Children's books online and at pop-ups

Parents and gift buyers online, plus schools, daycares and community groups ordering for events or classrooms.

Margin between wholesale and retail price on each book, plus higher-value gift bundles, subscription boxes and event sales.

• Knowing children's books and age levels
• Basic online store setup and social media
• Packing and shipping
• Friendly selling at events

• Check your state's sales tax rules for online and in-person sales, including any out-of-state shipping
• Check local business license rules and any home occupation permit if you store stock at home
• Market and event fees vary, so check costs and whether the vendor needs its own insurance
• Shipping costs and returns can eat into thin margins
• Stock storage at home must respect any HOA or lease rules

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your opening stock, website setup and pop-up table equipment. These are estimates, and avoiding a shop lease keeps the upfront cost lower.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on your online reach, how many events you attend and your pricing. These are estimates, and shipping costs and returns can eat into thin margins.

Check your state's sales tax rules for online and in-person sales, including out-of-state shipping. Also check local business license rules, any home occupation permit if you store stock at home, and event fees or insurance requirements.