Luggage importer with a small warehouse

Independent luggage and department stores, online retailers, hotels, schools and corporate gift buyers.

Buying at factory prices in larger volumes and selling in smaller wholesale lots at a margin, with extra income from private-label or custom-branded lines.

• Supplier sourcing and negotiating
• Managing stock and shipping
• Business-to-business sales
• Managing cash flow

• Import duties, customs rules and shipping delays, so check with US Customs and Border Protection and a customs broker
• Product labeling and safety rules, which can vary by material and state, so check before ordering
• Large upfront orders can tie up your cash, and quality problems can be costly
• Check commercial property insurance, general liability and cargo insurance
• Register for sales tax and resale certificate rules with your state

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on order size, warehouse or storage rent and how much stock you buy upfront. Large first orders can tie up your cash, and quality problems can be costly.

Check import duties, customs rules and shipping delays with US Customs and Border Protection and a customs broker. Also check product labeling and safety rules, which can vary by material and state, and your state's sales tax and resale certificate rules.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your range, buyers and order sizes. This is usually a full-time business, typically around 30 hours a week or more, covering sourcing, stock and shipping.