Local hydroponics and indoor growing shop

Home growers, hobbyists, small local farms, restaurants growing their own greens and schools.

Retail margin on equipment and consumables, with steady repeat sales of nutrients, media and replacement parts, plus optional workshops and setup help.

• Solid knowledge of hydroponic setups and plant nutrition
• Inventory and ordering
• Friendly, patient customer service

• Zoning, local business license and certificate of occupancy for your location, check with your city or county
• Sales tax registration with your state
• Fertilizer product registration or licensing rules, check your state department of agriculture
• Rules about who you can sell to and how products are marketed vary by state, check local law
• Large upfront inventory spend, start with fast sellers
• Property, general liability and workers' compensation insurance once you hire

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your location, the fit-out of the unit and how much opening inventory you buy. Starting with fast-selling items can keep upfront stock spend down.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, product range, pricing and customer base. This is revenue, not profit. A shop usually means working at least about 40 hours a week.

Check zoning, local business license and certificate of occupancy with your city or county, plus state sales tax registration. Also check fertilizer registration or licensing with your state department of agriculture, and state rules on who you can sell to and how products are marketed.