5 Low-Cost Product Ideas You Can Start Selling This Month

Starting or growing a business doesn’t always require a big bank loan or fancy equipment. Sometimes, all it takes is a good idea, a bit of creativity, and the courage to begin. If you’re a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur in Uganda or Kenya, there are low-cost, high-potential products you can start selling right away—even this month.

Whether you're running a salon in Kisumu or a kiosk in Mbale, here are five smart product ideas to inspire your next move.

1. Digital Products – Turn Knowledge Into Income

Ever been asked how you do what you do so well? That’s a sign you’ve got something to teach—and digital products are one of the easiest ways to monetize that knowledge.

Imagine this: A baker in Kampala who’s built a loyal following from her mandazi recipe starts selling an e-book titled “10 Easy Pastries You Can Bake from Home.” She creates it once, and sells it over and over via WhatsApp and Facebook.

What you can create:

• E-books (business tips, parenting hacks, health guides)

• Online courses (gardening, braiding, basic digital skills)

• Printable templates (budget planners, meal plans)

Why it works: No stock, no delivery, and very high profit margins. All you need is your phone and some time.

2. Private Label Products – Make It Yours

You don’t need a factory to start your own brand. Many local markets and small manufacturers already make great products—you just give them a name and face.

Think of Wanjiku in Nakuru, who noticed her customers loved the shea butter she used in her salon. She bought it in bulk, packaged it with her own label, and started selling it under her brand. Now, her jars sell out monthly.

Popular ideas:

• Natural skincare (soaps, oils)

• Local food items (honey, spices)

• Home essentials (candles, detergents)

Start small: get a custom label printed, use WhatsApp to take orders, and share your story on social media.

3. Subscription Boxes – Build Monthly Income

What if your customers paid you every month, like clockwork? That’s the magic of subscription boxes.

Picture a “Self-Care Kit” that includes locally made soap, herbal tea, and a handwritten note. Or a “Kids Fun Box” with coloring books, puzzles, and snacks.

Start with pre-orders, so you don’t need to invest upfront. Pick a niche people care about, and make each box feel like a gift.

4. Print-on-Demand – Create Without Inventory

Design it once, and someone else does the rest. With print-on-demand, you can sell custom T-shirts, mugs, and bags without ever touching the product.

Joseph from Jinja used local slang to design funny t-shirts like “Ssebo Relax” and “Niko Hustling.” He posted mockups on Instagram, took orders, and used a local printer to fulfill them one by one.

It’s fun, flexible, and perfect for anyone with a bit of creativity.

5. Local Handmade Goods – Sell Culture and Craftsmanship

Uganda and Kenya are bursting with talent—from weavers in Kisii to beadwork artists in Gulu. Reselling handmade goods isn’t just good business—it helps preserve culture and supports artisans.

You can partner with local craftspeople, mark up their products, and sell through storytelling. A simple photo, a short video of how it’s made, and the artisan’s name can add emotional value that boosts sales.

Popular products include:

• Beaded jewelry

• Handwoven baskets

• Natural skincare from indigenous ingredients

Ready to Begin?

Starting small doesn’t mean staying small. These ideas can help you:
✅ Test a market with little risk
✅ Earn extra income
✅ Grow your brand step by step

👉 Talk to Numida about how to take your business idea further—with the right tools and capital to grow confidently.

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