Regional bicycle and parts distributor

Independent bike shops that want smaller or specialist brands, faster restocking, or a local contact instead of ordering from far away.

You buy bikes and parts from manufacturers at wholesale prices and sell to shops at a margin. Extra income can come from early-order discounts, shop displays and regular restock orders.

• Bike product knowledge
• Sales and account management
• Purchasing and inventory planning
• Basic bookkeeping and logistics

• Check import duties and shipping costs if buying from overseas manufacturers, and whether you need a customs broker
• Check Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for bicycles and any helmets or accessories you sell
• E-bikes and lithium batteries have special shipping and storage rules, so check them before stocking
• Look at general liability and product liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Check your state's seller's permit or resale certificate rules and your city or county business license
• Large stock purchases and slow-paying shops can strain cash flow, so test with small orders first

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the brands you stock, your rented unit and the size of your first stock purchase. Slow-paying shops can strain cash flow, so test with small orders first.

Check import duties, shipping costs and whether you need a customs broker if buying overseas. Also check Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements, e-bike and lithium battery shipping and storage rules, and your state's seller's permit or resale certificate rules.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on brands, how many shops you supply and your payment terms. Plan on at least about 30 hours a week.