Home-based lingerie wholesaler

Independent boutiques, online sellers, salons and spas with a retail corner, and small chains that buy smaller lots than big wholesalers handle.

You sell at a wholesale price above your cost, often with a minimum order size. Your margin is the difference, and repeat reorders from the same shops are the core of the business.

• Selling to business buyers
• Inventory and sizing know-how
• Organized order handling
• Negotiating with suppliers

• Check your state's rules on sales tax, seller's permits and resale certificates
• Check federal textile labeling and care-label requirements (FTC) for what you sell, especially if you import
• Imported goods can bring customs, duties and longer lead times, so check before you order
• Only sell branded items you are authorized to distribute, as counterfeits are a serious legal risk
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start small and track which sizes and styles sell
• Check home occupation, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
• Be careful with payment terms such as net 30, since late payers can hurt your cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you buy and your suppliers' minimums. Unsold stock ties up cash, so start small and track which sizes and styles sell.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your buyers, range and order sizes. Watch payment terms such as net 30, since late payers can hurt your cash flow.

Check your state's rules on sales tax, seller's permits and resale certificates, and federal FTC textile and care-label requirements. Only sell branded items you are authorized to distribute, and check customs and duties if you import.