Local Camera Shop with Used Gear and Trade-Ins

Hobbyists, students, parents buying a first camera, wedding and portrait photographers, and film shooters looking for hands-on advice.

Margins on accessories and used gear, smaller margins on new camera bodies, plus add-ons like rentals, cleaning, repairs referrals and classes.

• Good knowledge of cameras and lenses
• Pricing used equipment fairly
• Friendly, patient customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and inventory tracking

• Check your city or county for a local business license and any zoning or certificate of occupancy rules for retail
• Some major brands only supply approved dealers with minimum order or store requirements, so check each brand's terms
• Check used gear for stolen serial numbers and keep records of what you buy
• Insurance for inventory and general liability, since gear is expensive and easy to steal
• Online retailers compete hard on new-camera prices, so a shop usually needs used gear and services to stand out
• Register for sales tax and check collection rules in your state

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your location, lease, fit-out and how much new and used stock you buy. Gear is expensive, so inventory insurance matters too.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, stock and services. Online retailers compete hard on new-camera prices, so used gear and services help a shop stand out.

Check your city or county for a business license and any zoning or certificate of occupancy rules. Also check brands' dealer terms, used gear for stolen serial numbers, insurance for inventory, and your state's sales tax rules.