Online baby gear and nursery store

Expecting parents, new parents, and friends or family buying baby shower and newborn gifts.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail prices. Bundles such as 'hospital bag' or 'nursery starter' sets and gift registries can raise the average order.

• Choosing products parents trust
• Basic online store setup
• Customer service and handling returns

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and whether you need a seller's permit or resale certificate
• Children's products must meet federal safety rules (CPSC), including testing and certificates for many items; check which apply to what you sell
• Car seats and cribs have strict safety standards, so buy only from authorized brands and distributors and be careful with recalls
• Many brands set minimum advertised prices or require approved retailers, so read each supplier's terms
• Get general liability and product liability insurance, and check what your supplier's cover includes
• Shipping bulky items like strollers can eat into margins, so work out delivery costs first

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy yourself, how many items suppliers ship directly, and how you set up your website. Shipping bulky items is worth costing out first.

Check your state's sales tax registration and any seller's permit or resale certificate. Children's products must meet federal CPSC safety rules, and car seats and cribs have strict standards, so buy from authorized brands and watch for recalls.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $6,000, depending on your range, marketing and how much time you put in. These are estimates only, and delivery costs for bulky items can cut into margins.