Online lingerie boutique

Individual shoppers buying for themselves or as gifts, often looking for sizes or styles that big chain stores don't carry.

You mark up wholesale items, usually selling at about double the cost. Extra income can come from gift sets, bundles and repeat customers on an email list.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Product photography and descriptions
• Sensitive, helpful customer service
• Stock and order tracking

• Returns on intimate apparel: many shops don't accept returns on worn or unsealed items, so write a clear policy and check what the law in your state requires
• Sales tax registration with your state, and how online sales are taxed where your customers live
• Brands may require proof of a business, an EIN or a resale certificate before opening wholesale accounts
• Fit problems drive returns, so invest in good size charts
• Running from home may need a home occupation permit and must respect HOA or lease rules

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on whether you buy wholesale and ship from home or use dropshipping from brands that allow it, and on how much you invest in your website and size charts.

Monthly revenue is an estimate of typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, your range and how many customers you reach. Estimates start at around 10 hours a week, depending on how you run orders.

Check return rules: many shops don't accept returns on worn or unsealed items, so write a clear policy and see what your state requires. Check sales tax registration, and note brands may ask for proof of a business, an EIN or a resale certificate.