Online collectibles store from home

Hobbyists and collectors, gift buyers and fans looking for specific items they can't find locally.

You sell items for more than you paid for them. Income comes from the margin on each sale, minus marketplace fees and shipping costs.

• Knowing your collectibles category well
• Spotting fair prices and fakes
• Clear photos and honest descriptions
• Careful packing and shipping

• Sales tax registration and collection rules, which vary by state, so check with your state's tax agency
• Counterfeit or misrepresented items, which can lead to refunds and damaged reputation
• Money tied up in stock that may not sell quickly or may drop in value
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
• Insurance for stock and shipments, as standard home policies may not cover business inventory

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how much stock you buy and what you need for photos, packing and shipping. Remember that money tied up in stock may not come back quickly if items sell slowly.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $4,000, depending on your category, stock, pricing and the hours you put in. Many people start with about 8 hours a week and build from there.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules with your state's tax agency. Also check any home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home, and whether insurance covers business inventory and shipments, since standard home policies may not.