Remote product costing for small makers and shops

Small manufacturers, food producers, online sellers, contractors and craft businesses that know their sales but not their margins.

Fixed fee per project, such as a product costing review, or an hourly rate. Some clients move to a small monthly fee for updates.

• Comfortable with spreadsheets and accounting software
• Bookkeeping or accounting background
• Explaining numbers in plain language

• Check your state board's rules on using the title CPA and on what services non-CPAs may offer
• Consider professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, since clients act on your numbers
• Protect client financial data: use secure file sharing and check any confidentiality duties
• Agree the scope in writing so projects don't grow without extra pay

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on the accounting software, spreadsheet templates, secure file sharing and insurance you choose. Most of the work is done from a home office.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many projects you take on, your fees and the scope of each job. The idea assumes at least about 5 hours a week.

Check your state board's rules on using the CPA title and which services non-CPAs may offer. Also consider professional liability insurance, protect client financial data with secure file sharing, and agree each project's scope in writing.