Local sewing notions and trims store

Local sewists, quilters, students, theater and costume groups, crafters and people fixing clothes at home.

Retail sales at a markup on stock, plus class fees and workshop kits. Selling online too can smooth out slow weeks.

• Sewing and crafts knowledge
• Buying and stock control
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check with your city or county for a business license and certificate of occupancy for the space
• Check your state's rules on a seller's permit and collecting sales tax
• General liability insurance, plus property cover for stock
• Commercial lease terms and deposits, read them carefully before signing
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire staff
• Stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with a focused range

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on rent and deposits, shop fit-out, and how much stock you buy. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so a focused range helps. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, range and whether you add sewing classes. Revenue is not profit, so rent, stock and staff costs come out of it.

Check with your city or county about a business license and certificate of occupancy for the space, and your state's rules on a seller's permit and sales tax. Also check general liability and property insurance, and read lease terms carefully.