Online miniatures and dollhouse shop

Tabletop gamers, painters, dollhouse builders, model makers and collectors, mostly buying online from across the country.

Profit on each item sold, plus extras like bundles, starter kits and painting supplies. Repeat customers and niche focus (one game system or one scale) help build steady orders.

• Knowledge of the hobby and its scales
• Product photos and listings
• Packing and shipping carefully
• Customer service

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax on online sales
• Some brands only sell to approved retailers or set minimum order or pricing rules, so check each supplier's terms
• Avoid copies or knock-offs of licensed products, which can lead to takedowns and legal trouble
• Small parts: check federal product safety rules and labeling if items could be marketed to children
• Check HOA or lease rules and home occupation permits if you store stock or ship from home

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your stock, website or marketplace setup and packing supplies. Check each supplier's terms, since some brands set minimum orders or sell only to approved retailers.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how many hours you put in. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax on online sales. Also check federal product safety rules and labeling for small parts if items could be marketed to children, and HOA or lease rules for home stock.