Online rare and antiquarian book dealer

Private collectors, university and public libraries, and readers hunting for a specific edition.

You buy books below their market value and resell at a markup. Higher-value items, such as signed first editions, earn more per sale. Some dealers also take commissions for finding specific titles.

• Researching editions and values
• Accurate, honest cataloging and writing
• Photography and packing fragile items
• Patience building a collector client list

• Sales tax registration and collection rules vary by state, and some marketplaces collect it for you, so check with your state tax agency
• Misdescribing condition or edition can lead to returns and a bad reputation, so grade conservatively
• Check your city or county and any HOA or lease rules about running a business from home
• Standard homeowner's or renter's insurance may not cover business stock, so ask about inventory and shipping coverage
• Make sure you are not buying stolen or restricted items, and keep records of where stock came from

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your listings and shipping supplies. Your sourcing choices, such as estate sales or auctions, will affect the total.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on the quality of your stock, your sales channels and how many collectors you reach. Plan on roughly 10 hours a week at minimum.

Check sales tax registration with your state tax agency, since some marketplaces collect it for you. Check city, county, HOA or lease rules on home businesses. Keep records of where stock came from and make sure items are not stolen or restricted.