Denim shop with fitting and hemming

Local shoppers looking for a good fit, plus gift buyers and people who want brands they can try on before buying.

You buy jeans wholesale and sell at retail price. Alterations add a fee per job and bring customers back. Accessories like belts and tops raise the average sale.

• Selling and customer service
• An eye for fit and style
• Inventory buying and budgeting

• Check your state's rules for a seller's permit or sales tax registration, plus any city or county business license
• Check what the lease says about build-out, signage and the length of the commitment
• General liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Unsold stock and sizing mistakes can tie up cash, so start with a tight range
• Some brands set minimum orders or approve only certain retailers, so ask early

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on location, lease build-out, signage, fixtures, and opening stock. Check what the lease says about build-out and the length of the commitment, and start with a tight range.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location, brands, pricing, and how well your stock matches local sizes. That is revenue rather than profit, and results will vary from shop to shop.

Check your state's rules for a seller's permit or sales tax registration, plus any city or county business license. Also look into general liability and property insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and whether brands set minimum orders or approve retailers.