Online motorcycle parts and gear store

Riders across the country who want gear and parts, and who often search online for specific fitments.

Markup on each product sold, from your own site or marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon. Fulfillment is either from stock you hold or through suppliers that ship for you.

• Knowledge of motorcycles and riding gear
• Online selling and product listings
• Customer service and returns handling
• Organizing stock and orders

• Some brands restrict who can sell their products, so check distributor agreements
• Helmet safety labeling and standards, so check you are selling compliant products
• Fitment mistakes and returns, which can cut into margins
• Shipping rules for batteries, fuel-related items and large parcels, so check with your carrier
• Sales tax collection in other states, so check the rules that apply to online sellers
• Product liability insurance in addition to general liability, since safety gear is involved

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website and the niche you choose. These are estimates, so test a small range of products first before expanding.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how many riders find your store. Returns from fitment mistakes can cut into margins, so treat this as revenue, not profit.

Check distributor agreements, since some brands restrict who can sell their products. Also check helmet safety labeling and standards, sales tax rules for selling to other states, carrier rules for shipping batteries and large parcels, and product liability insurance.