Niche lab supplies online reseller

School districts, community colleges, small testing labs, biotech startups and university research groups that want a friendly, specialist supplier.

You earn the margin between wholesale and resale prices, plus repeat orders and bundled kits (for example a starter kit for a high school chemistry class).

• Sales and quoting
• Organizing orders and suppliers
• Understanding what lab customers need
• Patient follow-up with buyers

• Check your state's rules for a seller's permit or resale certificate, and how to handle tax-exempt customers like schools
• Some chemicals have shipping and sale restrictions; check US DOT hazmat rules and avoid regulated chemicals until you understand them
• Schools and public bodies often use approved vendor lists or registration, so check each buyer's process
• General liability and product liability insurance for the items you sell
• Thin margins when large distributors compete on price, so a clear niche matters

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your store setup, the niche you choose and how much stock you hold. Many items can ship from a wholesale distributor, so you may not need much stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your niche and customers. Margins can be thin when large distributors compete on price, so a clear niche matters. The estimate starts at about 12 hours a week.

Check your state's rules for a seller's permit or resale certificate, and how to handle tax-exempt customers like schools. Some chemicals have shipping and sale restrictions, so check US DOT hazmat rules. Also check each school or public buyer's vendor approval process, and insurance options.