Online games seller with market and convention stalls

Collectors, hobbyists and families buying online or at weekend events.

Profit on the gap between what you pay for stock (trade-ins, garage sales, wholesale) and your selling price, minus marketplace fees and shipping.

• Spotting underpriced games and knowing values
• Photographing and listing items clearly
• Packing and shipping carefully

• Check your state's sales tax rules, including marketplace facilitator rules and whether you need a seller's permit
• Secondhand dealer rules differ by state and city, so check whether they apply to you
• Counterfeit or modified games and reproduction collectibles, so verify items before buying
• Home business rules: check for a home occupation permit and HOA or lease limits on storing stock
• Table fees at events may require a vendor permit, so check with the organizer
• Shipping insurance and damaged-item disputes

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your listing tools and any table fees. These are estimates, and checking items before buying helps avoid counterfeits.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on what you sell, your pricing and how often you attend events. These are estimates, and the business typically needs at least 8 hours a week.

Check your state's sales tax rules, including marketplace facilitator rules and any seller's permit. Also check secondhand dealer rules, home occupation permits, HOA or lease limits, and whether event organizers require a vendor permit.