Online hat boutique

Individual shoppers buying for everyday wear, weddings, races, church, travel and gifts.

You buy hats at wholesale and sell at retail, keeping the markup after shipping, fees and returns. Add-ons like hat boxes, liners or care kits can raise the order value.

• Choosing products that sell
• Online store setup and product photos
• Customer service and handling returns

• Sales tax registration and collection rules in your state and in states you ship to
• Return rates, since sizing issues can eat your margin, so offer clear size charts
• Check HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
• Seasonal demand swings, so avoid over-ordering one season's styles

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your stock, website setup, product photos, and whether a supplier ships for you. Treat this as an estimate and keep your first range focused.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, marketing, and seasonal demand. Time needed starts at around 8 hours a week. Avoid over-ordering one season's styles.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules in your state and in states you ship to. Offer clear size charts to limit returns, and check HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home.