Start a car care products shop

Car enthusiasts, everyday drivers, mobile detailers, body shops and independent garages.

Retail markup on products, plus trade accounts for local businesses buying in volume. Sales of kits, microfiber towels and applicators add to each sale.

• Strong knowledge of car care products
• Retail and stock management
• Customer service and advice
• Building trade relationships

• Local business license, zoning approval and a sales tax permit: check with your city or county and state
• Fire code rules for storing flammable products, so check with your local fire department
• Hazard communication rules: keep Safety Data Sheets on hand and check OSHA requirements if you hire staff
• State restrictions on certain solvent-based products, such as VOC limits
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Lease costs and slow early months, so keep a cash cushion

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your lease, fit-out and opening stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location and how many trade customers you win.

Check a local business license, zoning approval and a sales tax permit with your city, county and state. Also check fire code rules for storing flammable products, Safety Data Sheets and OSHA requirements if you hire, state limits on solvent-based products, and insurance.

Plan on typically at least around 35 hours a week. Useful skills include strong product knowledge, stock management, customer advice and building trade relationships. Lease costs and slow early months mean you should keep a cash cushion.