Online trade tool and equipment reseller

Independent contractors, small trade firms, landscapers, facility managers and handy homeowners who buy online.

You earn the margin between wholesale and selling price. Repeat orders of consumables and bundled kits raise the average order value.

• Knowing trade products well enough to advise buyers
• Online listing and customer service
• Inventory and order tracking

• Sales tax registration and a reseller permit in your state, so check with your state tax agency
• Brand and distributor agreements, since some brands restrict who can resell their products
• Product liability and general liability insurance, especially for safety gear
• Returns, shipping damage on heavy items and tight margins against large retailers
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your niche, how much stock you hold and whether suppliers ship directly to customers. Treat this as an estimate and price your own stock and website plan before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your niche, product range and how much time you put in. That is revenue, not profit, and margins can be tight against large retailers.

Check with your state tax agency about sales tax registration and a reseller permit. Also check brand and distributor agreements, since some brands restrict resellers, insurance for product liability, and any home occupation, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home.