Online needlework and stitching shop

Hobby stitchers, gift buyers, crafters looking for hard-to-find threads and fabrics, and people starting a new hobby.

Markup on products bought wholesale, plus extra income from bundled starter kits, shipping fees and repeat orders from loyal customers.

• Knowing stitching materials and what hobbyists look for
• Basic online store setup and product photography
• Order packing and customer service
• Simple inventory tracking

• Sales tax registration and collection rules in your state and in states you ship to, check with your state tax agency
• Wholesale accounts often require a resale certificate and an EIN
• Home occupation rules, HOA or lease limits on storing stock and shipping from home
• Copyright: only sell licensed kits and patterns, and don't copy designers' charts
• General liability and product insurance, and cash tied up in unsold stock

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your store. Note that unsold stock ties up cash, so a small curated range is a sensible start.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on your range, prices and how many customers you reach. Treat this as an estimate, since sales can grow slowly as you build a following.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules in your state and the states you ship to. Wholesale accounts often require a resale certificate and an EIN. Also check home occupation, HOA or lease limits, and only sell licensed kits and patterns.