Online hobby and model kit store

Hobbyists, collectors, parents buying gifts and members of local clubs or online communities.

You buy stock wholesale and sell at a markup through your own website or marketplaces. Extra income comes from bundles, starter sets and pre-orders.

• Deep knowledge of one hobby
• Basic online selling and photos
• Packing and order tracking

• Sales tax registration and collection rules in your state, and in states where you ship a lot
• Many wholesalers ask for a resale certificate and an EIN, check their requirements
• Tied-up cash in slow-moving stock, start with a small range
• Home occupation rules or HOA and lease limits if you store stock at home
• Some products, such as certain glues, paints and hobby knives, may have shipping or age-restriction rules, check carriers and the product labels

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your store and packing space. Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche and sales.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules in your state, and in states where you ship a lot. Check wholesalers' requirements for a resale certificate and EIN, home occupation or HOA limits, and carrier or age rules for glues, paints and hobby knives.

You need deep knowledge of one hobby, basic online selling and product photos, and reliable packing and order tracking. Plan on at least around 8 hours a week, as an estimate, and start with a small range.