Home-Based novelty and gift wholesaler

Gift shops, tourist shops, boutiques, flea market and craft fair vendors, and small online sellers who want stock without ordering from overseas.

You earn the markup between your bulk buying price and your wholesale price. Minimum order amounts and repeat orders from regular customers help keep margins steady.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Spotting products that sell
• Organizing inventory
• Sales and follow-up with buyers

• Most states require a seller's permit or resale certificate to buy wholesale without sales tax, check with your state's tax agency
• Check your city or county for a business license and any home occupation permit, plus HOA or lease rules on storing stock at home
• Product safety rules apply to toys and children's items (for example CPSC requirements), so check before you buy and sell
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start small and avoid trend items that may go out of fashion
• Check your insurance for stock stored at home, and consider general or product liability coverage

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy and the niche you choose. Start small, since unsold stock ties up cash and trend items may go out of fashion.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $5,000, depending on your product range and how many retail accounts you win. Plan on at least 8 hours a week to source, store and sell.

Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or resale certificate, and your city or county for a business license or home occupation permit. Also check HOA or lease rules on storing stock, and CPSC requirements for toys.