Online teacher and homeschool supply store

Teachers buying with their own money, homeschooling parents, tutors, daycares and small private schools.

You earn the markup between wholesale and retail price on each item, plus extra from bundles such as grade-level kits or back-to-school boxes.

• Choosing products teachers and parents actually need
• Basic website and photo skills
• Organizing stock and shipping orders

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax on online sales
• Check whether you need a local business license or a home occupation permit if you store stock at home
• Children's products may have safety rules (for example small parts), so check with your supplier and the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Shipping costs can eat into margins on heavy items like books

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your website, how much stock you hold and whether a supplier ships for you. Shipping costs on heavy items like books can reduce margins.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your product range, marketing and pricing. The idea is estimated at a minimum of about 8 hours a week, so it can start alongside other work.

Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax on online sales. Check whether you need a local business license or home occupation permit if you store stock at home. Children's products may have safety rules, so check with your supplier and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.