Do you want to go big in distribution and sales? Then, wholesale business ideas should drive you to achieve your entrepreneurial goal. Venturing into businesses that sell in bulk or obtaining a distributorship can help you reach out to wider markets, not limited to local regions, but finding customer bases on the interstate and national fronts. We have provided the top 20 profitable wholesale business ideas In India. This includes types of businesses, trends, categories, and hubs.
Distribution channels for wholesale businesses
Wholesale businesses cater to supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, and specialty stores. They are intermediaries between the production line and the end user. Wholesalers procure goods in large quantities at a discount from the manufacturer and eventually resell them to entities like other businesses and companies at higher amounts. Wholesale businesses need large spaces for storing inventory. They must also ensure that goods are pristine before reaching the retail market.
Types of wholesale businesses
When you want to start a whole business, understanding its types is crucial, and also, depending on the kind you choose, it will help decide the investment and funding.
- Merchants in wholesale business buy in bulk and sell at a higher price to retailers (the most common type)
- Brokers make deals between wholesalers and retailers for goods and pricing.
- Distributors sell to larger areas and bigger volumes according to a predetermined agreement.
Let’s look at the wholesale business ideas that can begin with low and medium investment. The germ for such business ideas has evolved from the necessities of villages and tier-1 and tier-2 cities. Though there is a natural growth of establishments in metros, investments are low in smaller towns and urban areas, leading to immense opportunities for setting up some of the businesses mentioned below.
Wholesale Business Ideas In India
Clothing and apparel business
Clothes and apparel never go out of season, with sarees and children’s clothes being the most sold products in the market. With a projected growth of 3.42% (CAGR) from 2024-2027. Women’s apparel holds the largest share among various clothing segments, with 99% of sales going towards affordable clothing(non-luxury). You can find wholesale businesses for sari and kurti with a price range of as low as Rs.99 to Rs.250. Buyers have varied choices of clothes for different age groups. The latest styles and trends, yet selling at nominal prices, still garner profit in the wholesale clothing market for readymade apparel. This business can begin with a low-investment business that is also profitable in a short period if you sell variety and suitable fashion. This is one of the sought-after Wholesale Business Ideas In India.
Wholesale cloth & apparel markets in India
- Delhi – Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar Market, Karol Bagh
- Surat- Gandhi market
- Mumbai – Mangaldas Market
- Bengaluru- Chickpete
- Kolkatta – Burrabazar
- Jaipur – Resham Gali
- Amritsar- Raja Bazaar
- Tamil Nadu – Tirupur Textile Market
Ayurvedic products
Alternative medicine has become popular again as people use ancient medicinal treatments and medication for long-term benefits. Hence, an expected rise of 11.89% (CAGR) for ayurvedic products, probably surpassing $10408.51 million by 2028. This has given rise to many wholesale distribution businesses in every city and town, wherein ayurvedic products are used for healthcare and solving various body ailments. Ayurvedic products need medium investment and knowledge. However, it is a lucrative business that complements naturally into the health and wellness industry.
Top wholesale Ayurvedic products
- Revitalizer
- Hair growth
- Muscle building
- Immunity booster
- Supplements
- Skincare
Distribution of snacks & condiments
Our country is known for its unique tastes and culinary flavors. Wholesale distribution of snacks and condiments will allow all the people from across the country to experience the specialties of different regions. The projected growth for the snack and condiments market is at 15.62% (CAGR) for 2024-2028. This sector is still untapped, however, it is growing rapidly due to increased interest in understanding different cuisines and appetite for snacks. Proceeding with a wholesale business in villages, tier-1. Tier-2 cities have the best logistical advantage for wholesale business.
Top wholesale condiments & snacks in India
- Pickles
- Jams
- chutneys
- Aloo bhujia
- Sev
- Chakli
- Rusk
Imitation jewelry
With the increase in gold and precious metal prices, imitation jewelry has become statement pieces for all occasions. The market has grown exceptionally over the years with an estimated revenue generation of $ 27.12 billion by 2030 at a 6.6% (CAGR) growth rate. Since a huge public and entertainment industry clientele, imitation jewelry has met expectations with varieties you won’t get in real jewelry stores. The jewelry sold is made from wood, metal, terracotta, shells, resin, paper, feathers etc. Wholesale businesses such as these work in all cities. These are medium investments with great returns when you pick the right kind of jewelry with a target market size.
Top wholesale locations in imitation jewelry India
- Delhi- Sadar Bazaar
- Mumbai- Chor Bazaar
- Jaipur- Johari Bazaar
- Kolkata- New Market
- Hyderabad- Charminar market
- Ahmedabad- Manek Chowk
- Chennai- Pookadai Street
- Bangalore- Chickpet
- Indore- Sarafa Bazaar
Mobile phones and Accessories
If you are looking for Wholesale Business Ideas In India, then mobile accessories are the ultimate one and surging like anything. With mobile phones reaching every nook and corner of the country and even village-level adoption of digital technology, it has provided a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to invest in whole mobile phone and accessories businesses. Over the years, this sector has seen a considerable growth rate and prediction of 10% (CAGR) till 2031 with an increased user base every year. Depending on the cost range of mobile devices and accessories that form a part of your stock for sale, it may be a medium to high investment. However, it is a lucrative proposition as people love to buy new phones with the latest features and also accessories that come with them.
Top wholesale business mobile phone accessories
- Batteries
- Chargers
- Headsets
- Portable speakers
- Selfie sticks
- Power banks
- Phone covers (protection)
- others
Stationery business
No matter what, even if the world has gone digital, stationery supplies will remain a necessity. From offices to educational institutions, the demand will never recede. The stationary business is currently worth Rs. 4000 cr. with an 8.2% (CAGR) growth rate till 2029. A huge untapped potential of this largely unorganized sector is positively trying to bridge the gap between requirement and supply. Over the years, the kind of stationery required may depend on the trends. However, starting a wholesale business can work well in tier 1 and tier 2 cities with a huge demand to fulfill. A wholesale stationary venture can begin with medium investment, and revenue generation will scale up as the business grows.
Top wholesale business stationery products
(paper and non-paper products)
- Paper and paper products ( notepads, exercise books, writing sheets)
- Office Supplies (envelopes, post-its, staplers, folders, scratch pads)
- Writing implements (pencils, pens, erasers, art tools)
- Greeting cards, thank you letters, personalized items
- Computer Stationery (ink cartridges, toner)
- School stationery (notebooks, textbooks, folders, pen stands, laptop consumables)
Gifts and Handicrafts business
The country has many interesting places to explore, each with its unique experience and culture. People visiting and otherwise support local artisans by buying handicrafts and knick-knacks. Wholesale business ideas can be a venture in gifts, and handicrafts have gained considerable momentum in the past few decades, enabling an economic growth rate of 7.7% (CAGR) till 2028. Entrepreneurs from villages and tier-1 and tier-2 cities can venture into this business, which needs minimum funding with various government schemes to help raise loans and funds.
Top wholesale gifts and handicrafts products
- Metal
- Art ware
- Jewelry
- Woodware
- Textile products
- Terracotta ware
Organic food business
Many people switching to healthy lifestyles and eating chemical-free food have returned to eating organic foods, creating a demand for organic goods business. Strong sentiment for health and well-being and rising income levels have predicted a market projection of 22% (CAGR) till 2028 as per the rising demand for organic products. Villages, tier-1, and tier-2 cities have quickly picked on this surge and set up distributor systems to cater to organic foods from vegetables, grains, fruits, pulses, cereals, etc. Most financial institutions and government schemes help you avail loans and financial backing for such ventures. It is a part of small wholesale business ideas in India, as you can start with a few organic products and increase the number of SKUs as a business scales up with revenue and demand.
Top wholesale organic products
- Processed food
- Oil
- Seeds
- Cereals & Pulses
- Millets
- Sugar
- Spices
- Condiments
- Tea & coffee
- Fodder
Health and beauty care products
Beauty and health products have taken center stage, with every person conscious about their health to look good. Hence, a massive demand for such products gives opportunities to enter such a business, which needs medium investment to initiate the venture. The Indian health and beautycare products market has steadily risen at 4.3% (CAGR) and will continue until 2025. These are relatively recession-proof and are good income-generating options for entrepreneurs. Tier-1 and tier-2 cities form great hubs for health and beauty wholesale businesses.
Top wholesale health and beauty products (as per ranking)
- Haircare products
- Oralcare products
- Skincare products
- Fragrances
- Color cosmetics
Grocery
Food consumption has exponentially increased with population and standard of living. Hence, the wholesale business consists of selling various flours (wheat, millets), spice mixes(coriander, cumin, cinnamon), granulated powders (rava), and many more that are part of staple diets. It is a lucrative business proposition as there are quick returns on investment as these staples are fast-moving goods. According to the CAGR, an 8% growth till 2028 is predicted. The government provides subsidies for such grain wholesale shop setups, enabling proper grain distribution in remote and backward regions of the country.
Top wholesale grocery items
- Packaged food
- Unpackaged food
- Drinks
- Tobacco
- Household products
Green products (eco-friendly)
The number of eco-friendly products flooding the markets due to consumer awareness has shown tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs to start green product businesses. These businesses have seen a significant rise of 75% in the past decade. Selling jute bags, bamboo straws, and other biodegradable items that help protect nature has a big market in cities and is already part of rural consciousness. Tapping into a potential market with future scaling options is a great idea with low investment business sourcing from local manufacturing units. The government supports such endeavors and assists in such investment ideas.
- Jute bags
- Organic cotton
- Mangowood products
- Bamboo toothbrushes
- Solar powered gadgets
Agricultural products
Since most of our economy is based on agriculture and around it, agri-related businesses seem to work well from supplying seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural equipment, etc., as wholesale business distribution ideas. The expected agricultural industry growth rate is 10.5% till 2032. Many ventures in this sector get government backing as it enables the farmers. These businesses work well in rural regions and tier-2 cities wherein there is a constant shuttle of farmers to sell their wares and buy agri products for the new season. It needs a medium investment with financial institutions supporting entrepreneurs for wholesale agri-product businesses.
Top wholesale business agri products sold (ranked in order of production)
- Milk
- Pulses
- Jute
- Rice wheat
- Sugarcane
- Groundnut
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Cotton
Automobile parts business
As automobiles increase on the roads, their parts and other car essential selling businesses will always have sales. Setting up a wholesale business for different car parts and essentials like engine oil, spark plugs, hub caps, batteries, etc., often needs large investments. A continual 2% annual growth of whole automobile parts will continue until 2030. However, some investors know that selling automobile parts is lucrative and will invest in such businesses because it is a profitable wholesale business idea that enables new entrepreneurs to start in tier 1 and 2 cities.
Top wholesale automobile parts sold
- automobile body parts
- lighting
- tires
- oil
- engine parts
- electrical parts
- Car Accessories
Sports Equipment
The increased interest in sports due to the country winning several medals and laurels in the international arena in the recent decade has motivated the young generation to take sports seriously and find a future. Sports equipment like cricket kits, badminton, bats, tennis racquets, football, basketball, etc. and their accessories for the game form a part of the Wholesale sports equipment business. There will be a predicted annual growth of 7.2% (CAGR) for the demand of the sports equipment market until 2028. It requires medium investment, works in tier 1—and tier 2 cities, and is slowly working its way to rural levels, making it one of the best wholesale business ideas.
Top wholesale sports equipment sold
- Cricketing kit
- Basketball
- Hockey sticks
- Badminton
- Football
- Tennis
- Golf
- others
Disposal products
An excellent way to prevent wastage of water and time cleaning up, disposal products have become part of our daily use. These are one-time usage articles that get discarded after use. Several articles, from disposable gloves, utensils, tissues, packaging items etc., can be part of the small wholesale business ideas in India. The annual market rate will grow at an average of 6.2% (CAGR) until 2033. These businesses have scope in tier 1 and tier 2 cities, and with low investment options availed through loans, they will fulfill your desire to be a wholesale entrepreneur of disposable products.
Top wholesale disposable products sold
- Styrofoam plates, cups etc
- Areca palm leaf disposable dinnerware
- Disposable products from sugarcane pulp (dry) or bagasse
- Paper plates, straws, cups
- Bamboo straws
- others
Cosmetics wholesale distribution business
Cosmetic usage has increased with advertising and the glamour world influencing people’s choices. Hence, setting up a cosmetics wholesale business has the potential benefit of scaling up quickly. Understanding the trends and people’s tastes will help pick products such as creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, and other beauty products that sell more in the market. A predicted 10.91% growth in the next five years (2028) is likely for the cosmetic market in India. This venture is the best wholesale business idea that can work in any region and has medium investment and funding, which is possible through loans from financial institutions.
Top cosmetic products sold
- Deodorants
- Talc
- Face cream
- Facial cleansers
- Depilatory creams
- Hair gel
- Perfumes
Handmade soap
Soaps with customized shapes and scents made from natural ingredients are a big hit for users. Scented handmade soap distribution in a wholesale business is gaining momentum. It is a minimum investment business. The annual growth is steady, with a rise of 3.8% (CAGR) expected until 2028. These form good gifting options or personal usage. Entrepreneurs have good marketing potential in tier-1 and tier-2 cities to sell to the retail market for profit while working well as small wholesale business ideas in India.
Top handmade soaps sold
- Handmade luxury bath soaps
- Herbal bath soaps
- Turmeric bath soaps
- Olive oil bath soap
- Glycerin soap
- Alovera soap
Home appliances distribution business
Development reaching most regions of the country, especially electricity and kitchen appliance usage, has increased manifold. Electric stoves, microwaves, electric kettles, chimneys etc., have become a significant business opportunity for entrepreneurs to utilize and profit from in the long run and an exciting wholesale business idea. The projected annual growth is 6.47% (CAGR) until 2028. As demand increases, more kitchen gadgets will be part of Indian homes. This business needs medium investment depending on whether you choose local brands and do wholesale home appliances distribution business.
Top wholesale home appliances sold
- Refrigeration appliances
- Cooking appliances
- Washing and drying appliances
- Heating and cooling appliances
- Kitchen Appliances
- Other home appliances
Home décor and furnishings
It is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India, with a huge demand across all regions and a great distribution system. This business has seemingly better potential in upcoming urban sectors, with both financial institutions and government agencies providing loans. The home décor and furnishings business has projected a steady 6.72% (CAGR) growth rate until 2028. Starting a home décor business requires medium investment and proper market strategies while ensuring on-time shipment and packaging, which will help you scale up your business and revenue generation. Looking at the growth rate, we can recommend one of the lucrative wholesale business ideas in India.
Top home décor markets in India
- Delhi – Amar Colon, Kirti Nagar Market
- Gurgaon – Banjara market
- Mumbai- Chor Bazaar, Chincholi Bunder Link Road, Turbhe Market, Oshiwara Street Market
- Cochin – Jew Town
- Ahmedabad- Ravivari Bazaar
- Pune- Bajirao Road
Fashion Accessories business (footwear, belts, bags, etc.)
Fashion changes every season. However, accessories are a part of every apparel, from hats, bags, belts, sunglasses, etc. Sticking with the trends and knowing your target audience is important as this wholesale business is competitive, but it is one of the best wholesale business ideas. This business is growing rapidly and has seen a significant 20-30% annual growth, with the actual market size being even bigger. The business setup may require a medium investment, depending on the brands you choose to sell.
Top fashion accessories sold in the wholesale market
- Jewelry
- Hats
- Scarves
- Belts
- Purses
- Watches
- Sunglasses
- Hair accessories
Why do certain wholesale businesses work in India?
The top 20 profitable wholesale business ideas showcase the most popular business ideas that work in India, including rural villages, towns, and cities. Knowing India is not a capital-rich country, most mentioned businesses require minimum to medium investments. While some of them are part of government initiatives, they receive subsidies, tax rebates, discounted loans, etc.
How do you beat the competition in wholesale business set-ups?
All businesses face stiff competition locally and nationally, while even foreign goods are part of the competition, too. We shall say that identifying business opportunities and investing in the best wholesale business ideas at the right time while constantly evolving and developing will help beat the competition and stay relevant.
What is the key to a successful wholesale business venture?
Finding the right opportunity and investors who believe in your idea form the two pillars of wholesale setup. Researching and analyzing the wholesale business well, which requires huge volume handling according to a schedule, can make or break your endeavor to start a wholesale business.
Takeaway
Recognizing the huge potential of India’s growing economy and scope to set up wholesale business ventures successfully is what entrepreneurs set out to accomplish. Several investment avenues have opened up over the last few years, and newfound areas to establish businesses have led to a driving force of change and growth of wholesale businesses in the country. The need to understand the evolving market needs of the country and sustain with changing policies in the direction of development can help achieve success with wholesale business ideas.