Looking to launch a side hustle or boost your inventory without breaking the bank? Buying cheap wholesale items is one of the smartest strategies to maximize your profit margins. With the right products, even small investments can lead to big returns.
Here are 10 budget-friendly wholesale items you can buy in bulk and flip for a tidy profit—whether you’re selling online, at flea markets, or in your own store.
1. Phone Accessories
Affordable and always in demand, items like phone cases, screen protectors, pop sockets, and charging cables can be sourced for under $1 each and resold at 3x to 5x the cost.
Hot Tip: Focus on trendy designs or models for the latest smartphones (like iPhone or Samsung).
2. Costume Jewelry
From earrings and bracelets to anklets and rings, cheap fashion jewelry is a goldmine. You can buy bulk sets for pennies and sell individual pieces for $5–$10.
Bonus: Package items into “mystery boxes” for added value.
3. Socks & Undergarments
These essentials are cheap to buy wholesale, lightweight to ship, and always needed. Fun prints or themed designs are especially popular.
Idea: Sell in 3-packs or themed bundles for better returns.
4. Sunglasses
Wholesale sunglasses often cost less than $2 each and can easily sell for $10–$20, especially if you offer trending styles like retro, oversized, or Y2K-inspired frames.
Extra Tip: Use lifestyle images or reels for better engagement on social media platforms.
5. Reusable Water Bottles & Tumblers
With eco-conscious buyers on the rise, reusable drinkware is both practical and stylish. Wholesale options come in stainless steel, plastic, or glass—all at low costs.
Trend Alert: Offer custom-printed or color-changing tumblers for added appeal.
6. Tote Bags & Mini Backpacks
Canvas totes and cute backpacks are popular for students and fashion lovers alike. You can buy them for $2–$4 each in bulk and sell for $15–$25.
Hack: Add custom patches or embroidery for a personalized touch.
7. Hair Accessories
Claw clips, scrunchies, headbands, and hair ties cost next to nothing and sell fast. These are ideal impulse buys, especially when placed near checkout areas or promoted in online bundles.
8. Stationery & Planners
Aesthetic notebooks, sticky notes, pens, and planners are a hit with students and office workers. They’re super cheap to source and perfect for themed sets or gift bundles.
9. Keychains & Charms
Tiny but mighty sellers. Wholesale keychains, bag charms, and lanyards can cost less than $0.50 and sell for several dollars each.
Pro Tip: Focus on fandoms, emojis, or funny quotes for viral appeal.
10. Face Masks & Skincare Sachets
Small beauty products like sheet masks, lip balms, and skincare samples are low-cost and high-margin. These items are great for gift boxes or subscription kits.
Final Thoughts: Start Cheap, Grow Big
You don’t need deep pockets to start a profitable reselling business. With the right cheap wholesale products, you can launch a store, test product categories, and scale over time. Focus on what’s trendy, lightweight, and easy to ship—and you’ll start turning small buys into steady income.