Online boutique selling curated fashion

Shoppers who want something different from big chain stores, often found through Instagram, TikTok or email lists.

You buy wholesale and sell at retail price, typically marking items up to cover the cost, shipping, returns and ads. Margin comes from good buying and selling items at full price.

• Spotting trends and a good eye for style
• Social media and photography basics
• Inventory tracking and customer service

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and whether you need a seller's permit or resale certificate
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so keep first orders small
• Returns and sizing issues can eat into margin, set a clear returns policy
• Check any home occupation, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
• General liability and product insurance are worth looking into

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website and photography setup. Unsold stock ties up cash, so keeping your first orders small is worth considering.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your niche, prices, how well your social media brings in shoppers and how much stock you carry. Returns and sizing issues can eat into margin.

Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and whether you need a seller's permit or resale certificate. If you store stock at home, check any home occupation, HOA or lease rules. Also set a clear returns policy and look into insurance.