setup requirements, and steps to start.
🌟 Why Wholesale Business Is Profitable in India
India has a massive retail network with millions of small shops, supermarkets, and online sellers. These retailers depend on wholesale suppliers for regular stock.
Key Benefits
- ✔ Bulk sales = higher revenue
- ✔ Low investment, high profit margin
- ✔ Less marketing needed (steady buyers)
- ✔ Can be started from home, a small shop, or godown
- ✔ Works in both rural and urban areas
- ✔ Huge demand due to fast-growing e-commerce and kirana stores
🏆 Top Wholesale Business Ideas With Low Investment in India
Below are some of the most profitable wholesale business ideas suitable for beginners, small investors, and part-time entrepreneurs.
1. Garments Wholesale Business
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹2 lakh
Products:
- T-shirts
- Kurtis
- Kidswear
- Jeans
- Ethnic wear
Why profitable?
Clothing has year-round demand and high margins (20%–50%).
2. Mobile Accessories Wholesale
Investment: ₹30,000 – ₹1 lakh
Products:
- Chargers
- Earphones
- Tempered glass
- Mobile covers
- Power banks
High demand in every city and town; small items, easy to stock.
3. Cosmetic & Beauty Products Wholesale
Investment: ₹40,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
Products:
- Lipsticks
- Skincare items
- Haircare items
- Perfumes
Beauty products sell fast and offer excellent profit margins.
4. Stationery & Office Supplies Wholesale
Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹80,000
Perfect for:
- School areas
- Coaching hubs
- Offices
Items like notebooks, pens, A4 sheets, and art materials sell year-round.
5. Plastic Household Items Wholesale
Investment: ₹30,000 – ₹1 lakh
Products:
- Buckets
- Mugs
- Containers
- Storage boxes
These items are low-cost, high-demand, and easy to stock.
6. Snacks & FMCG Wholesale
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
Products:
- Chips
- Biscuits
- Namkeen
- Packaged foods
Every kirana store needs these items regularly.
7. Disposable Products Wholesale
Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹1 lakh
Items include:
- Paper cups
- Plastic plates
- Spoons
- Tissue papers
Great for supplying to caterers, tea stalls, fast-food shops.
8. Baby Products Wholesale
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
Products:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Feeding bottles
- Baby clothes
Demand is stable with good margins.
9. Footwear Wholesale Business
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹2 lakh
Sell:
- Casual shoes
- Sandals
- Slippers
- Kids footwear
High retail demand all year.
10. Hardware & Tools Wholesale
Investment: ₹40,000 – ₹1 lakh
Products:
- Nuts & bolts
- Screwdrivers
- Plumbing tools
- Electrical fittings
Suitable for urban and semi-urban areas.
11. Agro Wholesale Business
Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹1 lakh
Products:
- Fertilizers
- Seeds
- Pesticides
- Tools
Growing agriculture demand makes this sector very profitable.
12. Custom Gift Items Wholesale
Investment: ₹30,000 – ₹80,000
Sell to:
- Gift shops
- Corporate clients
- Event planners
Products include mugs, photo frames, bottles, custom printing items.
13. Dry Fruits & Spices Wholesale
Investment: ₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakh
High margin products:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Cloves
- Black pepper
Demand is strong throughout India and globally.
14. Electronic Components Wholesale
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
Items include:
- LED lights
- Switches
- Wires
- Sockets
Fast-growing due to housing and construction.
15. Packaging Material Wholesale
Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹1 lakh
Products:
- Boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Tapes
- Carry bags
Huge demand from e-commerce sellers and offline retailers.
💰 Most Profitable Wholesale Businesses (Top 5)
| Rank | Business Type | Reason for High Profit | Margin |
| 1 | Mobile Accessories | High demand, low cost | 30–70% |
| 2 | Garments | Fast turnover | 20–50% |
| 3 | Cosmetics | Small size, high margin | 40–80% |
| 4 | Spices & Dry Fruits | Essential items | 20–45% |
| 5 | FMCG Products | Bulk sale, repeat orders | 10–25% |
🧱 Requirements to Start a Low-Investment Wholesale Business
✔ 1. Small storage space or home room
A small godown or room is enough to start.
✔ 2. Connect with manufacturers
Source products from:
- Delhi (Sadar Bazaar, Gandhi Nagar)
- Jaipur
- Surat
- Mumbai
- Ahmedabad
✔ 3. GST registration (optional for small turnover)
Helpful for working with retailers.
✔ 4. Trolley or two-wheeler for delivery
Used for supplying goods in nearby areas.
✔ 5. Basic marketing
WhatsApp Business, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Google My Business.
🚀 How to Start a Wholesale Business (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Select your niche
Choose something you understand: garments, beauty, FMCG, electronics, etc.
Step 2: Research market demand
Check which products sell the most in local shops.
Step 3: Connect with manufacturers / wholesalers
Buy in bulk at factory prices.
Step 4: Arrange storage
Even your home can be used initially.
Step 5: Register your business (optional initially)
Apply for GST if needed.
Step 6: Start with small retailers
Supply to:
- Kirana shops
- Mobile shops
- Fashion stores
- Online sellers
Step 7: Expand gradually
Once you build 10–15 regular buyers, income becomes stable.
❓ FAQs
- Which wholesale business is most profitable?
Mobile accessories, garments, cosmetics, and FMCG wholesale are among the most profitable.
- Can I start a wholesale business from home?
Yes. Many wholesalers store products in a spare room or garage.
- Do I need a GST number to start?
Not mandatory if turnover is low, but useful for working with retailers.
- How much profit can I earn?
Depending on the niche, wholesalers can earn ₹20,000 – ₹1 lakh+ per month.
Conclusion
Starting a wholesale business with low investment is a smart choice for anyone looking to build consistent income in India. With growing retail demand, e-commerce boom, and low startup costs, wholesale businesses offer one of the highest ROI models today.
Whether you choose garments, mobile accessories, stationery, cosmetics, or FMCG, success depends on building strong retailer relationships and ensuring steady supply.
Shashi Kant is the Founder and Editor of BusinessScroller.com, a leading platform for business insights, finance trends, and industry analysis. With a passion for journalism and expertise in business reporting, he curates well-researched content on market strategies, startups, and corporate success stories. His vision is to provide valuable information that empowers entrepreneurs and professionals. Under his leadership, BusinessScroller.com has grown into a trusted source for in-depth articles, customer care guides, and financial expertise.
