33 Profitable Reseller Business Ideas

Becoming a reseller is an excellent startup choice for beginning entrepreneurs. These reselling business ideas are ideal for first-time entrepreneurs because you can start your resale businesses with low startup costs, less risk, and potentially higher profit margins.

Keep reading this article to learn about the most profitable reselling business ideas, plus learn the benefits of becoming a reseller and how to get started in the reselling business.

Best List of Best Reseller Business Ideas

Idea #1: Amazon reseller business opportunity

One of the lowest cost startups, which you could grow to replace your full-time income, is to become an Amazon reseller. You know Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world and offers beginner entrepreneurs a piece of the action.

The concept is that you buy products and sell them to Amazon who then resells them to other consumers for their online store. Here’s more information on how to profit from being an Amazon reseller.

Check out my list of the best places to buy wholesale merchandise

Idea #2: Dropshipping Reselling

This reselling business model is one where you sell products through your online store or website – but do not have to carry inventory nor pack and ship orders to your customers. Your drop-ship vendor (the product manufacturer) will ship directly to your customer. Then you will receive the profit margin between the wholesale cost of the product and the retail that your customer pays.

This is a proven business type of which many online entrepreneurs have made healthy profits and more than full-time salaries. Some trending items include; food products such as coffee and baking items. Automotive tools parts, Sporting Goods, and beauty products.

Idea #3: Used and Vintage Clothing Reseller

This proven money-making system is where you purchase wholesale clothing from vendors, fashion designers, and clothing apparel manufacturers then add markup profit margin resell them in your boutique, online store or flea market, etc.  Standard profit margins are 50%+ of the retail price depending upon the item and designer.

One of the advantages of this business model is that clothing trends always change, so there’s a constant demand for new inventory. You can also specialize in a certain type of clothing, such as children’s clothing, men’s clothing, or women’s clothing.

Idea #4: Antique Dealer

If you love old items such as furniture, china, glassware, and jewelry consider becoming an antique dealer. You can buy antiques to resale at flea markets, thrift shops, or estate sales and then resell them online or in an antique mart.

The key to success in this business is to find a niche market, such as specializing in Depression-era glassware or early American furniture.

Antique dealers who have a vast knowledge about their products can command the highest prices.

The great thing about this business model is that you can start small with a limited amount of inventory and grow your business as you acquire more antiques.

Idea #5: Fine Art Resale Dealer

If you’re art savvy and have an eye for finding pieces that will resell at a higher price, then the fine art resale business may be right for you.

There are a few things to keep in mind when starting out in this type of business. First, it’s important to become familiar with the art market and to understand what sells well. Second, make sure you have enough money to invest in this business.

As you become more established, work toward building your own art collection and reselling pieces that will increase in value over time.

If you love art consider becoming an art dealer or opening an art gallery for reselling art. You will display the artist’s work and resell their art to collectors,  and make money with commissions and gallery fees.

Idea #6: Resale Designer Clothing Boutique

A trending business idea is reselling gently used luxury designer clothing. You can obtain items from internet shops, thrift store,s and at garage sales then resell them at a profit on popular websites such as eBay and Poshmark.

Also, you could offer to sell the inventory of clothing designers and apparel firms that is excess or last season’s styles.

Tips on Starting to Resell Designer Clothing

1. Research what types of designer clothing are popular and in demand.

2. Scout for deals on high-quality designer clothing items at thrift stores, garage sales, and online shops.

3. Photograph and list your designer clothing items for sale online using high-quality images and accurate descriptions.

4. Ship your designer clothing items securely and promptly to your buyers.

5. Establish a fair return policy for your business, should you have to refund or replace an item.

6. Offer free shipping on all designer clothing items that you sell online through your reselling business.

7. Advertise your reselling business on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to build brand awareness for your business.

8. Stay up-to-date on fashion trends and designer clothing styles to offer your customers the latest products.

By following these tips, you can successfully start and run a reselling business that focuses on selling designer clothing. Happy selling!

Idea#7: Estate Sales

When someone dies, their loved ones have to deal with the process of selling all of their belongings. This can be an overwhelming and time-consuming task. An estate sales business can help take care of everything for the family, making it a much easier process.

This business idea is a combination of product resale business and service fees. Start an estate sale company that arranges to sell off the possessions of the deceased and profit from the item sales and service charges.

In this business type, you will charge service fees to set up garage sales, arrange for appraisals, and place advertisements.  Additionally, you can sell some of the more valuable items for higher profit margins.

To start this business, you’ll need to become licensed as an estate agent in your state. You’ll also need to find a good space to hold the estate sale and market your business.

Consider a warehouse space to save rent and give you plenty of room to display furniture and artwork. Check out my big list of warehouse business ideas here

Idea #8: Luxury Handbags Reselling

Luxury handbags have become a multibillion-dollar business on which you can profit handsomely. Reselling handbags is easy because there is no sizing involved and there is a very standardized pricing structure.

The best part about this business model is that there’s a high demand for luxury handbags, which means you can charge a high price for them.

Grow your profits by offering to refurbish and customize options for your handbags and purses. Many vintage handbags need to be repaired, cleaned, and restored.

Further increase your sales by including men’s products such as briefcases, wallets, belts, and hats in your fashion resale boutique.

Idea #9: Jewelry Reseller

There are many ways to become a jewelry entrepreneur. One easy way to get started is to join a direct sales company which is a form of reselling. Another is to purchase used jewelry, either costume, vintage or fine jewelry,  from estate sales and thrift shops then resell for profit.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to reselling jewelry. Just be sure to stay up on the latest trends in style and fashion so you can offer the most current selection to your customers.

Learn more about startup costs for your new jewelry business in my post here

Idea #10: Distributor Reseller

Becoming a distributor for a product line of merchandise is a form of reselling. You work directly with manufacturers and resell their products in a specific region or market.

One of the benefits of this business model is that you can often negotiate better discounts from the manufacturer and sell the products at a higher margin than if you were to purchase them retail.

In order to be successful in this type of business, it’s important to have a good understanding of your local market and what products would be appealing to your customers.

Idea #11: Broker Resale Business

Broker a broker is similar to a distributor but they often do not take possession of any products. Here they are selling large lots of items, sometimes salvage or odd lots comprised of retail store returns and overstocks.

The items are sold at a wholesale or bulk rate. The broker will markup the price to cover their administrative and shipping costs.

The best way to get started is to partner with a local or online broker that currently sells items in your niche. You can also find a drop shipper who will ship the products for you. I advise you to be patient when working with a broker because it can take time to establish trust. Once you are established, they will send you more business.

Expand your business opportunities by considering reselling items besides physical goods such as small businesses (see the next listing), timeshares, services, and digital assets such as e-commerce websites.

Idea #12: Business Broker

Reselling can be done with other valuable items besides physical products, such as a money-making small business. Becoming a business broker can be a highly lucrative endeavor.

This business idea is to match business owners who want to sell their businesses with entrepreneurs who want to purchase businesses. Business brokers negotiate the sale deal, help lawyers and accountants file the appropriate paperwork. They make money from consulting fees, listing charges, and commissions.

Idea #13: Import Export Sales

Becoming an importer or exporter is reselling because you are transferring by selling goods from one country. Successful import-export firms specialize either in a; type of product such as food, clothing or raw materials or in selling to a particular country.

To get started in this reselling business begin by investigating what products are in demand in the countries you’re interested in and then source a supplier. You can also join an organization such as the National Association of Importers and Exporters.

I recommend that you start by reselling products from global sources to the US market ( or your home place), for simplicity.

Idea #14: Online Boutique

This reseller business idea is to create your own e-commerce site and sell products. Your product line could be dropshipping items, handmade crafts or merchandise purchased for resale at wholesale prices. Online resale business is an excellent way to earn money part or full time from home.

You could start an online boutique as a reseller. This business model would allow you to sell other people’s products and take a commission on the sales. You would need to find a supplier or two that you feel confident in and have a good relationship with. Here are some tips on how to start an online boutique.

Your first steps are to create a home office where you can get started, find suppliers and learn about selling wholesale. Check out my list of the best wholesale sources of products to sell online here

Idea #15: Resell Services

You can resell the services of others and profit nicely in the transaction. An example is are becoming a booking agent for musicians, entertainers, or models. Here is where you reselling their services and making money for yourself. 

Consider opening an agency to resell freelancer services such as graphic design, web development and writing as an ad or web content provider. I launched an SEO search engine optimization agency that was very profitable, all the services were done by others I simply was the reseller.

Check out more entertainment business ideas on my list for ideas to resell.

Idea #16: Ticket Reselling

This reselling concept is similar to the ultra-successful site StubHub. They are reselling tickets for various entertainment events and profiting nicely.

Idea #17: Ebay Seller

Consider selling used items online at ebay.com  Thrift flips are where you find items in thrift stores clean them up and sell them at a profit by listing them on eBay. You are launching your own resale shop online.

Idea #18: Resell Time

Here you are selling the valuable asset of time. Selling time takes many forms, it could be the selling of time for vacations such as condo bookings or blocks of hotel reservations for conventions.

Idea #19: Reselling of Activities

This business idea is where you would be selling activities performed by others to make money. Examples would be selling flying lessons, helicopter rides, or museum tours to tourists.

A friend of mine made a fortune selling sightseeing tours to visitors from a tiny kiosk on the beach in Maui, Hawaii.

Idea #20 – Subscription Boxes

Consider creating collections of items to resell on a recurring basis to customers. The most successful monthly subscription box services are snack foods, beauty products, books, or DVD movies.

You could also consider a themed box such as bird-watching, camping, or gardening. To get started, buy existing boxes, and then contact the manufacturers of the items contained for wholesale prices.

Subscription box businesses are profitable because you can charge more than the cost of purchase and shipping by building it into your monthly pricing.

Idea #21: Refurbished Technology

Reselling used mobile devices, phones, and laptop computers is a thriving business opportunity. Refurbished used items and sell at a healthy markup profit on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Idea #22 Sell Used Books – Online or Retail Store

Reselling books can be a profitable business either online or at flea markets, etc. Consider specializing in a type of book such as textbooks, foreign language, cookbooks, or comics.

Idea #23: Reselling Wedding Dresses

Another great idea for a reselling business is to focus on selling wedding dresses. Brides-to-be are always in need of a beautiful, high-quality wedding dress, and there’s a huge market for used wedding dresses online.

A great way to get started as a reselling business is to buy gently used wedding dresses from popular bridal stores, such as David’s Bridal and J. C. Penney’s, then sell those dresses to other brides on eBay and Craigslist.

Unlike selling pre-owned clothing, it’s important that you thoroughly clean the dresses before reselling them. The last thing any bride wants is to receive a dirty used wedding dress on her big day!

Idea #24: Reselling Designer Shoes

With the popularity of designer shoes on the rise, there’s a great opportunity to start a reselling business that focuses on selling high-end designer shoes. You can find gently used designer shoes at thrift stores, online shops, and garage sales, then sell them for a profit on websites such as eBay and Shoes.com.

To make your business stand out from the competition, you could specialize in a certain type of designer shoe, such as heels, sandals, or sneakers. You could also offer free shipping on all orders and establish a generous return policy to ensure your customers are happy with their purchases.

By following these tips, you can start and run a successful reselling business that specializes in selling designer shoes.

Idea #25: Reselling Toys and Games

If you have a passion for toys and games, then a great reselling business idea is to focus on selling those items. You can find new and used toys and games at thrift stores, garage sales, and online shops, then sell them for a profit on eBay, Amazon, and other online marketplaces.

One way to make your business stand out is to specialize in a certain type of toy or game, such as action figures, LEGO, toy cars, puzzles, or board games. You could also offer free shipping on all orders and accept returns for items that are in the original packaging.

To make your reselling business even more profitable, you could also buy and sell brand-new items. Not only is this strategy more convenient for customers, but it can net you a higher profit margin as well!

By following these tips, you can successfully start and run a successful reselling business that focuses on selling toys and games online. Find out where to get the best wholesale products to sell online in my article here

Idea #26: Reselling Home Décor

Another great reselling business idea is to focus on selling home décor items. You can find new and used home décor items at thrift stores, garage sales, and online shops, then sell them for a profit on eBay, Amazon, and other online marketplaces.

The most popular, and profitable items are typically furniture, artwork, and rugs. However, you can also find success by selling smaller items like lamps, mirrors, and knick-knacks.

To make your reselling business even more profitable, you could also buy wholesale home décor items and sell them at a markup. This will require some additional startup costs, but it can be a very profitable business venture.

One way to make your business stand out is to specialize in a certain type of home décor items, such as rugs, lamps, paintings, or mirrors. You could also offer free shipping on all orders and accept returns for items that are in the original packaging.

Idea #27: eBay consignment seller

This is an eBay selling method where you sell items on behalf of others in return for a commission. This is a great side job because it can be done in your spare time while you’re still working at your full-time job, or adding extra income to build up your retirement savings.

You’ll need to have an eBay seller’s account and become familiar with the whole concept of selling on eBay. Each client will provide their items for sale, eBay auction listings, and shipping instructions. Then, you’ll receive payment from eBay after completing the sale on their behalf.

You’ll need to be open about your charges with the client; usually 10% of the total sales price (paid by eBay) or a minimum of $1.00 per sold item – whichever is higher.

Staging training sessions on how to sell items on eBay directly can also increase your earnings. You may also offer your specialized information online in a blog to both acquire new customers and earn display ad money.

Idea #28: Computer and electronics reseller business opportunity

Today’s technology moves fast, which means there’s a constant demand for computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices.

Plus you can purchase wholesale computers and other tech equipment from vendors, distributors, or manufacturers at deep discounts. Once you add your own markup percentage to the products, you can resell them for much higher than your cost.

Idea #29 – Game and App Reseller

The video game and app industries are booming. So, it’s no surprise that starting a reseller business in this category can be very profitable.

The key is to find the latest and most popular games and apps that are in high demand and then sell them at a higher price than you paid for them. You can do this by either selling them online or reselling them at a local store.

Whichever route you decide to take, make sure you have a good understanding of the market and what people are looking for. The best way to get started is to research the best-selling games and apps in your area by visiting local stores or using online resources.

My best success tip for this reselling business model is to always be on the lookout for new, trending products and to stay up-to-date with the latest industry news.

Idea #30 – Restaurant Equipment and Supply Reseller

Are you a restaurant owner or manager? If so, why not start up an equipment and supply resale business to help other eateries. As you know, restaurants are always looking for the best deals on quality supplies because it’s somewhat of an ongoing cost.

This is where your opportunity comes in. You can get great wholesale prices from suppliers and then resell the supplies to restaurants at a markup. You could also specialize in a certain type of restaurant supply, such as kitchen equipment or tableware. Another angle is to buy used equipment from restaurants that are closing and resell it to new places that are re-opening.

To get started, you’ll need to do some research on the local restaurant industry and find out what types of supplies are in high demand. Also, make sure to network with other restaurant owners and suppliers because they can be your best source of buying information.

Idea #31 – Real Estate Reseller

One of the most popular (and profitable) reseller businesses is real estate.

The reason this type of business is so successful is because people are always in need of a place to live. And, as the saying goes, it’s all about location, location, location.

If you’re interested in becoming a real estate reseller, there are a few things you need to do in order to get started.

First, you’ll need to become familiar with the market and learn about the different neighborhoods and types of real estate that are in demand. You can do this by reading local newspapers and real estate websites.

If you are located in a tourist town consider short-term rentals, or if you live near a college town plan on reselling student housing. Alternatively, if your in a commuter town near a major business center think about purchasing properties, refurbishing them and flipping them for high profits.

Second, you’ll need to have some money saved up so that you can purchase a property. And, lastly, you’ll need to be patient and wait for the perfect property to come along.

Idea #32 – Vehicles Resale Dealer

If you have interest in automobiles, becoming a reseller may be the best business opportunity for you.

Not only are cars and trucks an essential part of everyday life, but they’re also one of the most expensive purchases someone will ever make. And yet, people are always looking to acquire new vehicles no matter what their current economic situation is.

So, if you’re looking for a business with high potential profit margins, consider starting a reseller business in the automotive industry. There are many different ways to get started in this type of business.

One option is to become a licensed dealer. This will allow you to purchase cars and trucks at a discount and then sell them for a higher price.

Another option is to purchase cheap cars at auctions, refurbish them, and then sell them for a profit.

Remember to investigate business opportunities in niche markets such as motorhomes, boats and recreational vehicles in addition to cars and trucks.

Idea #33 – Software Reselling

The software reselling business is an excellent opportunity for beginner entrepreneurs to get started in the tech industry.

You can easily set up your own company specializing in selling premium software at a lower price than retails stores charge. Plus, you can sell both physical and digital copies of programs, along with licensing rights.

There are many possible ways to get started in this type of business.

One option is to become an authorized software dealer. This will give you access to popular software brands at a discount. You can then resell them at a higher price.

Another option is to find and purchase discontinued software programs that are no longer being sold in stores. You can then sell them on auction websites, online stores or even in your own software outlet.

Reselling Business Tips

What is a reselling business?

To start a reselling business you purchase products (or services) from manufacturer suppliers and then resell them to people at a higher price.

You make money from the profit margin which is the difference between the wholesale cost and the retail price that charge your customers.

You are a middle man between the manufacturer and the customer.

It is not always necessary to purchase the items or services which you resell for profit. Some reseller business models such as drop shipping and being a broker do not require the upfront purchase of items or stocking inventory.

Reselling occurs in every industry including clothing, food, toys, printing, technology, and automotive.

You can resell items online on your own website or on an e-commerce platform such as eBay Poshmark, Etsy, etc. Plus you can offer your resale items offline in retail stores, flea markets, farmers’ markets, etc.

Keep in mind that reselling does not always include physical products. Millions of dollars have been made reselling intellectual properties such as small businesses, patent rights, and services such as being an entertainment booker for musicians and actors.

10 Benefits of Becoming a Reselling Business

Here are 10 reasons why you should start a reselling business to make money part-time, as a side gig or to replace your salary so you can quit your job.

1. Low startup costs are one of the main benefits of a reselling business. You do not need to invest large amounts of capital because you are obtaining products that are already been manufactured and are ready for sale. In many cases, you will not even have to pay for products up front before you begin reselling to your customers.
2.  No need to stock inventory Many of these reselling business ideas do not require inventory or warehouses. In addition to dramatically reducing your start-up costs, you will not have to pay staff to manage inventory or pay rent for warehouse storage space.
3.  No packing or shipping Because you do not have physical inventory in a warehouse will not need to pack or ship products to your customers. Your vendor or supplier will manage the process which dramatically cuts down your labor and overhead costs.
4.  Higher profit margins Because you have reduced overhead costs your profit margins are higher. Also, you can increase your profit margins by raising retail prices.
5. Location-independent If you resell your products online you can live anywhere- such as a small town. Rural residents check out my list of great small town business ideas. You can even travel the world while making money.
6.  Manage from your phone – Using sophisticated apps and the internet, your business management, product fulfillment, and business communication both can be done on your mobile phone on the go.
7.  Flexible work schedule You choose the hours to work that are best for you – before work, after school, when the kids are sleeping or from 9 to 5. It is up to you because you are the boss of your reselling business.
8. Lower working hours Many resellers report that after the initial set up phases of their startup their daily work hours are reduced. This is because many sales processes can be automated.
9. Faster time to Launch Because you are reselling products that are currently available there is no lag time for equipment purchase and product production before you can begin selling and profiting in your business.
10. Easy expansion opportunities Once you have your business model set either with an online store or to retail channels you can easily expand your products to resell. If you sell clothing you can expand into accessories, handbags, jewelry and beauty products

As you can see reselling as a business model is an excellent choice for first-time entrepreneurs.

By using professionally-designed systems such as Shopify and sourcing products that are proven to sell you can get started right away.

Good luck fellow entrepreneurs.

What is a Distributor Reseller?

Technically distributors are a type of reselling. They buy products from manufacturers and resell them to retail stores that ultimately market them to the final customer/user.

Most distributors have a close relationship with the manufacturer and may distribute multiple lines of products within a category such as food distributors.

Most distributors physically stock inventory and thus are an extension of the manufacturer. Some distributors are responsible for product branding and marketing of these products.

How do I start a reseller business?

Becoming a reseller is a great way to start your own business with very little investment. There are a few things you need to do before you can become a reseller.

The first step is to find a supplier. You will need to find a supplier who sells products that you want to resell. Once you find a supplier, you will need to create a business relationship with them.

The next step is to create a business plan. Your business plan should include information about your business, including what products you will sell, your pricing strategy, and your marketing plan.

Once you have created your business plan, you will need to register your business with the government. You will also need to register for sales tax and file your taxes every year.

Once you have registered your business, you will need to create a website and start marketing your products. You can use social media, email marketing, or paid advertising to market your products.

If you follow these steps, you will be on your way to starting your own reseller business.

What services can you resell?

The types of services you can resell for profit vary greatly. If this is your first time starting a reseller business, it is best to start with something that has low competition and demand such as educational classes, workshops/seminars or coaching sessions.

Other types of services to resell as an agent or as part of an agency include graphic design, home repair, writing, app development and college placement consultantations.

What products can you resell?

Many products can be resold for profit, including clothing, electronics, furniture, even food! The most profitable products to resell are usually in high demand and have low competition, so choose your products wisely.

When starting a reseller business, it is best to start with products that you are familiar with and have a passion for. That way, you will be able to sell them with more confidence and knowledge. Do you love to knit focus on craft supplies, or if you are a home beer maker consider reselling brewing supplies and equipment.

If you are unsure of what products to sell, do some research online or speak to other resellers to get ideas.

How much money does a reseller make?

This really depends on the products that you decide to sell. Generally, the more expensive and in-demand the product is, the more profit you will make.

A reseller typically makes anywhere from 20% to 50% profit on the products they sell.

There are many factors that go into how much money a reseller makes, such as overhead costs, shipping and handling fees, and inventory costs.

It is important to do your research and factor all of these costs into your pricing strategy.

When starting out, it is best to set your prices a little lower than what you expect to make in order to attract customers. You can always raise your prices later if needed.

RESOURCES – Reseller Trade Association

Check out this resale trade Association filled with educational and resources and support professionals – National Association of Resale Professionals

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