Start an online model aircraft store

RC hobbyists, model builders, collectors and parents buying a first plane for a teenager.

Markup on products bought wholesale from distributors, plus extra from bundles such as plane, battery and charger packages.

• Knowing RC planes, kits and parts
• Online store setup and photography
• Customer service and packing orders

• Sales tax registration and collection rules, check with your state revenue department
• Shipping lithium batteries has special carrier rules, check with your carrier
• Distributors may set minimum orders or pricing rules, so check before committing stock money
• Product liability insurance, since flying models can cause injury or damage
• Home business rules, check your city, lease or HOA

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your store setup and any storage space. Check distributor minimum orders before committing money to stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how well you reach hobbyists. The low end assumes roughly 8 hours a week. Revenue is not the same as profit.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules with your state revenue department. Check your carrier's rules for shipping lithium batteries, distributor pricing rules, product liability insurance, and home business rules from your city, lease or HOA.