Home-Based wholesaler of pantry and household goods

Corner stores, delis, gas station shops, small grocers, gift shops and office or school stores that want smaller orders than big distributors take.

You buy at wholesale prices and sell at a markup per case or pallet. Margins are thin, so profit depends on repeat orders, careful buying and low delivery costs.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Tracking stock and prices
• Selling and following up with store owners

• Check whether you need a state or city business license and a seller's permit or resale certificate
• Food storage may trigger health department or FDA facility rules, so check before storing food at home
• Home occupation permit, HOA and lease rules on storing stock and receiving deliveries
• General liability and product liability insurance
• Tight margins and cash tied up in stock, so start with small inventory
• Avoid gray-market or counterfeit goods and buy only from legitimate sources
• Alcohol and tobacco need separate licenses, so check before stocking them

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy and the range of products you start with. These are estimates. Starting with small inventory helps, since cash gets tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your product range, the number of shops you supply and your order sizes. These are estimates, and margins can be tight, so track prices carefully.

Check whether you need a state or city business license and a seller's permit or resale certificate. Also check health department or FDA rules for storing food, home occupation, HOA and lease rules, insurance, and separate licenses for alcohol or tobacco.