Online mobile home parts shop

DIY mobile home owners, small landlords and park managers who can't find the right parts locally.

Markup on each product sold, with extra margin from bundles such as skirting kits or plumbing repair sets, plus helpful guides that bring in search traffic.

• Knowing manufactured home parts well enough to describe them accurately
• Basic online store setup and product listings
• Customer service by email or chat

• Sales tax registration and collection rules for out-of-state sales, check with your state's revenue department
• A home occupation permit or HOA and lease rules if you store stock at home
• Returns and wrong-fit orders, since parts vary a lot between homes
• Shipping costs on bulky or heavy items eating into margin
• Product liability and general liability insurance for items you sell

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you hold and whether suppliers ship direct. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your product range and customer base.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules for out-of-state sales with your state's revenue department. If you store stock at home, check home occupation permit, HOA and lease rules. Ask about product liability and general liability insurance for the items you sell.

You'll need enough knowledge of manufactured home parts to describe them accurately, basic store setup and listing skills, and email or chat customer service. Estimates suggest at least around 10 hours a week. Plan for returns, since parts vary between homes.