Start an online incense shop

Individual customers: people into meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, home fragrance and spiritual practice.

You sell at retail prices above your wholesale cost. Bundles, sampler boxes and burner sets raise the average order value.

• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Product photos and descriptions
• Order packing and shipping
• Basic online marketing

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax on online orders
• Check labeling and any fragrance or ingredient claims; avoid health claims you cannot support
• Some marketplaces limit certain products or wording, so read their seller policies
• Check whether your supplier's import status and sustainable sourcing claims hold up, especially for wood and resin products
• Check HOA or lease rules if you store stock or pack orders at home
• Get product liability or general liability insurance quotes

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website or marketplace setup, and packaging. This is an estimate, so build a stock list and get supplier prices first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on your product range, prices and how well you market the shop. These are estimates, not guarantees, and the idea assumes at least about 6 hours a week.

Check your state's sales tax registration and collection rules for online orders, and product labeling, avoiding health claims you cannot support. Read marketplace seller policies, verify supplier sourcing claims, check HOA or lease rules for home storage, and get liability insurance quotes.