39 Best Business Ideas For Sales Professionals (2023)
Are you a sales professional looking for the best sales business ideas?
Sales professionals can create their own business from scratch and use their skills to market products or services to target customers.
Whether you love books, you are a talented musician or are just passionate about an idea, you can change your passion into a small business idea.
If you are interested in finding the best sales business ideas for sales professionals, we put together 39 of the best sales businesses you can start today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of the sales business to help you see what it really takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a B2B sales app
A B2B sales app is software used by sales professionals to manage leads, create orders, generate quotes and close deals.
According to statistics, 72% of B2B buyers highly value the convenience of self-service access to accounts and orders.
A B2B sales app may have features such as an automated lead generation system, a lead scoring system, and automated follow-ups, to help the sales professionals improve sales performance by speeding up the ordering process. Another feature may be the ability to give customers access to the salespersons' product catalog so that they can self-order conveniently.
If you're thinking about starting a B2B sales app, start by validating the idea by reaching out to sales professionals for recommendations, and check to see what they say about particular solutions they might already be using.
Hi Everyone, I’m Steve Benson and I’m the founder and CEO of Badger Maps.
I started the company 7 years ago, and today, we’re making $3.3 million a year and have 60 employees.
2. Become an eBay seller
eBay sellers sell new and used clothing, electronics, books, collectibles, and other items on eBay. If you are new to the eBay marketplace, it is best to start slowly, learn the landscape and its rules, and focus on growing your sales.
Whether you want to make some extra cash or clear out unwanted items from around the house, it is easy to get started selling on eBay.
Some things you'll need to do to get started:
- You must choose, and source products to sell, create, and verify your eBay business account.
- Personalize the eBay account and policies, set up payment details, and ensure you adhere to eBay rules and regulations.
Once you're up and running, you can boost your eBay sales using these marketing and promotion tools available provided by eBay.
My name is Chris Casseday, and I am the founder of 513 Kicks, an online sneaker shop that offers collectible athletic shoes at unrivaled prices. I founded 513 Kicks in 2017, but I have been selling sneakers online for over 21 years. The type of sneakers that are featured in the shop are ones that are in high demand, vintage, or bring feelings of nostalgia to my customers. In other words, these are not sneakers that you’ll find at your local brick and mortar retail store today.
Prior to launching 513 Kicks, selling sneakers online would bring in some money for me on a sporadic basis - $100 one month, $500 the next. Now, after almost two years, the average profit per month is around $2,000. The biggest shift came through branding my selling efforts as “513 Kicks” as opposed to just another guy that loves sneakers, and sells them occasionally. This added a layer of credibility that has resulted in me making new connections, easily obtaining new inventory with large profit potential, and much more.
3. Start an etsy shop
Etsy has been around for over a decade, and the platform has become more popular for creators, entrepreneurs, and consumers.
The platform started as a place for crafters to sell their supplies and handmade goods. Now it has become a venue for artists and small businesses of all kinds to sell their products.
If you just started your shop or want to sell your products on Etsy, there are many different ways to kill on the platform. With the tips and advice of Etsy sellers who’ve been in your position, you’ll soon be successful!
Hi, I’m Jess. I’m 34 years old from Tasmania, Australia. I started Chasing Planner Peace back in 2015 when I was pregnant with my third child. Originally we were based on Etsy and only sold planner inserts, however, we’ve now turned into a one-stop planner shop that caters to seasoned “planner addicts” who want to add to their planners, and also planner newbies who love the fact our shop is the only store in Australia you can custom build your own ring planner style planner.
Over the past few years, we’ve really expanded our range to not only offer planners and inserts, but also planner dashboards (beautiful cover pages), dividers, notepads, stationery items and more. We also recently started our subscription box service where every two months customers can receive a “Planner Peace Box” which is full of planner and self-care goodies. We have so many more plans for new products in 2020.
4. Start a bedding & pillow kiosk
A bedding & pillow sales kiosk business sells mattress covers, fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases, comforters, shams, quilts, and bed skirts.
Research has shown that the global home bedding market size will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 7.9% in the next decade.
The growth in demand attributes to the boom in the housing sector and the growing consumer spending on home furnishings, which have expanded the growth scenario for the market.
Therefore, a sales professional looking for the best sales business idea stands a chance to increase their income if they start the bedding & pillow sales kiosk business. To start your bedding & pillow sales kiosk business you need skills and the knowledge of sourcing good designs and high-quality materials. Also, you need proper negotiation skills so you can maximize your profit margins.
Follow these steps to start your bedding & pillow sales kiosk business.
- Decide how much you are willing to invest
- Research the market
- Come up a name for your bedding kiosk
- Choose a strategic location
- Acquire business licenses
- Get the required insurance for your business
- Obtain inventory for your kiosk
When you have your bedding & pillow sales kiosk business running, you can scale your sales by showcasing your beddings with professionally edited photos. In addition, sell your bedding online, in-person, and in whatever channel your target consumers feel convenient to use.
I’m Colin McIntosh, Founder & CEO of Sheets & Giggles, a pun-based, eco-friendly bedding brand that launched in May 2018 on Indiegogo with our first product: lyocell bed sheets made from eucalyptus trees.
That’s me in the middle after winning Denver Startup Week back in September.
5. Start a dropshipping reseller
Drop shipping is a retail fulfilment method in which the retailer does not keep goods in stock but instead transfers customer orders and shipment details to either the manufacturer, another retailer, or a wholesaler, who then ships the goods directly to the customer.
Drop shipping doesn't require much investment and it has a low risk because it doesn't require upfront costs. Besides, dropshipping can be a profitable business model for merchants since they do not pay for shipping or cost of product manufacturing.
To start the business follow these steps:
- Choose a niche
- Perform competition research
- Find a reputable manufacturer/supplier
- Build an online store
- Market your store
- Analyze and improve your offering
If you do not want to create a dropshipping business from scratch, you can find a dropshipping business for sale on exchange marketplace.
Hello, my name is Kamil Sattar. I am an entrepreneur who’s developed many six-figure drop shipping businesses. I’ve also created systems to maximize opportunities in different markets and I’ve started companies in many industries. One of those companies specializes in helping people who are seeking to create drop ship companies of their own.
Of course, with every store that I open, I am able to learn new things. With every new thing that I learn, it helps me improve my system that I use to create these six and seven-figure stores and it helps me improve my process for helping others generate their stores.
6. Become a gift basket seller
A gift basket is typically a bundled gift filled with presents and delivered to the recipient at home or the workplace.
The gifting ritual is an old practice, and regardless of the occasion, people love giving each other gifts (and receiving them). According to data, the global gift market’s worth is estimated at $62 billion, with 62% of Americans preferring to give personalized gift markets over expensive items.
If you love unique gifting, starting a gift basket business could be a gratifying and fun business idea. Many gift basket shops choose to operate entirely online since an online business allows them to work from anywhere, while customers can also purchase at their convenience.
I’m Lindsay Scholz, and I’m the founder of Vowed Box Co. – a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind.
Since the brand is still in its infancy and we’re still working through wholesale costs, my monthly income is roughly $600. For being a side business, I look at any profit as a win, but of course, the goal is to see this grow in 2019!
7. Start a baking YouTube channel
Do you have a passion for baking? Do you know that you can create a baking channel and earn money selling your recipes and videos online?
Ideally, a baking YouTube channel involves recording the process of preparing baked foods, teaching your audience how to mix the ingredients, and also taking them through the entire process.
When you gain subscribers and watch hours on your channel, you can monetize the videos or allow YouTube to put ads on them. With the baking videos channel, your potential to earn money depends on the ad format, the ads appearing while content is playing and price of the advert featured, and other YouTube set factors.
To create a successful baking video sales business, you need to work on some skills before you can launch the channel:
- Basic baking techniques
- Teaching skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Filming and video editing skills
Once you have acquired those skills and you are set to start, follow these steps to start your baking video sales business:
- Watch example YouTube cooking shows
- Figure out the best approach that works for your schedule
- Create recipes, film and edit
- Create a storyboard for each show before filming
- Create a social media profile to promote the channel
8. Start an online book store
Bookselling is the commercial trading of out-of-print books or collectibles. If you are an avid reader or just love selling online, opening an online book store in the age of Amazon and massive retail stores can be a rewarding and fun business. You can sell books on sites like eBay, Abebooks and other high-traffic bookstores.
You can write and self-publish your own books, and sell to fans directly, or resell books by different publishers. Alternatively, you can venture into the vintage, rare or out-of-print books.
To start a bookselling business follow these basic steps:
- Find a niche and create an inventory
- Develop a book brand
- Source the books you plan to sell
- Launch and market your online store
To compete effectively, differentiate your bookselling brand and be hyper-focused. Focus on delivering a curated experience so you build a community of book lovers.
My name is Nick Thacker, and I’m a full-time author of thriller and action-adventure novels. I write in the same genres as Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, James Rollins, and Lee Child, and my main series is about a Yellowstone park ranger named Harvey Bennett. Most of my readers are 45 years old and up, about 50/50 men/women, and the vast majority of my sales come from Amazon (either directly or through Kindle Unlimited, where I’m paid based on pages read).
I started writing back in 2011, but it was never something I thought I could do full-time. I was working a 9-5 job and I eventually realized I was making more by writing than I was at the day job, so I quit. Today, I’m pulling in about $10,000 a month on the low-end, and up to $20,000 during a heavy promotion or launch period.
9. Sell used appliances
The global second-hand appliances market is flourishing rapidly due to the rise in the income of lower-class consumers. Further, the global market for second-hand appliances is anticipated to achieve a Y-O-Y growth rate of 7.45% in the next few years.
With the growing need for appliances rising, starting a used appliances business can be a way to earn extra cash or even a side hustle.
To get started, target the areas with a growing population or middle-income areas where consumers choose to save money on appliances by opting for gently used or refurbished appliances. Then, register your used appliances business and create a business plan.
Find an ideal location and complement it with an online presence.
You may purchase used appliances from the used appliances stores, social media sales pages, auctions, estate sales, and auction websites such as eBay.
10. Start a sell albums and 8-tracks
An 8-track cassette is a magnetic tape sound recording technology that was popular from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s.
Album and 8-track cassettes from the 20th Century have become hot collectible items, so if you have a passion for collecting and reselling old-school music, an album and 8-track cassettes business can be a profitable venture.
An album and 8-track sales business will focus on buying and reselling the records for a profit. To start, spend time at the flea market to locate and purchase secondhand albums and 8-track cassettes. Target the music lovers, particularly those who love the 60’s-80’s music.
When you have enough collectibles, you can set up an online store or a brick-and-mortar store within the target market to maximize your reach. Be sure to mark up the products by at least 200 percent, and in the case of a highly in-demand product, you can increase the margins accordingly.
11. Sell construction equipment
The global construction market is set to grow to $222.14 Billion in the next few years. Therefore, the construction equipment business is one of the ideas that can be rewarding to sales professionals.
Reselling heavy construction equipment can be a great way to earn some cool cash. The construction equipment can include heavy-duty vehicles, engineering equipment, and heavy hydraulics.
Before launching, conduct feasibility studies and collect the address and details of all the construction sites and construction companies within your reach. Then, write a business plan focusing on the construction sites and companies listed above. Finally, to profit from selling construction equipment, source it carefully from manufacturers with a good reputation.
My name is Mat Hofma, and I created Mini Materials. We sell miniature masonry and woodworking supplies like cinder blocks, red bricks, pallets, lumber, and even molds to pour your own cinder blocks.
Since then we've expanded to different styles of mini masonry and even kits to build models.
12. Sell auto alarms
Although cars come with an inbuilt alarm system, owners choose to upgrade the alarm systems to keep the vehicles safe from thieves.
Therefore, the auto alarm sales and installation business is in high demand and can be lucrative to start as long as you love things to do with car alarms and GPS tracker systems. To ensure professional services, consider undertaking the alarm technician’s course. Through the course, you will learn how to install or service the alarm systems and related components.
Some of the services offered by alarm sales and installation professionals include fitting alarms and immobilizers, tracking devices, upgrading the existing systems, fault diagnosis, and repairs.
Before starting, research the car alarm industry in your area and check the current alarm installation prices, the alarm trends, and find out what customers want.
13. Sell aircraft spare parts
Aircraft spare parts businesses supply aircraft builders, owners, pilots, and aviation businesses parts such as batteries, Aural warning module assy, brake Assy, constant speed drive and many others.
With the demand for aircraft parts projected to reach over USD 47.33 billion in the next few years, starting an aircraft spare parts business can be profitable.
Before you start an aircraft parts and equipment business, research and understand the heavy federal oversight and regulation involved to ensure aircraft remain airworthy. In addition, research the competition so you understand the landscape fully and define where your market fits in.
Your success odds may improve substantially when you franchise and leverage a successful brand through either a franchise or turning your competitors into collaborators.
14. Sell laundry machine parts
The global washing machine demand is projected to reach $80.24 billion in the next decade. Besides, more households are becoming inclined to automated household chores such as washing machines due to the ability to save time eliminate the physical effort and reduce the drying time.
Therefore, the washing machines demand is projected to grow, and if you have a passion for reselling the washing machine parts, it is a good time to start the business. Based on the above factors, the demand for washing machine parts and accessories at the assembly line, parts replacement and repair will continue rising. Before you start the laundry machine parts business:
- Research and gain the experience in the laundry industry
- Carry out market research to understand which parts are in demand
- Determine which parts are in demand
- Identify the target market
- Pick a prime venue
- Set up an online shop
To increase your business potential, consider partnering with a laundry machines assembly line and seek agreements with the machines repair shops.
15. Sell camper van conversion kits
We are Bryan+Jen Danger, a couple who broke away from the 9-5 years ago to live a life focused on happiness and simple/nomadic living. We traveled extensively by van as we sought out wilderness/adventure and returned to urban environments to be around friends and family.
16. Start a data management software company
My name is Chelsea Rhoads and I am the CEO/Co-Founder of pup-eeze, the smartest device on four legs. pup-eeze is a wellness tracker for dogs that tracks activity, monitors location and automates our dog’s lives by connecting them with hundreds of smart home devices giving ourselves and our dogs the ability to monitor, maintain and change the environment of the home if we’re concerned about separation anxiety or well-being.
We’ve had great success speaking with and testing the wellness tracker among those who love their dogs and love technology. We thought, “we bring our dogs on every other journey with us, why not include them in the technology journey as well?” With the overwhelming support from the technology community we were able to strategically partner with an emerging leader in the IoT enterprise solution field; Fathym.
17. Start a dollhouse manufacturing and sales business
18. Sell digital products
Digital products are top-rated. They’re easy to create and share and a great way to build a business.
Digital products can be software-based, like an app or game, or information-based, like an ebook or course. They can also be something else entirely—like a membership site or a community. The possibilities are endless!
So what makes digital products such a great way to build a business? Well, first of all, they’re effortless to create. You don’t have to hire anyone else to do it for you; you can do it yourself! And because there’s no risk of having inventory sitting around in your garage, digital products can be sold directly from your website without worrying about moving merchandise.
I’m Codie Sanchez, and I am the Founder and owner of Contrarian Thinking. Our mission is to free minds and build the bank accounts of our readers. Specifically, we strive to help one million people become financially, philosophically, and physically free.
We currently have over 100,000+ newsletter subscribers and a community of over 1.5 million people across our social media platforms with a run rate of $3m this year.
19. Sell vitamin supplements
My name is Nik Hall and I’m the founder of Vitafive - an all-natural custom vitamin pack. When
Today, we still sell the custom gummy vitamin packs however we also sell delicious gummy vitamins in eco-friendly packaging (pouches rather than bottles) to retailers like Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, H-E-B, and several other retailers across the country totaling 6500+ doors. We will hit near $3m in revenue in 2021 and are continuing to grow.
20. Sell e-books
An e-book business is a venture that involves selling digital versions of books online. To start an e-book business, you will need a website or an online platform to sell your e-books, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Smashwords.
To successfully run an e-book business, you must decide what types of e-books you want to sell, such as fiction, non-fiction, romance, or children’s books. Choosing the kind of e-book will help you target a specific audience and market your e-books effectively.
Then, you can write your e-books or source them from other authors. (If you choose to source e-books from other authors, you must negotiate terms and royalty agreements). After deciding the e-books to sell, choose an online platform or website where you will sell your e-books, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Smashwords. You must create an account, set up your e-book listings, and choose a pricing strategy.
To promote your e-books, you can use social media, email marketing, and other online marketing strategies to promote your e-books and reach potential customers. You can also consider offering promotions and discounts to encourage sales. Finally, provide excellent customer service: Respond to customer inquiries and complaints promptly and resolve any issues promptly and satisfactorily. Customer service will help you build a positive reputation and encourage repeat business.
By following these steps, you can successfully run an e-book business and reach a wide audience of readers.
Hi, I’m Naveen Joshi and I co-founded AllAuthor with my brother, Mady Joshi. We started AllAuthor together five years ago as a book promotion platform focused on helping self-published authors to market their books.
Readers’ accounts on AllAuthor are entirely free of cost. Readers can browse through the various book and author listings, find ebooks at discounts and search for books from multiple genres and book types.
21. Sell stock photos
Stock photography is the supply of licensed photographs for specific uses. If you have a camera and love traveling or taking photos, you can start your own stock photo business.
Create a stock photography website and upload the best shots to start your stock photography business. To ensure professional images, you can hire freelance photographers and photo editors. Alternatively, you can invest in a professional camera and learn the art of photography before launching your business.
Running a stock photo website allows you to create unlimited earning potential. Besides, stock photographers enjoy flexible working hours and have the potential for passive income.
Hi! I'm Viktor and I run a free stock photo site picjumbo. Anyone can visit it and download any photo of mine for free, without any registration or email input, and use it for their blog, website, Instagram, or even a billboard.
While all photos are free, you can buy the All in One Pack to download all the free photos to your computer at once or sign up for PREMIUM Membership to get access to more unreleased photos, entire collections, and extra content every month. Together with advertising, these are the main sources of income and currently, picjumbo is above the $10,000/month mark.
22. Start a sales coaching program
Hey Everyone, my name is Rahul Alim and I am the founder of Custom Creatives, a Digital Marketing Agency that helps connect business owners with their dream client, AKA, The Peoples Agency.
Monthly revenue is often the indicator many people use to determine the success of an agency or individual. While I don’t disagree, I put more emphasis on the success of our clients and the fact that we retain clients for many years, and in our case, many for over a decade. We have consistently been over 7-figures year over year.
23. Start an ecommerce reselling business
An eCommerce reseller purchases services or goods for resale rather than consumption. Becoming an eCommerce reseller is a great way to launch an online business without worrying about production costs.
To start an eCommerce reseller business, you do not need a website immediately! You can focus on a social media-based reseller business and create a website later as your business grows.
My name is Greg Shuey and I am the founder of Empyre Off-Road. Empyre Off-Road is an online e-commerce business that sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner vehicles.
24. Sell building materials
A building material business trades materials used in the construction industry.
The building materials include loose rocks, sand, iron, bricks, cement, poles, cement, and all other materials the building contractors need. Your target market will be building and construction managers, hardware, and contractors.
To promote your business, get featured in industry magazines and online forums. Create a website and ensure an active online presence through social media and SEO.
My name is Mat Hofma, and I created Mini Materials. We sell miniature masonry and woodworking supplies like cinder blocks, red bricks, pallets, lumber, and even molds to pour your own cinder blocks.
Since then we've expanded to different styles of mini masonry and even kits to build models.
25. Sell cake pops
26. Sell cosmetics
27. Sell firewood
Starting a firewood business can be a great opportunity for those looking to enter the wood industry or simply wanting to supplement their income. This business involves sourcing, cutting, and selling firewood to customers for use in wood-burning stoves, outdoor fire pits, and other heating purposes.
To get started, you will need a reliable wood source, such as a woodlot or access to a sawmill. You will also need proper equipment, including a chainsaw, splitting maul, and possibly a wood splitter if you plan to sell pre-cut and split firewood. In addition, you will need a way to transport and store the firewood, such as a pickup truck or trailer.
Marketing your firewood business will be key to success. You can start by reaching out to local customers through word-of-mouth and advertising in your community, such as through flyers and online classifieds. You may also consider setting up a website and social media presence to showcase your products and services.
Running a firewood business can be physically demanding, as you will be handling and cutting large amounts of wood. However, with the right knowledge, equipment, and marketing strategies, you can turn your love of woodworking into a profitable enterprise.
28. Sell junk
29. Sell firearms
30. Sell vacuum cleaners
31. Estate seller
Estate sale companies, also known as estate liquidation or tag sale companies, offer a cost-effective way of selling the entire contents of loved ones' estate after their death or divorce.
The increased aging population is one of the factors boosting the demand for estate sale businesses. Moreover, more than 2.4 million divorces occur annually in the US, and each requires the services of an estate sale liquidator.
Therefore, starting an estate sale business is a viable business opportunity.
An estate sale business is a low startup venture and often simple to start. Besides, estate sale businesses feature a straightforward and scalable business model as you can choose when to work and where to work.
If you are interested in starting this kind of business, first study the market dynamics and decide if it is the right business. Then, come up with a business plan and a marketing plan so you can get your brand known to customers.
32. Sell used motorcycles
33. Sell lawn ornaments
34. Sell sandals
35. Sell security vehicles
Starting a business that sells security vehicles is a great opportunity for anyone looking to tap into the growing demand for enhanced security measures. Whether you are looking to sell armored vehicles, surveillance vans, or any other type of security vehicle, there are many opportunities to succeed in this market.
To start this business, you will need to research and understand the needs and preferences of your target market. This will involve identifying the types of security vehicles that are in demand, as well as understanding the features and technologies that are most important to potential buyers. You will also need to establish relationships with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure access to high-quality products.
Once you have identified your target market and established your supply chain, you will need to develop a marketing and sales strategy to reach potential customers. This may involve building a website, creating marketing materials, and using social media to reach potential buyers. You will also need to invest in customer service and support to ensure you can provide a positive customer experience.
Overall, starting a business selling security vehicles is a great opportunity for anyone looking to make a difference in the world of security and protection. By understanding the needs of your target market and developing a strong marketing and sales strategy, you can build a successful business that provides valuable products and services to your customers.
36. Sell drones
37. Start a sales training YouTube channel
38. Sell products on Alibaba
39. Sell tickets
The ticketing business involves the sale of tickets for events, such as concerts, sporting events, and theater productions. The business typically involves purchasing tickets from the event organizer or ticketing company and reselling them to the public at a markup.
To run a successful ticketing business, it is essential to have a reliable source of tickets, a strong marketing strategy, and a clear understanding of the demand for the events you sell tickets for. It is also essential to have a system for tracking ticket sales and handling customer inquiries.
One essential tip for success in the ticketing business is to offer a wide range of ticket options, including VIP packages and seating options, to appeal to different types of customers. It is also essential to stay up to date on industry trends and to be flexible to adapt to changes in the market.
Finally, building solid relationships with event organizers and ticketing companies can be crucial for securing a steady supply of tickets and for negotiating favorable terms for your business. By focusing on customer satisfaction and building a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy ticket seller, you can establish a successful ticketing business that thrives in the competitive entertainment industry.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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