10+ Best & Profitable Middleman Business Ideas [2023]

Looking to start a business in 2023? Check out our list of the 10+ best and most profitable middleman business ideas. We'll show you how to get a foot in the door and take advantage of emerging markets. Read now to get inspired and start planning your venture today!
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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This page may feature products from our affiliate partners, which could influence the products we discuss due to potential compensation. Despite this, our evaluations are impartial, based solely on our independent analysis. The content here is intended for informational purposes and should not be seen as legal advice. For professional guidance, consulting with a legal expert is recommended.
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Hey there, future entrepreneurs! As we step into 2023, it's high time we reshuffled the business deck. You see, there's this little secret in the business world that's been generating quite a buzz. It's called the 'middleman business.' Yes, you heard it right! You don't need to manufacture anything, you don't need to create a groundbreaking service, you just need to be the bridge between the supplier and the consumer. Sounds interesting, right?

Now, you might be wondering, "How can I, an aspiring entrepreneur, fit into this picture?" Well, that's what we're here for. In this article, we're going to uncover the top 10+ middleman business ideas that are not only profitable but also have a high potential for growth in 2023. So, whether you're a seasoned businessperson looking for a fresh perspective, or a newbie just dipping your toes in the entrepreneurial waters, this article is your treasure map to success.

Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the world of middleman businesses. Let's explore, learn, and grow together!

Import/export Agent

An Import/Export Agent is someone who facilitates the movement of goods over international borders. This type of business can be very lucrative and has the potential to provide consistent income for the business owner. Here are some reasons why Import/Export Agent could make a good business idea:

  • It requires minimal capital to get started
  • It offers a high margin of profit
  • It provides access to an international marketplace
  • It enables access to new markets and customers
  • It requires minimal overhead costs and no need for additional staff
  • It has potential for significant growth over time
image of a Import/export Agent

Affiliate Marketer

An affiliate marketer is a person who advertises products on behalf of someone else, usually for a commission. It can be an attractive business idea because it is relatively low-cost to start and maintain, and the potential to earn revenue is high. Here are some benefits to becoming an affiliate marketer:

  • Low startup costs
  • Potential for high earning potential
  • Flexibility in terms of hours worked and location
  • You will learn how to create compelling content
  • Ability to tap into new markets and reach different customers
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Examples of successful businesses:

Middleman businesses have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing services such as delivery, intermediary services, and logistics. Below is a list of some successful companies in the middleman business industry:

  • Amazon
  • UPS
  • FedEx
  • Ebay
  • Uber Freight
  • ShipBob
  • XpressHauling
  • Flexport
  • Grubhub Delivery
  • Swift Logistics Solutions

Private Label Reseller

A Private Label Reseller is a business that purchases products from other companies and then rebrands them for sale under the Private Label Reseller's own brand name. It is an attractive business idea for those who are looking to diversify their product offerings or ramp up their existing sales with a new, differentiated product line. Here are some of the top benefits:

  • It allows you to create your own brand identity that stands out from the competition.
  • It gives you control over production and distribution, allowing you to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
  • You don’t have to worry about hiring a design team or manufacturing your own products.
  • You can start quickly and easily with less upfront capital than starting a completely new product line.

More resources:

Dropshipper

A Dropshipper is a type of business that doesn't require you to manage any inventory or handle the product delivery. When customers purchase items on your website, the purchase is routed to a third-party supplier who then ships the item directly to your customer. This type of business model makes it an attractive business idea for anyone looking to start up an online store. Here are some benefits of dropshipping:

  • No need to manage inventory or handle product delivery
  • Low startup costs
  • Flexible business plan
  • Ability to quickly adjust and scale up or down as needed

Consulting Service Provider

A Consulting Service Provider offers services to clients in exchange for a fee and is a great business idea for those looking to help others achieve success in their businesses or personal lives. Consulting Service Providers offer a unique set of skills, expertise and experience to their clients that can be a major help when it comes to addressing issues.

  • The Consulting Service Provider can identify specific problems and suggest solutions.
  • They can help develop plans and strategies to increase efficiency and improve production.
  • They can provide expert knowledge, ideas and solutions based on past experiences.
  • They can provide resources that are otherwise unavailable.
  • They can offer guidance and advice about how best to utilize resources for success.

Related business ideas:

Event Planner

An event planner is a professional who specializes in planning and managing special events. Event planners work with clients to develop event budgets, coordinate vendors, and oversee logistics. They help to bring their client's vision to life and make sure the event meets the goals of the client. This can include organizing corporate events, weddings, parties, fundraisers, and more.

  • Can develop detailed plans for events
  • Source vendors that fit the client’s budget
  • Schedule meetings between clients and vendors
  • Coordinate deadlines and give timely updates on progress
  • Ensure the event runs smoothly and within budget

Wholesale Distributor

A wholesale distributor is a company that purchases goods from manufacturers and resells them to retailers, businesses, or other wholesalers at a higher price. Wholesale distributors are an important link between manufacturers and retailers, allowing manufacturers to reach more potential customers quickly and efficiently. This makes a wholesale distributorship an attractive business idea.

  • Wholesale distributors have many potential customers and are able to establish strong relationships with both their suppliers and customers.
  • It can be easier to scale up or down as your business grows, meaning you can adjust your product selection, pricing, or other factors easily.
  • Rather than dealing with the costs associated with manufacturing goods yourself, you can instead purchase products from reliable suppliers.
  • Being a middle-man between the producer and the retailer enables you to take advantage of bulk purchasing discounts as well as charging a mark-up on sales.
  • Wholesale distributors often use economies of scale to increase their profit margins by lowering costs. This allows them to compete more effectively in the market.

Freight Forwarder

A Freight Forwarder is a service provider that specializes in the coordination of shipments from one point to another. They work with carriers in order to move cargo from its origin to its destination, and they also provide additional services such as packing and storage of goods. Starting a Freight Forwarder business can be lucrative, as you are connecting the dots between businesses and carriers to safely transport goods.

  • You’re helping businesses streamline their shipping needs
  • You have control over your own work schedule, contracts and clients
  • You get to specialize in specific industries and are likely to develop repeat clients
  • The service makes you indispensable for customers who need help with their logistics

Insurance Brokerage

An insurance brokerage is a business that specializes in helping individuals and businesses to find and purchase the right type of insurance coverage. It helps customers to understand the various types of insurance policies available, and to make informed decisions about their coverage levels and pricing. A good insurance brokerage business can provide customers with access to a wide range of quality coverage options, and reliable advice about which policies are best for their individual needs. Some of the benefits of running an insurance brokerage business include:

  • Access to a variety of products from different insurers, enabling customers to find the right coverage at the right price
  • Personalized advice and guidance on selecting appropriate policies
  • Helpful customer service when needed
  • Extra income generated through commission and fees paid by customers
  • Opportunities for networking with other insurance professionals

Business Process Outsourcer

A Business Process Outsourcer is a company that manages the day-to-day operations of a business. This can include administrative services; accounting and payroll; customer service; marketing and sales; and other operations. Business Process Outsourcing can be beneficial for businesses because it can reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve customer service.

  • Reduce costs – By outsourcing operations, businesses can save money on labor costs, technology investments, and other associated costs.
  • Increase productivity – With Business Process Outsourcing, businesses can free up resources that can be used to focus on core activities and strategic projects.
  • Improve customer service – Having an experienced team to handle basic operations frees up time to create better customer experiences.

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Founder and CEO

We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.