Start an online dried seafood store

Home cooks who can't find these products locally, people cooking traditional family recipes, and small restaurants and food trucks.

Markup on each product, plus bundles, bulk-size discounts for restaurants and repeat orders from regular customers.

• Knowing seafood products and how they are used in cooking
• Online selling and basic photography
• Organized packing and inventory tracking

• Check FDA rules for seafood, including labeling and allergen statements for fish and shellfish, and whether repackaging counts as processing
• Cottage food laws often exclude seafood, so check your state health department before storing or packing at home
• Check your state and city for a food business license or registration, and sales tax registration with your state
• Make sure your suppliers are properly licensed and imported products meet US requirements
• Get general liability and product liability insurance, since food safety claims are a real risk
• Strong smells and humidity can spoil stock, so plan clean, dry, cool storage

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your packaging and your storage setup. Strong smells and humidity can spoil stock, so plan for clean, dry, cool storage.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how many hours you work. Remember that supplier costs, shipping and insurance come out of that revenue.

Check FDA rules for seafood, including labeling, allergen statements and whether repackaging counts as processing. Cottage food laws often exclude seafood, so check your state health department before packing at home. Also check state and city food business licensing and sales tax registration.