How to start an online magic shop

Hobbyists, beginners buying gifts, parents of young magicians and working performers such as party entertainers.

You buy wholesale and sell at retail, keeping the markup. Bundles like starter kits and repeat orders from performers lift the average sale.

• Knowing magic products and what suits beginners vs. pros
• Basic website and product photo skills
• Customer service and order packing

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax on online orders
• Some magic products are copyrighted or sold under dealer agreements, so check supplier terms before reselling or copying descriptions and videos
• Check HOA or lease rules if you store stock and ship from home
• General liability or product liability insurance may be worth checking, especially for items with small parts
• Stock you can't sell ties up cash, so start with a small range

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website and your product photos. Starting with a small range helps, since unsold stock ties up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $500 to $4,000, depending on your product range, website traffic and mix of hobbyist, gift and performer customers. Treat it as an estimate of sales, not profit.

Check your state's sales tax registration rules for online orders, and supplier terms, since some products are copyrighted or sold under dealer agreements. Also check HOA or lease rules for home storage, and whether product liability insurance makes sense.