Retail business ideas you can start for up to $20,000

366 ideas

Retail is one of the most approachable ways to start a business, and a budget of up to $20,000 gives you real choices. These 366 ideas range from an online baby gear and nursery store to a used and refurbished fitness equipment reseller or a car accessories booth at markets and car meets.

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1k to 5kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Shelves of model kits, craft supplies and board games in a family-friendly hobby shop.

Online hobby and model kit store

Sell model kits, paints and hobby supplies to enthusiasts online from a spare room or garage.

  • $1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
8,803 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.9% in a year
Customers browsing carpet samples and rugs displayed on rolls in a showroom.

Mobile carpet and flooring sales

Bring flooring samples to customers' homes, measure up, quote and arrange installation without paying for a shop.

  • $1.5k-7.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
9,723 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
Workers stacking solar panels and inverter boxes in an equipment warehouse.

Online solar kit and parts reseller

Sell solar panels, inverters and mounting kits online to DIY homeowners, cabin owners and small installers.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year
Perfume bottles lined up on a shop counter with a customer sampling scents.

Online perfume shop with samples

Sell fragrances online, with small sample sizes so customers can try a scent before buying a full bottle.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
17,328 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.1% in a year
Loose cut diamonds spread on a dealer's velvet tray under light.

Estate and pre-owned diamond buyer

Buy diamonds and diamond jewelry from private sellers by appointment, then resell the stones to jewelers and buyers.

  • $3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
6,949 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.2% in a year
Table and floor lamps displayed in a bright high-street lighting shop.

Online lighting store

Sell lamps, fixtures and bulbs online from home, focused on a niche like vintage or smart lighting.

  • $1.5k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
11,046 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
Shelves of power tools and construction equipment in a trade supply store.

Small tool rental from home

Rent out power tools and small equipment to local tradespeople and DIYers from a garage or storage unit.

  • $3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
4,701 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year
Shelves of tools and fixings inside a local hardware shop.

Online specialty hardware shop

Sell a focused range of fasteners, tools or fittings online from home, without paying for a storefront.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
15,694 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.5% in a year
Decorative glass blocks being stacked into a partition wall by a builder.

Online glass block shop

Sell decorative glass blocks, mortar kits and accessories online, shipped direct from suppliers to homeowners and installers.

  • $1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,756 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.5% in a year
Rows of electric motors and spare parts on shelves in a trade supply store.

Online electric motor and parts shop

Sell electric motors, belts, capacitors and other parts online to repair shops, farms and hobbyists.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year
Hardware shop shelves stocked with iron fittings, hinges and tools.

Online specialty hardware and cast iron shop

Sell decorative and hard-to-find hardware, like cast iron fittings, hinges and handles, through your own online store.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
15,694 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.5% in a year
Shelves of replacement car parts in a motor spares shop.

Online car parts and accessories store

Sell replacement parts and accessories for a few car makes online, shipped straight from suppliers or your garage.

  • $1k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
38,567 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.5% in a year
Parent and child choosing toys from colourful shelves in a toy shop.

Online specialty toy store

Sell a focused range of toys or games online, shipped from home or a small storage space.

  • $1.5k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
8,803 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.9% in a year

Pop-up toy stand for markets and fairs

Sell toys and games from a stall at craft fairs, farmers markets and school events.

  • $1k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
8,803 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.9% in a year
Jars of colourful sweets and chocolates displayed in a traditional sweet shop.

Online candy and chocolate store

Sell retro, imported or themed candy and gift boxes online and ship them to customers.

  • $1k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,409 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.3% in a year

Candy stall for markets and events

Sell candy and chocolate at farmers markets, fairs and holiday markets without renting a shop.

  • $1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
3,409 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.3% in a year
Stacked sawn timber boards and sheet materials in an outdoor merchant's yard.

Online lumber seller (drop-ship)

Sell hardwood and specialty lumber online to hobbyists and small shops, shipped straight from partner sawmills.

  • $2k-9k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
7,048 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.8% in a year
Guitars, keyboards and sheet music displayed in a musical instrument store.

Online used instruments and accessories shop

Buy, check and resell used instruments and accessories online from home, without paying for a storefront.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
3,230 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.7% in a year
Flooring showroom displaying carpet, laminate and tile samples for customers to browse.

Mobile flooring sales with sample kit

Bring flooring samples to homes and job sites, then order from distributors with no rent for a showroom.

  • $3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
9,723 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
Shelves of colourful buttons, threads and zips in a haberdashery shop.

Online sewing notions and trims shop

Sell buttons, trims, zippers and sewing supplies online to crafters and sewists from home.

  • $1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,602 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.4% in a year
Customer trying on sunglasses while an assistant shows frames in a boutique shop.

Online sunglasses store

Sell curated sunglasses and fashion eyewear online from home, shipping orders to customers across the country.

  • $1k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
11,719 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.5% in a year
Digital calipers, micrometers and gauges laid out on a workbench for measuring parts.

Online measuring tools reseller

Sell calipers, gauges, levels and testers online to machinists, trades and hobbyists, often shipped straight from suppliers.

  • $1.5k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,392 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.1% in a year
Rows of suitcases and travel bags displayed in a retail shop.

Online luggage and travel bag store

Sell suitcases, backpacks and travel bags through your own website or marketplaces.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
801 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.9% in a year
Fine fountain pens and ink bottles displayed in a stationery shop.

Online fine pen and ink shop

Sell fine pens, bottled inks and notebooks to hobbyists and gift buyers through your own web store.

  • $1.5k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
4,210 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year

About these ideas

They suit people who enjoy sourcing products, talking to customers and tracking stock. Before you pick one, think about where you will store inventory, how much cash you can tie up in stock, and whether you want to sell online, in person or both. Check supplier terms, shipping costs and likely return rates, and work out your margin per item after fees. Starting with a narrow product range often keeps early spending under control.

More ideas

Questions

How should I split a $20,000 budget for a retail business?

Most of it usually goes to initial inventory, with the rest for a website or stall setup, packaging, insurance and marketing. Check supplier minimum orders and leave a cash reserve, because slow-selling stock can tie up money quickly.

Do I need a license to sell products in the US?

Requirements vary by state, city and product type. Things to check include a business license, a seller's permit for collecting sales tax, and any rules on items like electronics, food or children's products. Your state and local agencies can confirm.

Is it better to start an online store or sell in person?

It depends on your product and budget. Online stores reach more buyers but need shipping, photos and marketing. Markets and pop-ups let you test demand cheaply. Compare fees, storage needs and your own time before choosing.