Online dress shop with pop-up sales

Women buying dresses for everyday wear or events, often found through social media, local groups and word of mouth.

You buy wholesale and sell at a markup through your online store and pop-ups. Pop-up booth fees and shipping are the main costs to price in.

• Styling and an eye for trends
• Social media and product photos
• Inventory tracking
• Customer service for sizing and returns

• Check your state for a sales tax permit and rules on collecting tax on online and in-person sales
• Check with your city or county about business license rules, including for pop-up events and any HOA or lease limits on home storage
• Get general liability insurance, since many markets and event venues ask for proof
• Returns and sizing problems are common with online dress sales, so set a clear policy
• Slow-selling stock can tie up cash, so keep early orders small

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website and any pop-up costs. Slow-selling stock can tie up cash, so consider keeping early orders small.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, how well you reach customers online and how many pop-ups you run. Returns and sizing problems can affect what you keep.

Check your state for a sales tax permit and rules on collecting tax on online and in-person sales. Check city or county business license rules, including for pop-ups, and any HOA or lease limits on home storage. Get general liability insurance.