Start an online collectible figurine store

Hobbyists and collectors, plus gift buyers looking for something for a fan.

You buy at wholesale or from distributors and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from pre-orders, bundles, display cases and accessories.

• Knowing the figurine and collector scene
• Product photography and listing writing
• Packing fragile items carefully
• Customer service

• Counterfeit or bootleg figures: buy only from authorized distributors and check the supplier
• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and online marketplace tax collection
• Fragile goods: budget for good packaging and consider shipping insurance
• Check HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
• Cash tied up in stock and pre-order deposits, so plan your cash flow

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your site and packaging. Stock and pre-order deposits can tie up cash, so plan your cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your range, pricing and the time you put in. That is revenue, not profit, so stock, packaging and shipping costs come out of it.

Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and online marketplace tax collection. Buy only from authorized distributors to avoid counterfeit figures, budget for packaging and shipping insurance, and check HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home.