Online store management for small brands

Owners of small online brands, makers and part-time sellers who are too busy making or sourcing products to manage their store.

A monthly retainer per client, usually based on the hours or tasks included. Extra projects such as a store redesign or a sale campaign are billed separately.

• Detail-oriented with product data
• Basic email marketing and ad knowledge
• Reading simple sales reports
• Reliable communication and deadlines

• Check your city or county for any business license requirement
• Make sure contracts say who owns the store, customer data and ad accounts
• Be careful about handling client logins; use shared access or collaborator accounts instead of passwords
• Retainer income can drop suddenly if a client closes, so avoid relying on one or two clients
• Consider professional liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on the tools and software you subscribe to and whether you add insurance. These are estimates, and your own costs will depend on your setup and the clients you serve.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many retainer clients you have and the work they need. Retainer income can drop suddenly if a client closes, so avoid relying on one or two clients.

Check your city or county for any business license requirement. Make sure contracts say who owns the store, customer data and ad accounts, use shared or collaborator access instead of passwords, and consider professional liability insurance.