20 Low Investment Business Ideas With High Profit [2024] - Shiprocket (2024)

Starting a business is a massive responsibility and can be overwhelming for a lot of entrepreneurs. However, not following the monotonous 9-5 office routine anymore and making all decisions yourself is one of the world’s best feelings.

Not everyone is able to turn their dream of running a business into a reality due to lack of funds. Now we have a solution for you!

Here are some practical ideas that we think can help you make high profits without burning a hole in your pocket.

Watch this video and get started:

Here is a list of low investment business ideas, that will yield good profits. You can now start your own business and turn your passion into a profession. Let’s have a look at some of the small investment businesses in India.

Most Profitable Low-Investment Business Ideas in India

If you have expertise in a niche, nail it. Remember, specialists get paid more. Turn your proficiency into a profitable business without investing a heavy amount initially.

Here is a list of the most lucrative business ideas to start with today in 2024:

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is one of the best small profitable business ideas these days. It is a retail fulfillment method where you can open an online store without storing any inventory. Thus, you don’t need to invest a penny in inventory and can start a business with limited funds.

Whenever the store makes a sale, the product is purchased from a third party and directly shipped to the customer. Simply put, you make a sale, pass the order to the supplier, and he ships it to the customer on your behalf. Thereby, you don’t have to store or handle the inventory. It saves your time as well as money.

Products can be curated from more than one supplier. However, it is suggested that you first order a sample product from suppliers to ensure their reliability and that the products’ quality fits the online store.

With the dropshipping model, you don’t need to focus on buying or storing inventory. You can concentrate entirely on the marketing of the online store and customer service. Notably, your store’s trustworthiness will depend on the quality you offer and the order fulfillment strategy you adopt. Hence, it is one of the top small investment businesses in India. You must keep a check on both to ensure business success.

It is a low-investment business idea through which you can also test the market and find out the best one before investing in your own products and launching them.

Courier Company

Being one of India’s fastest-growing markets, starting a business in the courier industry is yet another low-cost business idea with high profit. A recent shift in the eCommerce industry has inevitably helped the courier service business to grow at an incredible rate.

At the place of starting the business right from scratch, which might cost a lot, you can consider taking a franchise from a well-established courier company. Many reputed courier companies are offering their franchise at a nominal price. Besides, you also get access to their technology-related infrastructure and training and development.

Online Bakery

The online food business is one of the most popular small profitable businesses in India. And bakeries are quite popular as well. If baking is your cup of tea, you can consider starting a bakery and get paid by sharing homemade recipes. The best thing about this business idea with low investment is that you can start it from your kitchen itself. All you need is an oven and ingredients!

Cakes are an integral part of all celebrations. But, you can consider selling other baked items as well, like different types of bread, muffins, cookies, pizza, etc. It is not just a unique business idea but a profitable one as well!

While companies like Ovenfresh took many years of hard work to reach where they are today, many business owners are able to raise numbers in just a few months by taking their businesses online. Just register the bakery on various online food delivery platforms to increase its reach.

Online Fashion Boutique

With people becoming more fashion-conscious, the fashion and lifestyle industry in India is on a surge. India’s online fashion trade is expected to grow to USD 111.40 billion by the end of 2025. Therefore, an online fashion boutique is one such small, profitable business idea that you can consider.

You necessarily don’t need to be a fashion designer but a fashion enthusiast to make money by selling your sense of style online!

One of the good low-investment business ideas, an online fashion boutique is very simple to open and can be started at home. You can curate the items from different vendors into your online store (using the dropshipping model), or design and produce in-house. Choose a niche and create a brand.

From dresses to accessories and footwear to jewelry, build your brand around single or multiple product niches. Notably, the quality of the products, customer service, and fulfillment strategies will play a significant role here.

Sell a Service

With a service-based business, your time is the inventory. It is your most significant investment, as well. To get started with this business idea, you need to have a skill that is in demand, adding value to your customers’ lives.

Writing, blogging, web designing, photography, fitness training, and calligraphy are some specific skills around which you can start a business. You can register yourself with the various freelance marketplaces to increase your chances of getting discovered by the people who require your skills. Besides, your social media handles can help you the best in marketing and spreading the word around. It is indeed the best business to start.

Digital Assets

You can think of selling digital products. They are the best low-investment business idea because you need to create a digital asset just once and then you can replicate it and sell its copies. In a nutshell, the cost of product production is zero. Also, you can use computers and online tools to create a digital product.

Lending Library Services

Are you a passionate reader who has collected many books but struggling with what to do with them all? Don’t worry; there’s a simple solution that does not involve selling your beloved books.

Consider starting an online store where you can lend them to other book lovers. By monetising your assets, you can continue to enjoy your collection while also making a profit from it. Starting a membership library with an annual subscription fee is a great way to give book readers the joy of reading without the financial burden of buying books.

By sharing your love of books and starting an online lending library, you will also contribute to a culture of sharing while earning some extra income. One can also initiate a book exchange option to purchase used books for your members.

Create an App

Apps are mostly software written to be used on smartphones. There is a lucrative market for developers who can create functional and quality apps to meet customer requirements.

App developers can work from anywhere, provided they have a good internet connection and a Software Development Kit (SDK). Developing an app can cost from nothing to a huge amount of money, depending on the complexity and usage of the app.

It can be a simple game, a to-do list app, or something complex like WhatsApp or Instagram. There are free app development tools available that can help you build a simple app without requiring knowledge of programming languages.

Digital Marketing

With the internet becoming a source of information and a compelling medium of communication, there is a great potential to build solid client relationships and promote the services or products associated with a business.

Digital marketing has become a necessity for businesses, allowing them to reach their target audiences, acquire and retain customers, enhance engagement, and drive sales. However, it is a rapidly evolving field that requires constant upskilling. If you have experience in marketing, this is an area you can look into.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a marketing model that involves promoting businesses’ products on your site or social media account, and in exchange, a percentage cut of the sales or commission is received.

Starting affiliate marketing requires very little investment and is a good business idea if you have a website with high traffic. If you do not have a website or blog, you can start affiliate marketing through the affiliate marketing programme offered by Amazon.

Online Tuition/Coaching Class

If you are interested in teaching, conducting online classes would be a great source of income. The classes can be for science, mathematics, spoken English, essay writing, and many more, depending on your expertise.

The increasing demand for online education has broadened the scope of online coaching services. It is a low-cost business idea, with the only investment being a good laptop or personal computer with a strong internet connection and your subject expertise. Various platforms, like Zoom or Skype, make it easy to provide online coaching remotely to students.

Recruitment Services

There is always a requirement for capable employees in any organisation. The Human Resources (HR) department ensures the recruitment of the right candidates for the organisation.

Recruitment services are one of the highest-paying businesses that involve creating clear job descriptions, checking resumes or applications, considering past candidates, implementing an employee referral programme, and shortlisting candidates to appoint, them for jobs.

All this is possible from the comfort of your home while earning a great commission from the organisation. It would be best to tie up with reputable organisations to, in turn, build your reputation as a good recruitment services provider.

Blogging/Vlogging

Blogging and vlogging (video blogging) can become great money-making solutions. It is an interesting business idea for performance artists to showcase their talent and gain more followers and recognition in the online world.

Certain vlog platforms pay you based on the number of views generated through your video, while others earn through advertising revenues generated through Google AdSense.

For bloggers and vloggers, the investment is a computer and a website to put their content on. Heavy investment in cameras and editing tools is also not required to shoot vlogs, although good shooting skills through a phone and editing skills will help.

A Personal or Virtual Assistant

People with good organisational skills are in high demand. There are many tasks that a personal or virtual assistant can handle without being onsite. It can be basic secretarial work or front-desk functions for different clients done from home. The tasks can be like keeping track of calendars, making flight arrangements, and doing office work.

Errand/Concierge Service

Although one can order almost all services or products online, it is not easy for old and non-tech-savvy people to do so. Tasks like grocery shopping and doing small errands are time-consuming and tiring for the elderly.

Errand/concierge services that are specifically catered to the older generation for an hourly rate or by task would help them to a great extent. It is a revenue-generating and mentally rewarding job. You can also offer these services to working professionals with hectic schedules.

Virtual Bookkeeping and Accounting

Bookkeeping helps businesses keep proper records for taxation and financial management. Virtual bookkeeping provides the flexibility to provide accounting services for a client remotely. It is increasingly in demand as it is an arrangement that benefits both business and bookkeeper in terms of cost and flexibility.

It only requires access to the secure network of the organisation and the accounting software to work on. One can also work with multiple clients, thus generating an added source of income.

Social Media Agency

In the digital age and cut-throat competition, almost all companies want to market their products digitally. They are willing to spend big budgets on advertising through various digital channels and paid social media posts and campaigns.

Running a social media agency can be a brilliant small business idea if you have a sound knowledge of marketing, branding, communication, social media, and web presence management. You can start your business venture to help other companies establish a robust digital presence.

All that you require is a few computers, skilled professionals, and an office to start with.

Printed Products

Though this is a dropshipping model only, the main focus of printed products is offering customized products. This is your go-to option if you have an eye for graphics and aesthetics. You can either use your own designs or offer your customers an opportunity to create their designs. You can offer different print on demand products like t-shirts, phone cases, hoodies, hats, and much more.

Handcrafted Products

The internet and the advent of technology have opened the doors for artisans to broaden their horizons by going from artists to professionals. Unlike retail stores that acquire their products from multiple sources, handcrafted businesses produce products in-house. Their primary focus is on providing a personal touch to the consumers that no other businesses can.

Whether you make candles, soaps, pottery, and even sauces, you are in a position to start a unique business. Here, product development and procurement are in your hands, quite literally.

For instance, candles are no more used just during a power cut. Now, they are more of a home décor item and are widely used as gifts for different occasions as well. Consumers want to buy candles in various fragrances. They like to buy unique and customized products. Similar is the case with other items.

You can either start with a small batch or on a pre-order basis until you generate consistent sales.

Self-Improvement Coaching

Self-improvement courses are very much in demand these days. People have skills and ambitions, but they need guidance and direction on how they can achieve heights in their life.

Self-improvement coaching is a service-based model. You can teach your customers how they can prepare themselves to achieve their intended goals. You can also offer niche-specific courses and certifications.

How to Start a Small Business?

Here are some steps you must follow before putting the wheels in motion.

1) Make a robust business plan

The first step in starting a small business is creating a business plan after understanding your potential market. Remember, a well-structured business plan should resonate with the needs and preferences of your target audience. Make sure you understand their pain points before getting started. This will help you get funding and form a successful partnership with reliable and experienced professionals.

2) Conduct research

Now, compare your existing business plan with your customers’ needs and preferences. This will help you determine whether your current business idea solves your potential customers’ problems and whether they are willing to pay for your product or services.

3) Validate your business idea

Validate your new business plan after finding niche markets you may not have known about and set goals that can elevate your business. This step also includes the subsequent steps to engage your audience.

4) Write a business plan

Now, make a final draft outlining your short-term and long-term goals. This draft should include a statement or purpose, your mission and vision, product descriptions, market analysis, and competitor analysis to determine their strengths and weaknesses.

It is the most important part before you prepare to launch your new venture. It will help you make strategic and efficient decisions, communicate your ideas to stakeholders, organize important information about your business, and build the right team for your company.

5) Follow the proper legal procedures

It’s time to take your business to the next level by registering it with your state, picking the right licenses and permits, and getting a GST number. Following these steps, create an easy-to-remember and unique brand name.

6) Know your finances

To scale your business, you will need to secure funding. For this, you can get a small business loan, ask your relatives or friends to fund your business, grant a local or community finding, or encourage angel investors or venture capitalists to back your company.

7) Protect your business

Protecting your business with the right business insurance coverage is a must. This includes general liability insurance, business income insurance, data breach coverage, professional liability coverage, and commercial property insurance.

How to Come Up With Profitable Business Ideas?

Various ways can help you discover lucrative business ideas. Some of the most effective ways include:

1) Ask friends and family

As an entrepreneur, the first step in coming up with new business ideas is to explore one’s own network of family and friends. Asking them for suggestions on what kind of business you can start will be invaluable.

2) Networking

Increasing your network with professionals and young entrepreneurs will expose you to different perspectives and industries, which can help you develop a unique business idea.

3) Brainstorming business ideas

Like many people, if you are stuck by listening to so many business ideas and do not know which one to choose, keep a brainstorming board. It will be the place where you will write down your ideas whenever they come to mind. Then, revisit your notes with a fresh mind and evaluate each idea based on its feasibility, profitability, and alignment with your goals.

4) Focus on problem-solving

Consider problems in your everyday life and solve them. This will help you develop problem-solving skills by identifying the pain points and coming up with a solution.

5) Build on your hobbies

Look at your interests, hobbies, and passions to come up with a business idea. You can swiftly build a business around something you are passionate about. For example, if you are a car enthusiast, you can start a classic car restoration or car accessories business.

Industry-Specific Low-Cost Small Business Ideas

Small manufacturing businesses have the potential to yield high profits. Let’s discuss some low-cost small business ideas specific to certain industries:

1) Food and Beverage

If you live in a metro city, the food and beverage industry can help you reap massive profits. One of the key factors contributing to the growth of this industry is obviously that food is a basic necessity for man to survive. Today, everyone wants to eat something that tastes good.

Hire a professional chef who can prepare and cook delicious food and knows how to present dishes.

According to the research, many new food outlets witness a consistent surge in demand if they collaborate with food delivery giants such as Zomato and Swiggy. However, focusing on social media and digital markets is also an important aspect of the success of such small-scale food startups.

2) Fashion Accessories and Clothing

Increasing literacy, urbanisation, and high income are the major factors driving the growth of the fashion accessories and clothing business. Today, many people have become conscious of changing fashion trends, which has led these businesses to fetch massive revenue.

As you analyse the consumer demand pattern, you will notice that many like to spend on lifestyle products and services despite any economic drop.

If you inherit the desired knowledge and experience in this field, you can become a sensational hit across global markets by partnering with eCommerce giants such as eBay, Amazon, Alibaba, Flipkart, etc.

3) Produce and Sell Organic Food

The demand for organic food is rising, especially in tier 1 and tier 2 cities, as people are becoming more health-conscious and aware that organic produce is chemical-free and not harmful to the body. It can be a profitable startup if you can purchase the land or get it on rent in the nearest village to the city in which you want to sell.

You can start by renting agricultural equipment and producing fruits, vegetables, or grains. Then, you can apply for organic certification, and your product will be fully certified after 3 years under the NPOP (National Program for Organic Production).

Also, ensure the appearance of your packaging is eye-catching and sends the right message. Once you get hold of the market, you can start buying the basic equipment, build an organic food brand, and collaborate with grocery delivery companies such as Blinkit, Grofers, Zepto, etc.

The Final Say

India is the third-largest start-up center in the world with over 69,000 recognized start-ups, with a home to 100 unicorns, as of May 2022. The data shows the willingness of the people in India to start their own businesses.With their willingness to start something of their own, they look for small lucrative business ideas that can fetch them good profits. So, with these low investment and high-profit business ideas, you can also consider starting your start-up. All that requires is a solid idea and strategic execution. And if executed well, you can be the owner of one of the most successful small businesses in India.