Niche footwear wholesaler for independent shops

Independent shoe stores, gift shops, clothing boutiques, farm and work supply stores, and small online retailers.

You buy at wholesale or factory price and sell at a higher wholesale price, with minimum order sizes. Repeat seasonal orders from the same shops are the core of the business.

• Selling and relationship building
• Spotting shoe trends and sizing needs
• Inventory and order tracking

• Check your state's rules on a seller's permit or resale certificate so you can buy for resale without paying sales tax
• Check city or county business license and home occupation rules, plus HOA or lease limits on storing stock at home
• If you import, check customs duties and import paperwork with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Children's footwear may have extra safety testing and certification rules, check with the CPSC
• Unpaid invoices and unsold stock are the main cash risks, so consider upfront payment for new customers
• Only buy brand names from authorized sources to avoid counterfeit goods

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your niche and your storage setup. Unsold stock is a main cash risk, so consider starting small. Treat this as an estimate.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your niche, order sizes and how many shops you sign up. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check your state's seller's permit or resale certificate rules, plus city or county business license, home occupation, HOA or lease limits on storing stock at home. If you import, check customs rules with CBP, and CPSC rules for children's footwear.