Top 20 Wholesale Business Ideas in India with Low Investment

The wholesale market in India is booming with enormous possibilities to any businessman or entrepreneur who would like to own his own business without straining his pocket. In case you are seeking wholesale business opportunities that require minimal investment, then you have landed on the right location. 

The retail industry relies on the wholesale industry to bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers and the final consumers. You have the possibility to create a wholesale business that makes your profit with the help of appropriate choice of products and right approach to planning so that you will have an opportunity to start your work in your own house or in a minimally big warehouse.

This is a detailed tool that expounds on twenty viable promising wholesale business ideas with low investment that perfectly match the Indian market, which need less capital and stand to make high returns. You can use these ideas whether you are a first-time businessperson or an expert in the business to start up a successful wholesale business in the Indian marketplace, which is very dynamic.

Understanding Wholesale Business

Wholesale business consists of buying in large quantities directly from the manufacturers or distributors at a discounted rate, and selling to the retailers, small businesses, or other wholesalers at a markup. It is a business model that only makes the business survive on volumes as opposed to individual sales margins. As opposed to retail, with sales directly to end consumers, wholesale is B2B (business-to-business). 

It is mainly because of the reduced costs of operation, as you do not require flashy showrooms and the widespread facilities to provide services to the customers. Effective wholesale enterprises establish good rapport with suppliers as well as buyers, hence they deliver the same quality and punctuality in their products, and at the same time maintain competitive prices that favour all the members of the supply chain.

Key Factors to Consider Before Starting

• Market Research: Determine the demand, competition and targeting of the customer base in your preferred product line.
• Supplier Network: Develop quality and reliable ties with the manufacturer or distributor of quality products that are available at favourable prices.
• Storage Space: Have a sufficient warehousing facility where bulk inventory could be stored in a safe and organised manner.
• Working Capital: Determine the cost of initial investment in inventory, transportation and operation costs.
• Legal Obedience: Reserve required licenses such as GST license, trade license and business permit.

Wholesale Business Comparison Table (India – 2026)

Category	Wholesale Product	Market Size 2026 (₹)	Initial Investment	Profit Margin	Demand Type	Risk Level
FMCG	Packaged Snacks & Namkeen	₹1.1–1.3 lakh crore	₹50K–₹2L	10–20%	Daily / Seasonal	Low
FMCG	Spices & Masala Powders	₹80K–90K crore	₹1L–₹3L	15–25%	Daily	Low
FMCG	Beverages	₹1.4–1.6 lakh crore	₹1.5L–₹4L	8–15%	Daily	Medium
FMCG	Personal Care Products	₹1.9–2.2 lakh crore	₹1L–₹3L	10–18%	Daily	Low
FMCG	Ready-to-Eat Foods	₹55K–65K crore	₹1.5L–₹4L	12–20%	Lifestyle	Medium
Apparel	Fashion Jewellery	₹75K–85K crore	₹50K–₹2L	25–40%	Seasonal / Trend	Medium
Apparel	Hosiery & Socks	₹45K–55K crore	₹1L–₹2.5L	15–25%	Daily	Low
Apparel	Scarves & Dupattas	₹35K–40K crore	₹75K–₹2L	20–35%	Seasonal	Medium
Apparel	T-Shirts & Basics	₹1.2–1.4 lakh crore	₹1.5L–₹3L	15–30%	Daily	Low
Electronics	Mobile Chargers & Cables	₹30K–35K crore	₹50K–₹1.5L	25–40%	High Replacement	Low
Electronics	Earphones & Headphones	₹25K–30K crore	₹75K–₹2L	20–35%	Lifestyle	Medium
Electronics	Phone Covers & Cases	₹18K–22K crore	₹50K–₹1.5L	30–50%	Trend-Driven	Medium
Stationery	Notebooks & Exercise Books	₹40K–45K crore	₹1L–₹2.5L	12–20%	Academic	Low
Stationery	Pens & Markers	₹25K–30K crore	₹75K–₹2L	15–25%	Daily	Low
Stationery	Art & Craft Supplies	₹15K–18K crore	₹1L–₹2.5L	20–30%	Hobby	Medium
Home & Kitchen	Plastic Kitchenware	₹55K–65K crore	₹1L–₹3L	18–30%	Daily	Low
Home Decor	Small Decor Items	₹45K–50K crore	₹75K–₹2.5L	25–40%	Seasonal	Medium
Home Care	Cleaning Supplies	₹70K–80K crore	₹1.5L–₹3L	12–20%	Daily	Low
Health	Herbal & Organic Products	₹60K–70K crore	₹1L–₹3L	20–35%	Lifestyle	Medium
Health	Ayurvedic Supplements	₹35K–45K crore	₹1.5L–₹4L	18–30%	Preventive	Medium

Top 20 Wholesale Business Ideas in India with Low Investment

A) FMCG / Grocery

1. Packaged Snacks & Namkeen

Category: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods

packaged snacks and namkeen wholesale is one of the most lucrative wholesale business concepts that have low investment in India. Indians are fond of snacks, hence this is a reliable demand product. You can have suppliers of your local manufacturers or known brands and deliver to local kirana outlets, supermarkets and small retailers. The choice is endless: bhujia, chakli, potato chips, and a mixture.

The storage facilities would also be very minimal in this business because packaged snacks have a fair shelf life. Begin small and base on your locality, and then grow progressively as your network with retailers develops, and you familiarise yourself with the market preferences.

• Investment Needed: 50,000 to 2 lakhs start up stock.
• Expected Profit: 10- 20% per transaction.
• Target Customers: Kirana stores, retailers, small supermarkets.

2. Spices & Masala Powders

Category: Kitchen Essentials & Groceries

The spices are the main ingredient of Indian cuisine, so it is a perennial business idea and one of the most reliable wholesale business ideas with low investment in India. Being a wholesaler of spices, you end up buying either at the growing areas of spices or entering into an arrangement with familiar brands. The company is performing outstandingly well as spices are necessities and there is an annual demand throughout the year. Turmeric, chili powder, coriander, garam masala, and masalas that are specific to the region can be stocked.

The success formula is to keep the quality and prices competitive. Small groceries, hotels, restaurants, and catering establishments are in constant demand of large quantities of spices, which will guarantee them a constant business activity with huge profit margins.

• Investment Needed: ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 15-25% margin, depending on variety
• Target Customers: Retailers, restaurants, hotels, caterers

3. Beverages (Tea, Coffee, Soft Drinks)

Category: Food & Beverage Distribution

Beverages wholesale is one of the best businesses not to invest much in, this is due to the high consumption of tea, coffee, and soft drinks in India. You can begin as a distributor of known brands or you can buy locally. The business model is in the acquisition of cartons of drinks at a wholesale price and distributing them to retailers, offices, restaurants, and grocery stores.

In India, the market for tea and coffee is rather high, and the number of people who consume them every day is constant. The products that experience seasonal highs are the soft drinks that have a base demand year-round. There is the establishment of good relations with retailers that guarantee the insourcing of repeat orders and inventory.

• Investment Needed: ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 8-15% margin on branded products
• Target Customers: Retail stores, offices, restaurants, cafeterias

4. Personal Care Products (Soap, Shampoo, Toothpaste)

Category: FMCG Personal Hygiene Products

Beauty and personal care products are a commodity that individuals buy on a regular basis, irrespective of the economic situation, making this segment one of the most stable wholesale business ideas with low investment. Wholesale business on soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and other hygiene products is a business with a great potential to make profits with an assured demand. You are able to tie-up with various brands or target individual manufacturers at competitive rates.

The shelf life of these products is high and they do not need special storage conditions to be handled in the warehouse. The market is a premium and economic one, in which you can address the needs of various retailers. The kirana stores, supermarkets, and the medical stores maintain the constant demand of the business.

• Investment Needed: ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 10-18% margin per sale
• Target Customers: Grocery stores, supermarkets, medical shops

5. Ready-to-Eat / Instant Food Items

Category: Convenience Food Products

There has been an explosion of the ready-to-eat food and the instant food market in India with the shift in lifestyles and the growing number of the working population. Such products as instant noodles, ready-to-cook meals, breakfast cereals, and packaged parathas are becoming extremely popular. This retailing company is reflecting the increasing need for convenience, yet the taste has not been neglected.

You are able to sell different brands and varieties of theirs, including affordable and high-quality organic ones. The market target population will consist of retailers, hostels, accommodations for bachelors, as well as working professionals. Although certain products might need cold storage, most instant products have ambient storage, and hence, this is a feasible, low-investment opportunity with a potential market that can be capitalised upon.

• Investment Needed: ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 12-20% margin on products
• Target Customers: Supermarkets, convenience stores, hostels

B) Apparel / Accessories

6. Fashion Jewellery & Accessories

Category: Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories

Fashion jewellery market of wholesale comes out as one of the best ideas to have low investment in a wholesale business due to its high turnover and high margins. Indian females are accessories lovers, and fashion jewellery provides the means of updating their wardrobe at a low cost. Artificial jewellery, costume jewellery, hair jewellery and fashion ornaments can be sourced in any of the manufacturing centres such as Rajkot, Surat or Delhi. The company is not in need of a large premise since the jewellery is small.

Boutiques and jewellery retail stores, online retailers and exhibition retailers are all in the target audience. The trends shift on a seasonal basis, and therefore, it is very important to keep up with fashion tastes. When relationships with different buyers are established, it will be assured that all year long sales will be maintained.

• Investment Needed: ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 25-40% margin on products
• Target Customers: Boutiques, retailers, online sellers

7. Hosiery & Socks Wholesale

Category: Apparel Basic Essentials

Hosiery products such as socks, innerwear and simple clothing products are the necessary products, which have a sure demand among all demographics, making them one of the most reliable wholesale business ideas with low investment. It is an effective business since these are the items of repeat purchases and regular consumption. You are also able to manufacture and pull from manufacturing hubs of Ludhiana, Tirupur or Mumbai and deliver to garment stores, supermarkets and outlets of multi-brand.

Investment is not high when dealing with hosiery goods because they are small and do not need a lot of storage. Specify quality brands and have a variety of sizes, colours, and styles. The ratio may be minimal on a per-unit basis, but volume sales guarantee profitability with riskless undertakings.

• Investment Needed: ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 15-25% margin, depending on brand
• Target Customers: Garment stores, supermarkets, retail chains

8. Scarves, Stoles, and Dupattas

Category: Women’s Fashion Accessories

Fashion accessories such as scarves, stoles and dupattas are also worn in India in both traditional and modern ways. The wholesale business does well, especially during festive seasons and wedding months. You have access to the textile havens such as Jaipur, Varanasi, or Surat, which stock different materials using cotton and silk as well as synthetic mixes. The products are easily transportable and small in size, thus needing very little storage space.

The target customers are the boutique shops, ethnic wear shops, exhibition booths, and online fashion shops. Seasonal changes imply that you need to have different stocks when it is summer and when it is winter. The creation of a varied range of prices and an assortment of merchandise can be used to serve different sections of the market.

• Investment Needed: ₹75,000 to ₹2 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 20-35% margin per transaction
• Target Customers: Boutiques, ethnic wear stores, vendors

9. T-Shirts & Simple Clothing Items

Category: Casual Wear & Basics

Simple and this classification of clothing, especially t-shirts and easy-to-wear clothes, is one of the surest types of wholesale business ideas with low investment, requiring low investment with no age restrictions or other demographics. T-shirts are staple clothing for all, including children and adults. The manufacturing cities, such as Tirupur, Mumbai, or Delhi, are sources of plain t-shirts, be they in printed designs or in branded form.

The business model entails distribution to online sellers, institutional buyers, retail clothing stores, and street vendors. The relatively low margins per piece are offset by volume sales. Emphasise the remaining size, colour and fashion difference and quality consistency to develop a long-term relationship with the retailers.

• Investment Needed: ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 15-30% margin, depending on type
• Target Customers: Clothing stores, street vendors, institutions

C) Electronics / Mobile Accessories

10. Mobile Chargers & Cables

Category: Mobile Phone Essential Accessories

Mobile chargers and cables are a simple necessity that needs regular replacement as smartphones have become very common in India. This renders it a great wholesale deal that is in steady demand. Delhi and Mumbai electronics markets can also be sourced, or through the importers, directly from Chinese manufacturers. The goods are small, fast to store and possess high rotating rates.

Mobile accessory stores, electronics stores, repair stores and online sellers are some of the target customers. Have a variety of formulas such as Type-C, micro USB, iPhone chargers and fast-charging. The quality is also an important factor since customers want durable products and therefore, strike a balance between the price and the reliability.

• Investment Needed: ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 25-40% margin on products
• Target Customers: Mobile shops, electronics stores, repair centers

11. Earphones & Headphones

Category: Audio Accessories & Electronics

Headphones and earphones are a highly performing category in the line of wholesale business ideas with low investment, since people love entertainment, do jobs at home, and play games on their phones. The range of items is vast, starting with the simplest examples of wired earphones up to Bluetooth headsets and gaming headphones. You will be able to shop for electronics wholesalers or importing distributors who have different brands and prices.

The products are small and thus can be easily stored even in small spaces. Mobile accessory stores, electronics stores, computer stores, and online mediums are some of the target markets. Pay attention to the balance between low and high-end options to address a variety of customer preferences, as well as reach as many people as possible in the market.

• Investment Needed: ₹75,000 to ₹2 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 20-35% margin per sale
• Target Customers: Electronics stores, mobile shops, online sellers

12. Phone Covers & Cases

Category: Mobile Protection & Styling Accessories

Cases and phone covers have turned out to be the key accessories since individuals are spending lots of money to get smartphones and need to safeguard them. This business has very good potential as phone models keep changing, leaving the demand for compatible covers at all times. You can enter through manufacturing centres or import agents with designs that go from simple silicon covers to high-end leather and designer solutions. The products are easily transportable and small in size, thus needing very little storage space.

The customers to target include mobile stores, electronics retail shops, internet sellers, and street sellers. It is also important to keep abreast with emerging phone models and fashionable designs in order to be victorious in this competitive market segment.

• Investment Needed: ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 30-50% margin on products
• Target Customers: Mobile retailers, online sellers, street vendors

D) Stationery / Office Supplies

13. Notebooks & Exercise Books

Category: Educational & Office Stationery

Exercise books and notebooks are evergreen products whose demand is assured by the education population. The wholesale business is predominant during the academic periods but at low demand throughout the year. Paper manufacturers or other existing stationery brands can be sourced and present a variety of sizes, types of ruling and binding styles. The business itself performs especially well in densely populated regions that comprise schools and colleges.

Its target customers are bookstores, school suppliers, office supply stores, and institutional buyers. The investment could be considered medium since notebooks can be stacked and do not need any special conditions to be stored. Establishing connections with schools can be used to order in large quantities and have a steady stream of income.

• Investment Needed: ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 12-20% margin per transaction
• Target Customers: Bookstores, schools, office supply stores

14. Pens, Pencils & Markers

Category: Writing Instruments & Supplies

Writing instruments are perishable goods whose inventory has to be replenished on a continuous basis; therefore, this is one of the few wholesale business concepts that incur low capital investments. It is a wide range of basic ball pens and pencils, exclusive markers and gel pens. You can either stock products of established brands or obtain inexpensive products of manufacturing clusters.

The products are light and not so big, meaning you will be able to begin with the little storage space. The target market will be stationery shops, book shops, schools, offices, and gift shops. During academic periods, the demand will be high, and there will be offices and businesses that offer year-round needs. It provides a wide market by having different inventory at varying prices.

• Investment Needed: ₹75,000 to ₹2 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 15-25% margin, depending on brand
• Target Customers: Stationery shops, schools, offices, bookstores

15. Art & Craft Supplies

Category: Creative & Educational Materials

With the growing attention to the culture of creative education and DIY, art and craft supplies have become an important indicator of popularity. This retail company serves schools, arts classes, hobby institutions, and a single artist. The products are drawing sheets, colour papers, paints, brushes, adhesives, craft materials, as well as creative kits. You may source from special manufacturers or wholesalers of stationery.

Storing the different types of products in an organised way is necessary in the business. Targeted customers will be schools, art institutes, hobby centres, stationery stores, and web-based sellers of craft. Knowing your customer base and their needs will assist in having the right inventory, which sells very fast.

• Investment Needed: ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 20-30% margin on products
• Target Customers: Schools, art classes, hobby centres

E) Home / Kitchen / Lifestyle Products

16. Plastic Kitchenware (Bowls, Plates, Storage Boxes)

Category: Household Kitchen Essentials

The wholesale plastic kitchenware market is among the most lucrative wholesale business concepts, with low investment, as the items offered are basic household commodities with stable demand. The number of types of storage containers and lunch boxes, as well as plates, bowls, and water bottles, is astounding. You may source it from the plastic manufacturing sectors or from the ready-to-wear brands that provide quality products.

The business is viable since plastic kitchenware is sturdy, cheap, and commercially available in a range of colours and designs attractive to different preferences. The target customers are the home goods stores, kitchenware stores, supermarkets and gift stores. Dwelling on the BPA food-grade items because the consumers are health-conscious in relation to the quality of plastics.

• Investment Needed: ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 18-30% margin per sale
• Target Customers: Home stores, supermarkets, kitchenware shops

17. Small Home Decor Items (Lamps, Wall Stickers)

Category: Home Decoration & Styling

Home decoration products that target the small segments would be a keen wholesale business since the Indians are increasingly spending money on decorating their homes. The merchandise consists of decorative lamps, wall stickers, photo frames, artificial flowers, as well as candle holders, and mini figurines. They may be sourced through handicraft clusters, wholesalers or manufacturers themselves. The trend is the backbone of the business and therefore, ensuring that one remains abreast with the interior design tastes is essential.

The target customers will be home decor stores, gift stores, furniture stores, and home online styling sites. Investment is also not overwhelming since the majority of things are minute. The peak season is associated with the festivals and wedding seasons when the people are very active in decorating their homes.

• Investment Needed: ₹75,000 to ₹2.5 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 25-40% margin depending on items
• Target Customers: Home decor stores, gift shops, online sellers

18. Household Cleaning Supplies

Category: Home Hygiene & Maintenance

Household cleaning products are wholesale businesses with a stable demand and predictability among all population groups. Products It consists of detergents, cleaning the floor, dishwasher liquids, toilet liquids and cleaning accessories such as brushes and mop. You can market known brands or obtained by local manufacturers with competitive prices. They are consumer goods that move fast and they have to be repurchased frequently hence a steady flow of business.

The targeted customers are Grocery stores, supermarkets, house cleaning services, hotels and institutional buyers. The business needs a good storage area and proper management of inventory since the liquid products should be handled well. Be focused in ensuring that there are varied prices to serve various sections of customers.

• Investment Needed: ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 12-20% margin per transaction
• Target Customers: Grocery stores, supermarkets, housekeeping services

F) Health / Organic / Herbal Products

19. Herbal & Organic Health Products (Soap, Powder, Oils)

Category: Natural Health & Wellness Products

Indian reaction to herbal and organic products in wholesale has opened massive opportunities due to the increasing health awareness among Indians. These consist of herbal soaps, ayurvedic powder, organic oils, natural skin care products and conventional wellness products. You may tap the ayurvedic factories or organic brands and also directly to producer cooperatives.

Authentic and chemical-free products are valued by the market, hence quality is the key ingredient to success. Target markets are health stores, organic stores, pharmacies, wellness facilities and online health stores. Margins are good but one must develop trust in the honest products. This company is in accordance with the growing consumer trend towards natural and sustainable industries.

• Investment Needed: ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 20-35% margin on products
• Target Customers: Health stores, pharmacies, wellness centers

20. Ayurvedic/Herbal Supplements (Packaged, Low Volume)

Category: Traditional Health & Nutrition

Ayurvedic and herbal supplements are an emerging business enterprise concept with low start-up capital and expansive business potential due to the growing popularity of alternative medicine and preventive health care. Their products are immunity boosters, digestives, energy tonics, and health condition-specifics. You have an option to collaborate with established brands or certified manufacturers of ayurvedic brands to guarantee the quality and compliance. The company will need product advantages and certifications.

Pharmacies, ayurvedic stores, health food retailers and online wellness platforms are some of the target customers. The compliance of the regulations is vital- all products received must have the correct FSSAI approvals and quality certifications. Developing product knowledge facilitates consultation with the retailers and the development of trustworthy business partnerships.

• Investment Needed: ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs
• Expected Profit: 18-30% margin, depending on brand
• Target Customers: Pharmacies, ayurvedic stores, health retailers

How to Start a Wholesale Business

• Select Your niche: Select your product according to the market Demand, the interest and investment ability among products that are available in the market.
• Locate Trustworthy Monday Suppliers: Investigate and liaise with manufacturers or wholesalers that have a good product for wholesaling at a reasonable price.
• Establish the Storage Facility: Find a warehouse or a storage facility with an adequate size (volume of inventory) that fits your product.
• Incorporate Your Business: Get GST registration, trade license, and other legal licenses in order to operate legitimately.
• Build Customer Network: Find potential retailers and build relationships and reliable distribution channels.

Conclusion

There is no big groundbreaking investment needed to start a wholesale business in India, as long as the business plan is clever, knowledge of the market is gained, and effort is put into it daily. The twenty ideas on the lowest investment presented in wholesale business in this article provide some opportunities that are proven products in various fields, which include FMCG, apparel, electronics, and organic products. 

Every business thought has its own benefits in varying situations, which depend on location, know-how and accessibility to markets. The success is to select the products according to the local demand, establish solid supplier-buyer relations, control quality and efficiently maintain the inventory. It is worth remembering that wholesale business relies on trust, reliability and competitive prices but not fancy marketing. Begin small, and when starting, just specialise in one or two product groups at first and slowly increase with time as you mature and learn the market. 

FAQs

What do you think is the minimum amount of investment involved to establish a wholesale business in India? 

It takes only 50,000 to 1 lakh to set up a wholesale business, depending on the type of commodity you would like to deal with. The products, such as accessories for mobile phones or fashion jewelry, do not require substantial capital to start, unlike the FMCG or electronics.

Will I be required to register for GST using a wholesale business? 

And yes, registering for GST is obligatory for wholesale companies in India. It will also allow you to take the goods at wholesale prices and sell to the retailers legally, and comply with all the taxes.

How do I get good suppliers for my wholesale business? 

Tour production centres, visit trade shows, network with the distributor network, conduct searches in online B2B portals such as IndiaMART or contact manufacturers. Finalise suppliers by always ensuring that they are certified and that the quality of products is good.

Is it possible to operate a wholesale organisation at home? 

Yes, lots of wholesale businesses may be operational at home as long as there is a good store space. Mobile accessories, stationery, and fashion jewellery items are good products to start with home-based operations and then expand.

What are the margins of profit in the wholesale business? 

The profit margins are usually between 10 and 40 per cent based on the nature of the product. There is a 10-20 per cent margin on FMCG products and a 25-40 per cent margin on accessories and fashion products. Large volume sales guarantee profitability even when the margins of units sold are low.