Online hub cap and wheel trim shop

Drivers replacing a lost or damaged cap, owners of older or classic cars, and small garages and body shops that order online.

You earn the margin between your buying price and the listing price, plus shipping charges. Matched sets and hard-to-find caps for older models usually sell at higher prices.

• Attention to detail when matching parts
• Online listing and photography
• Packing and shipping
• Basic knowledge of wheel sizes and car models

• Fit and size mistakes lead to returns, so record part numbers and diameters carefully
• Replica logos can raise trademark problems, so check marketplace policies and supplier claims about authenticity
• Check your state's sales tax registration rules, and whether your city requires a business license for home-based sellers
• Check HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
• Bulky, awkward parts can make shipping costs eat into margin

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on how much stock you buy and where you source it. Your total will vary with the range of makes and models you choose to cover and your packing supplies.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on your stock range, listings and how many orders you ship. That is revenue, not profit, and shipping costs can reduce margin. Hours start at around 8 per week.

Check your state's sales tax registration rules and whether your city requires a business license for home-based sellers. Also check HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home, and marketplace policies and supplier claims about authenticity, since replica logos can raise trademark problems.