Clothing wholesaler for local boutiques and gift shops

Independent boutiques, gift shops, resort and tourist shops, and market or pop-up sellers buying for resale.

You buy at wholesale and sell to retailers at a higher wholesale price. Profit depends on buying well, setting minimum orders and getting shops to reorder each season.

• Spotting trends in a niche
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Inventory tracking
• Building relationships with shop owners

• Check whether you need a seller's permit or resale certificate and sales tax registration in your state
• Check that you're buying genuine goods, since counterfeit or trademark-infringing items can lead to legal trouble
• Check import rules and duties if you buy from overseas
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start small and track what sells
• Check garment labeling rules, such as fiber content and care labels, if you sell under your own label
• Check general liability and stock insurance, and zoning or lease rules for storing stock at home or in a unit

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your storage space and your sales materials. Unsold stock ties up cash, so it helps to start small and track what sells.

Check whether you need a seller's permit or resale certificate and sales tax registration in your state. Also check that you're buying genuine goods, import rules and duties if you buy overseas, garment labeling rules, and zoning or lease rules for storing stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your buyers, product range and order sizes. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week for sourcing, shop visits, online orders and inventory tracking.