Home-Based lampshade wholesaler

Independent lighting shops, home decor boutiques, interior designers, furniture stores and small online retailers.

You sell at wholesale prices above your cost, usually with a minimum order. Repeat orders from a handful of steady shops matter more than one-off sales.

• Selling to business buyers
• Stock and order tracking
• Eye for style and quality
• Negotiating with suppliers

• Check your state's rules on a seller's permit or resale certificate for buying wholesale and collecting sales tax
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit, and whether your HOA or lease allows stock storage
• Shades are bulky and easily crushed, so budget for storage space, packaging and shipping damage
• If you import, check customs duties, labeling and any product safety or flammability rules that apply to lamp parts
• General liability and product liability insurance, since a faulty shade could cause a complaint

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, storage and packaging supplies, and any samples or marketing. Focusing on one style, such as drum or empire shades, can help keep your first order manageable.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range, pricing, supplier terms and how many trade customers you win. Revenue is not profit, so account for stock, storage, packaging and shipping damage.

Check your state's rules on a seller's permit or resale certificate, and whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit. Also check HOA or lease rules on storing stock, customs duties, labeling and flammability rules if you import, and liability insurance.