Online bird supplies store

Owners of parrots, parakeets, cockatiels, finches and canaries who want more choice than a big chain store offers, and who often reorder food.

Markup on products sold, plus repeat orders for food and subscriptions. Bundles such as starter cage kits raise the average order size.

• Knowledge of pet bird care and diets
• Basic online store setup and photos
• Organized with stock and shipping

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and online sales tax collection
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
• Product liability and general liability insurance for food and toys sold
• Heavy cages are costly to ship, so check carrier rates before setting prices
• Do not sell live birds online without checking federal, state and local wildlife and animal sale rules

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your initial stock, website setup and whether you hold inventory or ship directly from suppliers. Your costs will vary with the range you offer.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your product range, how many customers reorder food and the hours you put in. These are estimates only, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check your state's sales tax registration and online sales tax rules, and whether your city or county needs a business license. Also look at product liability insurance, shipping costs for heavy cages, and rules before selling any live birds.