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10 Best Seasonal Business Ideas in India

Shitanshu Kapadia
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10 Best Seasonal Business Ideas in India

Do you want to start a seasonal business? Are you looking to earn extra income this season? If yes, here are 10 Best Seasonal Business Ideas for 2024-2025.

Starting a seasonal business is one of the best ways to earn extra money without establishing a business on a full scale. You can run this business for a few months in the year and take a rest for the remaining year. If you are innovative and able to handle different business products you can switch multiple businesses throughout the year and earn a lot of money. Seasonal businesses are easy to start and require very low investment. You can start a seasonal business even from home. A list of seasonal business ideas is given below.

seasonal business ideas

10 Best Seasonal Business Ideas in India

Sweet and Dry fruit shop

The first seasonal business is sweet and dry fruit shop. It is observed that the demand for sweet and dry fruit is very high during festival season. If you have expertise in making good sweet or if you can hire someone who can make good sweet you can earn a lot of money. In addition to sweet, you can also keep dry fruit in your shop. If you cannot afford a big investment, you can start a sweet business from home by keeping seasonal sweets.

Fire Cracker Business

The second lucrative seasonal business is of a firecracker. The demand for firecracker is high during Diwali festival and during marriage season. The investment required for this business is moderate. You need to take a special license of fire safety to start this business. It is a temporary business which can be done during the Diwali period.

Kite Business

Kite business is next in the list of seasonal business. In India, the demand for kite starts from the month of November and stays till mid-January (Utrayan Festival). If you can switch between multiple businesses, you can first start firecracker business and switch to kite business at the same place. Along with kite, you can plan to keep related items such as thread, Lantern etc.

Rakhi Business

Rakhi Business is a low investment seasonal business. You can start this business even from home. There are two business types in Rakhi Business. First is starting Rakhi Making and second is selling readymade Rakhi. During Raksha Bandhan, billions of Rakhi’s are sold in India. Even Rakhi are getting imported in the foreign market.

Diwali Gift Business

Another lucrative seasonal business is Diwali gift business.  You require a small place and moderate investment to start this business. You can either sell readymade Diwali gift or hire manpower to design and manufacture customized Diwali gift. In Diwali, people have a tradition to exchange gift article or customized gifts. Thus starting a Diwali gift business seems to be a very good business option.

Christmas Decoration Business

In line with Diwali gift business, another seasonal business is Christmas decoration business. Each year people spend a lot of money on Christmas decorations worldwide. It gives birth to a new business opportunity. In this business, you need to design, produce and sell custom one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations. The investment required for this business is moderate.

Ice cream making

The next business idea is ice cream making. The demand for ice cream is generally high in the summer season. If you have investment capacity, you can start an ice cream making business. This business can be started initially at a lower scale and expanded based on projected growth.

Holi Colors and Spray Gun Business

Holi Colors and Spray Gun Business is the next seasonal business idea. There are two different options to start this business. The first option is to sell Holi Color and Spray Gun. The second option is to manufacture own Holi colors and start selling. The investment required for this business is moderate.

Raincoat Business

Starting raincoat and umbrella business is next business option. It is a seasonal business of the rainy season. You require a small shop to start this business. The investment required for this business is low.

Warm Cloth Business

The last business is a warm cloth business. Warm Cloths are usually in demand during the winter season. Most of the warm clothes are imported from outside country. If you have a skill and competent manpower you can think of manufacturing warm clothes. The investment required for this business is moderate.

Over to you –

What is your take on seasonal business ideas? Do share your experience and query with us.

5 Credit Cards with Bad Credit Score

Shitanshu Kapadia
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0
5 Credit Cards with Bad Credit Score

If you have bad credit score it becomes very difficult to qualify for the credit card. You have to either improve your credit score or submit the collateral to avail credit card. The card available against collateral or against fixed deposit is popular as “Credit Cards with Bad Credit Score” or Credit Card against Fixed Deposit (Secured Credit Cards).

Apart from bad credit score credit cards against fixed deposit are suitable for –

  • The people who are facing a challenge to opt for the credit card due to poor salary.
  • The people looking for add-on credit cards.
  • The people who are online shopper and habitual for keeping multiple credit cards.

If you are falling in any of the category mentioned above, here is a list of 5 Credit Cards with Bad Credit Score that you can opt for.

Also Read – 7 Best Free Credit Card India

5 Credit Cards with Bad Credit Score

SBI Advantage Plus Card

SBI Advantage Plus is one of the globally accepted cards that helps you to improve your credit history. This card is offered against the fixed deposit. You can avail up to 85% credit limit against FD amount. The key features and benefits details of SBI Advantage Plus card is given below.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Improvement in Credit history to avail loan in future.
  • Flexipay facility to covert transaction to EMI.
  • Cash withdrawal ATM up to 100%.
  • Credit limit up to 85% of FD amount.
  • Global acceptance of card.

Fees and Charges

  • Annual Fee – Rs.500 + GST
  • Renewal Fee – Rs.500 + GST
  • Finance charges – Up to 2.25% per month or 27% per annum, from the transaction date
  • Late payment – Up to Rs.750

SBI Unnati Card

SBI Unnati Card is a card with no annual fee. It is a secure credit card which can be issued with a fixed deposit of Rs.25000 and above. No annual fee is applicable for this card up to first four years. Key features and fee applicable to this card are given below.

 Key Features and Benefits

  • No annual fee for first four years.
  • Fuel surcharge waiver for the transaction between Rs.500 to Rs.3000.
  • Balance Transfer EMI facility available.
  • Flexipay option similar to SBI Advantage Plus card.

Fees and Charges

  • Annual Fee – NIL for the first four years
  • Renewal Fee – Rs.499 + GST (Fifth Year Onwards)
  • Finance Charges – Up to 2.5% per month

business credit card

Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card

Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for a person with bad credit score. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card can be issued with minimum documentation. The minimum fixed deposit requirement for Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card is Rs.20000. Key Features and fee applicable to this card are given below.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Credit limit is up to 80% of fixed deposit amount.
  • You can avail a minimum 15% discount by using this card.
  • This card offers global emergency assistance.
  • You can avail 1% fuel surcharge waiver by using this card.
  • This card also offers multiple rewards.

Fees and Charges

  • Annual Fee – NIL
  • Renewal Fee – NIL
  • Finance Charges – Up to 2.5% per month

ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card

ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card is provided against income proof or against the fixed deposit. This card is best suited for salaried people or people with bad credit history. If you opt for this card against fixed deposit you need not submit any income documents. Key features and applicable fee on this card is given below.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Double the rewards on dining, groceries at the supermarket.
  • Payback point on every Rs.100 spent on utility and insurance.
  • 15% saving on dining via culinary treat program.
  • 50% discount on joining fees.

Fees and Charges

  • Annual Fee – Rs.500 + GST
  • Renewal Fee – Rs.500 + GST
  • Finance Charges – Up to 2.49% per month

Kotak Mahindra Aqua Gold Card

Kotak Mahindra Aqua Gold Card provides interest-free cash up to 80% of term deposit amount. This card is a unique combination of affordable and easily accessible cash all over. Key features and fee detail of this card is given below.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Credit Limit up to 80% of term deposit amount.
  • Fuel surcharge waiver benefits.
  • Credit card insurance up to Rs.50000.
  • Credit Card balance transfer facility available.
  • Minimum TD amount required is Rs.25000

Fees and Charges

  • Annual Fee – NIL
  • Renewal Fee – NIL
  • Finance Charges – Up to 2.99% per month

Over to you

You can easily get credit card against fixed deposit irrespective of your credit history. This does not mean that you should opt for the credit card. Apply and use the credit card if it is absolutely necessary. Usage of these type of credit card will surely improve your credit history. However, you need to make sure that you pay credit card dues on time else bank will deduct a due amount from the fixed deposit.

10 Upcoming Business Startup Ideas for 2025-26

Shitanshu Kapadia
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10 Upcoming Business Startup Ideas for 2025-26

Which startup business ideas are likely to offer quick success? Well, entrepreneurs and potential businessmen are always searching for answers to these questions. They know that the success of a business depends on the innovative business idea and market potential. To help them here is a list of 10 upcoming Business Startup Ideas for 2025.

All these upcoming business startup ideas are from the digital world and contain a huge potential to earn money. You might have heard about new technological jargon such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, IoT, machine learning etc. The upcoming business startup ideas list given below will revolve around these technologies. All these startup ideas require a lot of technical expertise and a competent team.

Startup Business Ideas

10 Upcoming Business Startup Ideas for 2025-26

Artificial Intelligence-Based Business Startup Ideas

Artificial Intelligence is a new technology. Artificial Intelligence is intelligence demonstrated by software, in a similar manner to the intelligent human thinks. A few business ideas around AI are given below.

Technical Consultancy – If you have expertise in the AI area, you can start your own technical consultancy. There are many companies looking for experts in this area.

AI-Based personal assistant – Another idea around AI is making customized personal assistant that deals with customer query or interact with customers for prototype work. It is also known as AI-enabled chatbots for customer service.

AI-based prediction of repair and machinery – You can also explore the world of machinery by using sensor networks and artificial intelligence. The application is to do a predictive analysis for the repair and replacement of machinery in the factory.

Virtual Reality-based Business Ideas

Virtual Reality means computer-based stimulation of a 3D image or environment that can be interacted by a person using specialized electronic equipment. The startup ideas around VR are given below.

VR Café – Virtual reality café is an upcoming business concept. It is a place where a customer gets an opportunity to experience virtual reality. This can be for various purposes such as watching 3D movies, playing 3D games, team building, 3D book reading, and meditation.

VR for safety training – Another business idea is designing a safety training module based on VR. This type of module is useful in construction, manufacturing, and factory for increasing safety awareness.

VR App Development – The development of VR-related business is not possible without the development of VR-based apps. Thus, starting a VR app development business is an exciting business opportunity. It has very good business potential.

Robotic Automation

Robotic Automation or Robotic Process Automation is an upcoming business process automation technology where various work is atomized by using AI-based workers or robots. A few robotic automation business ideas are given below.

Developing Customized Robots – The first business idea under robotic automation is developing own customized robot for doing prototype work or activities. Many companies will be deploying a robotic workforce for doing work.

RPA Tool Design & Training – Another lucrative idea is starting your own RPA tool designing or training institute. The market potential of robotic automation is very huge.

Also Read – 15 Business Ideas in India starting from 1 Lakh

Drone-based Business Startup Ideas

Drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is the name given to small aircraft without a human pilot. The drone comes with several inherent features such as an inbuilt camera, GPS, Bluetooth, collision avoidance, active tracking etc. There are many startup business ideas associated with a drone.

Drone-based material delivery – The experiment of making delivery via drone is already done. In the future, you will see a UAV drone making delivery of products at a doorstep. If you have expertise in this area you can make a lot of money.

Photography – Taking photographs or videos from the air was very expensive prior to the introduction of drones. The drone is equipped with a high-resolution camera. If you have photography skills and an interest in drones, you can consider starting a drone photography business.

Agriculture and building survey – A Drone equipped with sensor and camera can help to do better agriculture and building survey at a lower cost. It is also helpful in maximizing crop yields. If you have expertise in this area you can think of starting a related business.

Big Data Analytics Consultancy

Big Data Analytics is a complex process of doing data analysis and presenting data in a meaningful format so that appropriate decisions can be taken. There will be a huge demand for big data analytics experts and consultants. Many organizations will be needing big data analytics experts in the future. If you have knowledge and expertise you can start your business of big data analytics consultancy.

Wearables Technology Startup Ideas

Wearable means wearable devices that can be incorporated into clothes or injected into the body as an implant. Wearables are widely used in India as well as across the globe. A few business startup ideas associated with wearable are given below.

Selling Wearable Products – A simple idea associated with a wearable is importing and selling wearable products. Looking at demand it can be said that the wearable has very good market potential.

Wearable App Development – The demand for wearable is increasing. The increase in wearable requires mobile application development. If you have expertise in this area you can plan to start a business in this area.

Smart Glass-based Business Ideas

Smart Glass is an innovative product. The property of smart glass changes with the application of electric current. Very few companies manufacture smart glass in India. There are many applications of smart glass such as providing real-time guidance, arranging immersive training, virtual meetings, remote video conferencing, etc. It is a future technology with a lot of startup ideas and opportunities.

Virtual 3D Technology based startup ideas 

Virtual 3D or Virtual Reality means a use of computer technology to create a simulated environment in 3D. In this environment, users are immersed and able to interact with the 3D world. A few startup ideas associated with Virtual 3D technology are given below.

Virtual 3D tour program – One applicable use of Virtual 3D technology is designing virtual tours of real estate, hotels, factory environments, or products. It requires a lot of time and expertise to build these types of virtual tours. If you have a team that can work towards Virtual 3D technology you can earn a lot of money.

Virtual 3D Gaming – The next promising startup business idea is designing and selling virtual 3D games. In the future people will be playing 3D games instead of actual games.

Selling Virtual 3D Equipment – Another unique way of earning money is by establishing a startup associated with importing and selling virtual 3D equipment.

3D Printing

3D Printing is the process of making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material. 3D printing has a lot of potential. A few business ideas associated with 3D printing are selling 3D printing, preparing prototype 3D printing models, 3D scanning, etc.

Smart IoT-based Startup Ideas

IoT is the internet of things. It is a network of physically connected devices including vehicles, home appliances, and other sensors for data exchange and for making a meaningful decision. There are plenty of upcoming business startup ideas associated with IoT. A few of them are Industrial IoT consultancy, selling IoT devices, networking of IoT devices, etc.

Over to You

I hope you have a good understanding of 10 Upcoming Business Startup Ideas for 2025. So, what are you waiting for? Surpass the barrier of money and start moving towards your passion and dreams.

All the Best!

ESOP – Employee Stock Ownership Plan Benefits & Tax

Shitanshu Kapadia
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0
ESOP – Employee Stock Ownership Plan Benefits & Tax

ESOP is an acronym for Employee Stock Ownership Plan or Employee Stock Option. ESOP is offered by the company to employees.

Imagine clocking into your 9-to-5, sipping that routine cup of coffee, and realizing your job could also be your golden ticket to wealth creation. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Well, with ESOPs—or Employee Stock Ownership Plans—it’s not just a pipe dream anymore. It’s a very real and increasingly popular way for employees to own a slice of the company they help build every day.

ESOPs have caught on like wildfire, especially in startups, tech giants, and even traditional conglomerates looking to retain top talent. But here’s the kicker: while ESOPs offer an exciting path to financial growth, they also come bundled with a web of tax rules, eligibility clauses, and strategic decisions that can leave even the smartest professionals scratching their heads.

Let’s dive in and demystify the world of ESOP – Employee Stock Ownership Plan Benefits & Tax, once and for all!

ESOP

What is ESOP?

ESOP is Employee Stock Option. It is an option given by the company to employees. In this option, employees get the right to purchase a certain number of the company’s shares at a predefined price. This offer is given only for a specific period or periods. ESOP is one type of performance reward offered to loyal and hardworking employees. Many companies use ESOPs as a retention tool.

ESOPs are generally offered to employees at discounted rates. It is given in parts, and there is a fixed vesting schedule. The period for which employees have to wait before exercising a right to buy the share is known as the vesting period. If an employee doesn’t exercise the option, it will lapse, and the employee will not get any rights.

In addition to serving as a reward and retention mechanism, ESOPs can play a strategic role in business continuity planning. Many companies in different sectors offer ESOPs to employees to attract and retain talent.

Also Read – Gratuity – Important Points to Know about the Gratuity

How can employees benefit from ESOPs?

ESOPs help employees accumulate wealth. It can act as a good tool to generate a retirement corpus. It is advisable to exercise the SOP option when shares are trading at a lower price. In simple terms, you need to follow the strategy of buying a share at a lower price and selling it at a higher price to gain a higher profit.

Before opting for ESOP, one should understand that there is a risk associated with exercising this stock option. If the company does not perform well in the future, you may end up losing money. Apart from that, in most of cases, a stock option is given as a part of a compensation package. Acceptance of a stock option will reduce fixed pay. One should do a cost-benefit analysis before accepting the stock option. You should consider factors such as reduction in salary, expected cash outflow, tax implications, and share price at the time of exercising this option.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ESOP?

Advantages

  • ESOPs can be a very good tool for wealth accumulation in the long run.
  • ESOPs are one of the ways to participate in the equity market for the newbie.
  • Employees generally know about the growth prospects of the company, so they can decide their investment strategy.
  • For the employer, it will act as a good tool for the retention of good employees.
  • An employer can give ESOPs when a company is running out of cash.
  • An employee will be more focused on delivering results as they have a stake in the company.

Disadvantages

  • Sometimes ESOPs may backfire and give very low or no returns to the employee.
  • ESOPs do not provide liquidity.
  • ESOPs come with tax implications.
  • In some of the cases company place a condition of a locking period or bond, which will dilute the benefits of ESOPs.

Given these drawbacks, it’s worth exploring other succession strategies that avoid the cost and complexity of traditional ESOPs. In fact, selling to employees without an ESOP—such as through direct sales or structured internal buyouts—has become a practical and increasingly popular option for owners seeking a smoother transition. Learning more about how to sell to your employees can help you evaluate whether a non-ESOP route aligns better with your goals and circumstances.

Also Read – 10 Best Investment to get regular monthly income

Tax Implications of ESOP

ESOP taxation in India happens in two stages:

Stage 1: At the Time of Exercise

When you exercise your ESOPs (i.e., buy them at the exercise price), the difference between:

Fair Market Value (FMV) – Exercise Price

…is considered perquisite income and taxed as salary income. This amount appears on your Form 16, and TDS is usually deducted.

💥 Example:

  • Exercise Price: ₹100/share

  • FMV on Exercise Date: ₹300/share

  • Taxable Income: ₹200/share

So, if you exercised 1,000 shares:
200 x 1000 = ₹2,00,000 gets added to your income and taxed as per your slab.

Stage 2: At the Time of Sale

Now, when you sell the shares, the gain from FMV (when exercised) to Sale Price is treated as a Capital Gain.

  • Held < 24 months (for unlisted shares) = Short-Term Capital Gain (taxed as per slab)

  • Held > 24 months = Long-Term Capital Gain (taxed @ 20% with indexation)

For listed shares, the holding period is only 12 months, and LTCG > ₹1 lakh is taxed @ 10% (without indexation).

FAQs

Q1. What happens to ESOPs if I leave the company?

Only the vested ESOPs stay with you. Unvested ones usually lapse unless your company’s policy says otherwise.

Q2. Is ESOP income taxable every year?

Nope! It’s taxed only at the time of exercise (as salary) and again at sale (as capital gains). No yearly tax unless there’s an event.

Q3. Can I negotiate ESOPs in my offer letter?

Absolutely. Just like salary or bonuses, ESOPs can be negotiated, especially in startups or smaller firms.

Q4. What if my company never IPOs?

If there’s no liquidity event, your ESOPs might stay on paper. Some companies offer buyback options, so always ask HR.

Q5. How do I know the FMV of unlisted shares?

Companies get a valuation report from a registered valuer or merchant banker. That’s the FMV used for tax calculations.

Q6. Can ESOPs make you rich?

Short answer: Yes, but only if the company performs well, scales, and exits (IPO, acquisition, etc.). Think Infosys, Flipkart, or Zoho.

Q7. Is there a risk with ESOPs?

Yes—if the company fails or doesn’t scale, the shares might become worthless. It’s not guaranteed money.

Q8. Do I need to pay for ESOPs?

In most cases, yes. You pay the exercise price to convert ESOPs into shares. Some firms may grant them free, but that’s rare.

Conclusion

ESOP is a very good wealth generation tool. However, before opting for ESOP, one should do a proper analysis of risk vs reward.

From motivation and ownership to real wealth creation, ESOPs aren’t just another corporate buzzword—they’re a powerful tool in your financial arsenal. But with great stock power comes great tax responsibility. Knowing the rules, playing your cards right, and timing your moves well can turn these pieces of paper into serious payday.

So the next time your HR slides that ESOP policy across the desk, don’t just skim it—dig deep. It might just be the most valuable “benefit” your company has ever offered.

Because in today’s world, building wealth isn’t just about saving—it’s also about owning a piece of the action.

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