Online electrical supplies shop

Homeowners, landlords, small contractors and handymen who want a wider range or easier ordering than a local store gives them.

You sell at a markup over wholesale prices, with shipping charged or built in. A focused niche, such as smart home or LED lighting, helps you stand out.

• Product knowledge and writing clear listings
• Basic online store and marketing skills
• Order handling and customer service

• Some brands restrict online resale, so check supplier agreements before listing
• Check which sales tax rules apply when you ship to other states
• Products should be safety listed (such as UL-listed), and counterfeit or unlisted items are a risk
• Returns and wrong-part orders can eat into margins, so set a clear return policy
• Product liability and general liability insurance, and check any HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home

Estimates are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your product range and how you hold stock. Setting a clear return policy early helps protect your margins from returns and wrong-part orders.

Check supplier agreements, since some brands restrict online resale. Check which sales tax rules apply when you ship to other states, and make sure products are safety listed, such as UL-listed. Counterfeit or unlisted items are a risk.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your range, marketing and order volume. The estimates assume at least about 10 hours a week.