Online african goods store

African and Caribbean diaspora households, people who live far from a specialty store, and shoppers looking for specific ingredients, fabrics or gifts.

You buy wholesale and sell at a markup through your own website or a marketplace, and customers pay for products plus shipping. Bundles and subscription boxes can raise the average order.

• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Basic online store setup and photos
• Inventory tracking
• Customer service

• Check FDA labeling and food facility rules before selling packaged food, and your state's rules on selling food online
• Check whether your state requires a seller's permit and how to collect sales tax on online orders
• Check whether your state allows food storage at home, and any HOA or lease limits on running a business from home
• Shipping costs, damaged goods and customs delays on imported stock can eat into margins
• General liability and product liability insurance, especially if you sell food or cosmetics

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy, which product lines you choose and how you set up your online shop. Treat this as an estimate, not a quote.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how many customers you reach. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours per week of work.

Check FDA labeling and food facility rules for packaged food, your state's rules on selling food online, seller's permit and sales tax requirements, home food storage limits, and any HOA or lease restrictions. Also check insurance.