25 Best Wholesale & Distributor Business Ideas (2024)
Thinking about starting a wholesale business, but still looking for the perfect idea?
We put together a list of some of the best wholesale and distributor business ideas we could find (based on real-world data from our 3,000+ case studies).
Whether you're looking for small distribution business ideas, or wholesale business ideas with low investment, read through this list and you'll find some that might really inspire you.
Here's 25 profitable wholesale and distributor business ideas you can start in 2022:
1. Start a children's clothing business
The children's clothing business has grown rapidly over the last few years, and in 2022 was valued at $263.30 billion.
Starting a children's clothing business gives you the opportunity to be your own boss while working in a field you enjoy. While you have to be prepared to work long hours and put in lots of hard effort, it can be extremely rewarding if successful.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Argentinian startup Bambox has grown its monthly recurring revenue to $60,000 and ships more than 1,100 boxes of baby essentials a month, a figure expected to help it achieve an annual recurring revenue of about $750,000 in 2019, after launching its first subscription service in July 2017.
2. Start a jewelry wholesaler
If you are considering starting a jewelry business, jewelry wholesale is a thriving market.
Jewelry wholesalers purchase personal ornaments such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets made from jewels and other precious metals and sell them to the customers at a profit.
When starting a jewelry wholesaler business, find the perfect jewelry niche, one in which you can reach the target customers easily. Then, create a detailed inventory and select a proper distribution channel to get the right customers.
How much you can make: $12,000 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Silverbene, a silver jewelry design and manufacturing company, supplies over 3,500 jewelry stores worldwide, sending out over 90,000 items per month with a revenue of $450K USD per month, using information technology to standardize the production process and paying attention to international fashion trends while designing products.
3. Start a kitchen utensils distributor
The global cookware market size has been growing rapidly, and it is expected to expand at an annual growth rate of 6.5 for the next years.
One way to profit from the growing market is to start a utensils wholesaler business. To start, decide what kitchen utensils to focus on, then identify the best manufacturers so you supply quality to your target customer.
How much you can make: $78,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
PDD Falcon is a family-owned brand that manufactures premium stainless steel storage and drinkware, serving over 5 million customers across 18,000 pin codes in India with a projected revenue of Rs 12 cr and valuation of Rs 25 cr for FY 2022-23, achieved through a network of 40 distributors and various major online portals.
4. Start a snacks distributor
Pretty everyone loves a treat from time to time. If you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you can tap into the demand by starting a snacks wholesale business.
Snacks can be very profitable, especially if you choose the natural low-sugar or sugar-free snacks. Remember, consumers are turning to natural and organic-inspired snacks because they perceive them as healthier and made without natural, artificial additives, and the trend is growing worldwide.
Therefore, research the target market and partner with suppliers who focus on meeting the demands of modern customers.
How much you can make: $41,700 — $99,999/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Ka-Pop! is an Ancient Grain snack company that has grown over 300% per year, reaching nearly $10 million in annual sales by 2021, through innovation, passion, demos, social media, TV appearances, and driving relationships with retailer partners.
5. Become a gifts and handicrafts distributor
Handicrafts are handmade products representing a nation's or tribe’s culture, values, and traditions. Gifts and handicrafts play a vital role in allowing people to show love and appreciation.
Therefore, if you are looking to start a business that promotes culture and beliefs, you can become a gifts and handicrafts wholesaler. The target market can be businesses specializing in corporate or social gifting such as birthday gifting, anniversary gifts, or other special occasions.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $39,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Baltimore in a Box founder Ross Nochumowitz created a customized gifting company that allows customers to easily send iconic products from Baltimore to loved ones anywhere in the world, resulting in steady business growth with minimal digital marketing efforts and expanding into corporate gifting with orders increasing year after year.
6. Start an automobile parts business
The automobile wholesale business sells auto parts to other businesses. This can include anything from car seats and tires to the engine oil and brake pads. The main goal of the automobile parts business is to source the items at a lower price and sell them to retailers at the wholesale price so that their customers can make a profit when they resell the products.
The typical customer base for this type of company will be auto repair shops, car dealerships, and body shops. Before you can open the automobile wholesale business it is good idea to research the market to see how the competition is, and know which parts are in demand.
How much you can make: $45,000 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 3000 days (?)
This case study follows an inspiring 22-year-old entrepreneur who started an eCommerce store for aftermarket vehicle accessories, making 5x the amount of money he used to make per month, and generated over $90,000 in sales last year.
7. Start a building and construction items distributor
A building and construction items distributor business involves sourcing and supplying a range of products needed for construction projects. These products can include everything from building materials and tools to plumbing and electrical supplies.
To run a successful business in this field, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the construction industry and the specific products needed for different types of projects. Building solid relationships with suppliers and contractors is also key, offering competitive prices and reliable delivery services.
Another important aspect of this business is staying updated with industry trends and new products that may be in demand. It is also essential to have a strong marketing strategy to attract new clients and stand out from competitors.
To start this business, it is essential to conduct market research and determine the specific products and services in high demand in your area. Having a solid business plan in place and securing the necessary financing to cover startup costs and inventory is also essential.
Overall, a building and construction items distributor business can be a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs with a passion for the construction industry and a strong focus on customer service and building solid relationships with clients.
How much you can make: $1,100,000 — $1,250,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 590 days (?)
Concrete Countertop Solutions, a small but dedicated team that has grown from an idea to over $12M in revenue in 10 years, has succeeded by expanding into the swimming pool industry and investing in advertising, with their instructional videos and targeted social media campaigns contributing to their accelerated growth.
8. Start a furniture wholesaler
A furniture wholesaler business is a company that specializes in the sale of furniture to other businesses, such as furniture retailers, interior designers, and commercial spaces. These businesses usually purchase furniture in bulk at wholesale prices, then sell it at a markup to their own customers.
The main focus of a furniture wholesaler business is sourcing and purchasing high-quality furniture from manufacturers and suppliers. This can include everything from traditional furniture like sofas and dining room sets to more specialized items like office chairs and outdoor patio furniture.
To run a successful furniture wholesaler business, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
Maintain a wide selection of furniture: To appeal to a diverse range of customers, it’s important to offer a wide selection of furniture styles and designs. This includes classic and modern styles and furniture made from different materials like wood, metal, and leather.
Source high-quality furniture: The quality of your furniture will significantly impact customer satisfaction. Make sure to work with reputable manufacturers and suppliers who offer durable and well-made products.
Build strong relationships with your customers: Building strong relationships with your customers is key to success in the furniture wholesale business. This includes offering excellent customer service, providing timely delivery, and being flexible with custom orders.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends: To stay competitive, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the furniture industry. This can include keeping an eye on new materials and styles and keeping track of changes in consumer preferences.
Overall, a furniture wholesaler business offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to help furnish homes and businesses worldwide. This business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture by focusing on quality products, excellent customer service, and staying current with industry trends.
9. Become a herbal and ayurvedic products distributor
Experts anticipate that the global ayurvedic herbs market will reach $21.6 billion in the next few years. They attribute this market increment to the product's ability to preserve health and wellness by keeping the mind, body, and spirit balanced and preventing diseases rather than treating them.
With the growing demand for herbal and ayurvedic products, selling these herbs and spices on Alibaba is a great option for entrepreneurs interested in starting an online business.
You can simply list the products on eCommerce platforms or start dropshipping service.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
How long does it take to build: 356 days (?)
Peace. Love. Hormones. is a female reproductive health company creating a women's reproductive health movement, which has grown from an initial order of 100 units to 10,000 in just 9 months, and offers herbal nutraceuticals, a menstrual health app, a podcast, and eBooks.
10. Start a hospital equipment distribution
A hospital equipment distribution business involves sourcing and distributing medical equipment to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This can include everything from basic supplies such as gloves and bandages to specialized equipment like surgical instruments and diagnostic machines.
Running a successful hospital equipment distribution business requires a thorough understanding of the medical industry and the specific needs of healthcare providers. It is important to have a reliable network of suppliers to source high-quality equipment at competitive prices and to establish strong relationships with hospitals and other clients to ensure consistent and reliable delivery.
Adequate inventory and logistics management is also crucial to success in this business. This may include implementing systems for tracking and restocking supplies and coordinating with transportation companies to ensure timely delivery.
To start a hospital equipment distribution business, entrepreneurs should research the market and identify gaps in the current supply chain. They should also consider partnerships with established medical equipment manufacturers or distributors to access a broader range of products.
Finally, it is important to have strong communication and customer service skills to ensure that clients receive the products and support they need. This may include providing technical support or training on using specific equipment.
Overall, a hospital equipment distribution business offers a valuable service to the healthcare industry and can be a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs with the right skills and resources.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
KOGLAND Commerce Pvt Ltd is one of India's fastest-growing online surgical supply stores, with a ten-fold increase in revenues, steady growth in online traffic, aggressive hiring, and scaling up plans, following a hybrid model of stocking and selling fast-moving consumables and surgical products.
11. Become an organic food distributor
How much you can make: $900,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Drake's Organic Spirits, the largest organic alcohol company in the US and the first to achieve all five certifications, has achieved success through producing sustainable spirits that are good for both consumers and the environment, and has experienced rapid growth, with a 2020 sales of 40,000 9L cases and projected sales of over 100,000 for 2021.
12. Become an apparel wholesaler
How much you can make: $6,000/month
This case study is about a former fitness apparel founder who established a UK-based bespoke and white-label sportswear manufacturing wholesaler, driving £55,000 in revenue through sales up to November 2019, with 300 organic monthly visitors and 35% gross profit margin.
13. Start a textiles business
How much you can make: $1,233 — $284,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Puppet Pelts founder Laurie Nickerson explains how she started her company by filling a void in the market, grew it primarily organically through word of mouth to become a leader in puppet skin textile manufacturing, and is currently expanding her product line to include unique shags and colors.
14. Start a hospital equipment distribution
A hospital equipment distribution business involves sourcing and distributing medical equipment to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This can include everything from basic supplies such as gloves and bandages to specialized equipment like surgical instruments and diagnostic machines.
Running a successful hospital equipment distribution business requires a thorough understanding of the medical industry and the specific needs of healthcare providers. It is important to have a reliable network of suppliers to source high-quality equipment at competitive prices and to establish strong relationships with hospitals and other clients to ensure consistent and reliable delivery.
Adequate inventory and logistics management is also crucial to success in this business. This may include implementing systems for tracking and restocking supplies and coordinating with transportation companies to ensure timely delivery.
To start a hospital equipment distribution business, entrepreneurs should research the market and identify gaps in the current supply chain. They should also consider partnerships with established medical equipment manufacturers or distributors to access a broader range of products.
Finally, it is important to have strong communication and customer service skills to ensure that clients receive the products and support they need. This may include providing technical support or training on using specific equipment.
Overall, a hospital equipment distribution business offers a valuable service to the healthcare industry and can be a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs with the right skills and resources.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
KOGLAND Commerce Pvt Ltd is one of India's fastest-growing online surgical supply stores, with a ten-fold increase in revenues, steady growth in online traffic, aggressive hiring, and scaling up plans, following a hybrid model of stocking and selling fast-moving consumables and surgical products.
15. Become an organic food wholesaler
How much you can make: $400,000/month
True Leaf Market, an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO, and organic seeds, growing supplies, and starter kits, has grown to a profitable $400k/month business, with revenue diversified across their website, 3rd party online sellers, Amazon, eBay, brick and mortar health food stores, and fulfillment services, and plans to continue growth through acquisitions and onboarding 50 to 100 new SKUs monthly.
16. Start a home goods business
How much you can make: $25,000/month
Blush Boutique Co is a successful boutique in historic downtown Greeley, Colorado that started with just a few pieces of clothing and quickly grew to making $25,000 a month with a highly curated and beautiful space filled with quality products and an amazing community.
17. Become a coffee wholesaler
How much you can make: $90,000/month
Rwandan immigrant Mike Mwenedata co-founded Rwanda Bean Coffee Company, which increased revenue from under $3,000 per month to over $45k per month in less than one year, by sourcing and roasting single-origin coffee from Rwanda and investing 50% of the profits back into the farm communities.
18. Start a hygiene product company
Starting a hygiene products business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. This type of business involves producing and selling products that help people maintain cleanliness and personal hygiene, such as soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
To start and run this business successfully, you will need to have a solid understanding of the market and the needs of your target customers. You will also need a reliable source of raw materials, such as oils and fragrances, to create your products.
In addition, you will need to have a good business plan in place, including a marketing strategy and a financial plan. You will also need to be willing to invest time and resources into research and development to ensure that your products are of high quality and meet the needs of your customers.
Finally, it is essential to have a solid online presence to reach a wider audience and market your products effectively. This can include a website, social media accounts, and an email list to stay in touch with your customers.
Overall, starting a hygiene products business requires a combination of market research, product development, and effective marketing. With hard work and dedication, this business can be a rewarding and profitable venture.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $5,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 332 days (?)
A hygiene solutions company founded by Jonathan Bradford now earns £500k/month, after years of developing a wall-mounted antibacterial wipe dispenser that is used in health clubs, workplaces, and in over 100 locations worldwide, and also developing an electronic washroom hygiene monitor.
19. Become a chocolate wholesaler
How much you can make: $12,000/month
Rescue Chocolate is an NYC-based vegan, organic and fair-traded chocolate company that donates profits to animal rescue organizations and has partnered with hundreds of fundraising groups in 8 years.
20. Become a luxury goods wholesaler
How much you can make: $300,000/month
Maxwell-Scott is a British-born luxury leather goods company handmade in Tuscany that sells to AB degree-level educated professionals with high disposable income and is now taking $400,000 a month across websites in 7 countries.
21. Start a gym equipment supplier
How much you can make: $150,000 — $1,200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,025 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Gym and Fitness is one of the largest online retailers of home gym equipment in Australia and New Zealand, servicing 450 customers a week and generating $150k/month in revenue, and founder Dave Barnes shares tips for aspiring founders.
22. Start an outdoor sports store
How much you can make: $25,000 — $660,000/month
How long does it take to build: 376 days (?)
Australian woman launches affordable activewear store with only $150 and now sees over $1.5 million a year in revenue, using Shopify as the sales platform and Facebook and Instagram campaigns as the best source of advertising.
23. Start a grains distributor
How much you can make: $99,999/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Ka-Pop! is an Ancient Grain snack company that has grown over 300% per year, reaching nearly $10 million in annual sales by 2021, through innovation, passion, demos, social media, TV appearances, and driving relationships with retailer partners.
24. Become a computer parts wholesaler
25. Start an ice cream wholesaler
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
