Online laminating machines and supplies store

Teachers and school purchasing staff, office managers, churches, small print and copy shops, and sign makers.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail price on machines, and repeat orders for pouches and film bring in steadier income. Bundles such as a machine plus a starter supply pack lift order value.

• Basic online selling
• Knowing the product range and compatibility
• Customer service by email or chat

• Sales tax registration and collection rules in your state and in states where you ship, check with your state tax agency
• Minimum advertised price rules from brands and thin margins against big marketplaces
• Returns, shipping damage and heavy freight on larger machines
• General liability and product liability insurance, check what your insurer requires for resold equipment

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your store setup and whether you dropship or stock your best sellers. These are estimates, so cost out your own product range first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your range, pricing and customer base. Estimates start at about 8 hours a week. Thin margins against big marketplaces and heavy freight on larger machines can affect results.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules in your state and in states where you ship, through your state tax agency. Also check brands' minimum advertised price rules, returns and shipping damage, and what general and product liability insurance your insurer requires for resold equipment.