Start an online children's furniture store

Parents furnishing a nursery or bedroom, grandparents buying gifts, and small daycares or preschools.

You earn the margin between the wholesale price and your retail price, plus any delivery or assembly-guide upsells. Bundles like a bed plus storage can raise the average order.

• Online selling and product listings
• Good photos and clear descriptions
• Customer service and handling returns

• Children's product safety rules: check CPSC requirements, including crib standards, Children's Product Certificates and third-party testing, and ask suppliers for proof
• Check your state's rules on tip-over safety for storage units and on sales tax for online sales
• Large items are costly to ship and return, so check freight costs and damage policies before you set prices
• Get general liability and product liability insurance, and ask your insurer what they need for children's products

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your product range, website setup and how much stock you hold. Many sellers work with makers or wholesalers who ship direct, so you may not need much stock.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many parents you reach. Large items are costly to ship and return, so check freight costs and damage policies before setting prices.

Check CPSC requirements, including crib standards, Children's Product Certificates and third-party testing, and ask suppliers for proof. Also check your state's rules on tip-over safety for storage units and on sales tax for online sales.