Home-Based cosmetics wholesaler for local salons and shops

Independent salons, spas, nail studios, boutiques, gift shops and estheticians who want a reliable local supplier with low minimum orders.

You earn the difference between your wholesale buying price and the price you charge businesses. Repeat monthly orders from a handful of regular accounts matter more than one-off sales.

• Sales and relationship building
• Organizing stock and orders
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check your state's sales tax rules and get a resale certificate so you can buy stock without paying sales tax
• Cosmetics sold in the US fall under FDA rules on labeling and safety, so check the requirements and only buy from reputable suppliers
• Beware of counterfeit or gray-market products, and ask suppliers to confirm they are authorized to sell the brand
• Check for expiry dates and storage needs, since heat can spoil products and unsold stock ties up cash
• Check whether your city requires a business license or a home occupation permit, and your HOA or lease rules on storing stock
• Get product liability and general liability insurance before you sell

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether suppliers ship direct, and how you set up ordering. These are estimates, so start with a small range and a few reliable accounts.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many salons and shops you supply, your product range and order sizes. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and stock costs will reduce what you keep.

Check your state's sales tax rules and resale certificate, and FDA labeling and safety requirements. Confirm suppliers are authorized to avoid counterfeit or gray-market goods, and check city licensing, home occupation, HOA or lease rules, and insurance.