When running a retail or online store, the key to maximizing profit isn’t always selling high-ticket items. In fact, some of the most profitable and best-selling products are low-cost items with high turnover rates. These budget-friendly goods can generate consistent income with minimal investment. Let’s dive into the top cheap products that fly off shelves and bring in big profits.
1. Phone Accessories
Phone cases, charging cables, screen protectors, and pop sockets are super affordable to source and consistently in high demand. Everyone has a phone—and most people want to accessorize it or need replacements.
- Why it works: Cheap to produce, easy to upsell, and people often buy multiples.
- Profit potential: 300–500% markups are common.
2. Reusable Water Bottles & Tumblers
With the rising eco-conscious trend, stylish and personalized water bottles are trending hard. These are cheap to buy in bulk and easy to brand for your store.
- Why it works: Appeals to health, fitness, and eco-conscious customers.
- Profit potential: Buy for $2–$3, sell for $15–$25.
3. LED Strip Lights
These are a TikTok-fueled favorite. LED strip lights for room décor, gaming setups, or cars are a low-cost viral hit.
- Why it works: People love customizing their spaces with lights.
- Profit potential: Costs around $5–$7, resell for $20+.
4. Beauty Tools
Think makeup brushes, jade rollers, face razors, or lash curlers. These cost very little and are always popular among beauty fans.
- Why it works: Small, light, and inexpensive with repeat purchases.
- Profit potential: Source for $1–$3, resell for $10–$15.
5. Fitness Bands & Home Workout Gear
Lightweight resistance bands, yoga straps, or small dumbbells are cheap and effective for home fitness. Perfect for dropshipping or bulk retail.
- Why it works: Fitness never goes out of style.
- Profit potential: High demand, low shipping cost, $2–$4 item sells for $12–$20.
6. Novelty Socks & Accessories
Funky socks, quirky pins, or cute hair clips are small-ticket items that attract impulse buyers.
- Why it works: Easy to sell as add-ons or bundle deals.
- Profit potential: Bulk pricing from $0.50, resell for $8–$12.
7. DIY and Craft Kits
From slime kits to paint-by-number canvases, creative kits are a huge hit—especially for kids and hobbyists.
- Why it works: Educational, entertaining, and great for gifts.
- Profit potential: Buy kits for $3–$5, resell for $15–$25.
8. Mini Gadgets & Kitchen Tools
Peelers, garlic crushers, or avocado slicers—cheap kitchen tools that make life easier are always in demand.
- Why it works: Everyday use + impulse buy = sales!
- Profit potential: Costs as low as $1, resells for $10+.
9. Custom Stickers & Decals
Everyone loves customizing laptops, water bottles, and journals. Sell them in packs or offer personalization.
- Why it works: Creative expression = strong repeat sales.
- Profit potential: Pennies to print, resell packs for $5–$15.
10. Pet Accessories
Cheap collars, chew toys, or cute bandanas—pet lovers are always spending on their fur babies.
- Why it works: High emotional buying.
- Profit potential: Items under $2 can go for $10–$20.
Final Tips:
- Buy in bulk or source from affordable platforms like Alibaba, Temu, or local wholesalers.
- Bundle products to boost perceived value and increase AOV (average order value).
- Test new products with small batches to see what sells before scaling up.
You don’t need deep pockets to stock products that rake in profit. Focus on low-cost, high-margin items that solve a problem, bring joy, or ride current trends. With the right product mix and smart marketing, your store can earn big—even off the smallest items!