Neighborhood greeting card and stationery shop

Local residents, gift shoppers, office workers and visitors who want cards and last-minute presents.

Markup on cards and stationery, extra sales from wrap and small gifts, and seasonal peaks around holidays and graduations.

• Choosing stock that suits local shoppers
• Managing inventory and ordering
• Customer service and shop management

• Lease terms, rent and deposit, which are a major fixed cost
• Check your state's sales tax registration, plus any city or county business license
• General liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Seasonal sales swings and unsold stock, so keep orders cautious at first

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, lease terms and deposit, fit-out and how much stock you buy. These are estimates, so get lease and supplier quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on your location, range, foot traffic and seasonal swings. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and rent and stock costs will take a large share.

Check lease terms, rent and deposit, which are a major fixed cost. Also check your state's sales tax registration, any city or county business license, general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff.