Online car accessories store

Drivers and car enthusiasts across the country searching for accessories that fit their specific vehicle, and small garages reordering supplies.

Markup on products sold through your own website or marketplaces, with higher margins on bundles such as cleaning kits or custom-fit sets.

• Setting up and running an online store
• Product listings and basic photography
• Customer service by email and chat

• Most states require a seller's permit or sales tax registration before you sell taxable goods, so check with your state's tax agency; also check whether marketplaces collect sales tax for you
• Check your state and city for any general business license requirement, as rules vary by location
• Product liability and general liability insurance, especially for items that affect safety such as lights or child-related products
• Lights, tint and plate covers may be illegal for road use in some states, label products clearly
• Returns, wrong-fitment complaints and shipping damage eating into margin
• Reliance on suppliers with slow or unreliable shipping

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on whether you hold stock or use supplier shipping, and what you spend on your store setup and product photos. Choosing one niche helps keep the range manageable.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your niche, pricing, marketing and how well you handle returns and fitment questions. The estimate assumes about 10 hours a week or more.

Check with your state tax agency about a seller's permit or sales tax registration, and whether marketplaces collect tax for you. Check any general business license rules, product liability insurance, and whether lights, tint or plate covers are illegal for road use in some states.