Bookkeeper for one trade or industry

Owners in a specific niche, such as landscapers, home builders, Etsy and Amazon sellers or restaurants, who want someone who understands their numbers.

Higher monthly fees per client because of the specialist knowledge, plus add-ons like monthly reporting calls and cash flow summaries.

• Strong bookkeeping and software skills
• Learning the money side of one industry
• Networking and explaining numbers simply
• Good record keeping

• Professional liability insurance, check what suits you
• Sales tax and payroll rules vary by state, so refer clients to a CPA or payroll provider where needed
• Relying on a single industry means a downturn there affects all your clients
• Check state or city business license requirements

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on your software, insurance and how much you invest in learning your chosen industry and marketing to it.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on and the work each needs. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week.

Check professional liability insurance and state or city business license requirements. Sales tax and payroll rules vary by state, so refer clients to a CPA or payroll provider where needed. Relying on one industry means a downturn there affects all your clients.