Trading businesses are companies that buy a variety of products from wholesalers and manufacturers to sell to retailers, or directly to customers. Often the largest commercial enterprises have their own storage units, where they store products in bulk, readily available for transport. Smaller trading units purchase products in small quantities, or based on the orders they receive from customers, so it may take longer for them to ship items.
Like all businesses, trading involves its fair share of risks. But it’s a good starting idea because it’s a ‘low investment, high return’ type of opportunity. So all you need is a deep understanding of the market your products are aimed at and a great business model to support your vision.
However, there are a variety of different trading markets and a multitude of products to choose from. Deciding which items to trade can be tricky.
In this article, we bring you some ideas about the best commercial business ventures you can undertake. These ideas have been chosen after studying the various trading business markets in detail and selecting the items that will bring you success.
1. Clothing
You can never go wrong with a clothing trading company because customers will always need them. Not only that, customers are always looking forward to new styles and new trends. So, if you’re someone who has a knack for understanding the ever-changing sensibilities in fashion, look no further.
With a small investment, you can run a successful clothes trading business. You need to create an inventory and make it available for potential customers to see. You can either build a website or create business accounts on various social media platforms.
Remember to start small and gradually expand your inventory after you find some success. T-shirts, in particular, sell like hotcakes. But there are some outlets that only sell t-shirts, so your catalog needs to stand out from the rest if you want to succeed.
2. FMCG
Just like clothes, customers will always need everyday items like groceries, toiletries, cosmetics and medicine. These items fall under the large umbrella of fast-moving consumer goods, which is another profitable trading business idea. But unlike clothes, you need a large inventory of merchandise because customers prefer to get most, if not all, items from a single source. Customers also tend to buy these items in bulk.
You’ll also find more success if you have home or in-store delivery options, so customers can get exactly what they need, in no time. Try including exciting offers and discounts for bulk purchases and returning customers.
3. Jewelry
Jewelery offers a new and exciting market for entrepreneurs looking to make it big in the trade industry. Like clothes, jewelry is also a fashion item, so it is always in demand. Due to the ever-increasing demand for imitation jewelry, nowadays independent sellers make and sell their own jewelry without any hassle.
As a jewelry dealer, you can provide a marketplace for independent jewelry makers who have creative design ideas but no platform to sell their designs. However, you must have a keen eye for design. Like trading clothes, start with a small inventory and then gradually expand, offering to offer custom-made jewelry, suitable for every customer’s request. People love to add a personal touch to their rings or necklaces, so this would definitely attract attention.
4. Books
If you’ve made it this far, you must have realized that the best items to trade for are necessities and must-haves. Books are no different in this respect. Everyone reads books and most of them are ready to sell the ones they no longer need.
Consider investing in a used book business. As a used book dealer, you must build an extensive catalog of books of all kinds. Include novels, school/college textbooks, graphic novels, travel books, as well as those that are expensive or hard to find.
A good place to find books in bulk would be wholesale used book markets. You can also include offers for your customers through which they can buy a book from you in exchange for a book they bring. You can also invest in a bookstore that sells brand new books, but you need a substantial investment for that.
Now to you
What is your favorite business idea? Or do you have a more profitable idea to share? Please let us know!
