Niche wholesale supplier run from home

Independent gift shops, boutiques, small chains, online store owners and market sellers who want reliable supply at a lower unit price.

You buy at the wholesale price and sell at a markup, with minimum order sizes. Repeat customers who reorder each season are the core of the business.

• Spotting products shops will reorder
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Tracking stock and orders
• Selling to business buyers

• Check your state's rules on resale certificates and sales tax, so you do not charge tax on resale or pay it by mistake
• Check for a home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules before storing stock at home
• Product liability insurance, since you are liable for what you sell
• Cash is tied up in stock, so start with small first orders
• If you import goods, check customs duties and product safety rules, especially for children's items or electrical goods

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the product category and how much stock you buy. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your range and number of retail customers.

Check your state's rules on resale certificates and sales tax, so you do not charge tax on resale or pay it by mistake. Also check for a home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules before storing stock at home.

Useful skills include spotting products shops will reorder, negotiating with suppliers, tracking stock and orders, and selling to business buyers. Estimates suggest you should plan for at least about 10 hours a week to get started.