Online clothing boutique

Online shoppers who want a specific style or size range they can't easily find in big chain stores.

You buy wholesale or source stock and sell at retail prices. Profit is the margin after product cost, shipping, returns and platform fees.

• Spotting styles that sell
• Social media and photography
• Order and stock tracking

• Sales tax registration: check your state's rules, including for sales to other states
• Returns and sizing problems can eat into margins, so set a clear returns policy
• Clothing labeling rules (fiber content, country of origin) under FTC regulations, check what applies to you
• Don't tie up too much cash in stock that may not sell
• Home occupation rules or HOA/lease limits if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website setup and photography. These are estimates, so avoid tying up more cash in stock than you can afford.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, product range, marketing and how many orders you ship. That is revenue before stock and other costs, starting at about 10 hours a week.

Check your state's sales tax registration rules, including sales to other states. Also check clothing labeling rules under FTC regulations, such as fiber content and country of origin, and any home occupation or HOA rules if you store stock at home.