Online specialty seed shop

Home gardeners, hobby growers, community gardens, schools and small market gardeners.

Price per packet, plus bundles and gift sets. Sales peak before planting seasons, so a mailing list and seasonal collections help smooth the year.

• Knowing plants and growing conditions
• Writing clear product descriptions
• Organized packing and stock tracking

• Many states require a seed dealer license or labeling permit, and federal seed labeling rules apply to interstate sales. Check both
• Seed labels usually need details like variety, origin and germination test date, so check what your state requires
• Some varieties are protected by plant variety protection or patents and can't be repacked and resold freely
• Some states restrict shipping certain seeds or plants, check state rules before shipping
• Home use may need a home occupation permit, and check your lease or HOA rules for storage and shipping traffic
• Sales are seasonal, and stored seed can lose germination if kept warm or damp

Estimated startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your bulk seed purchases, packaging and labels, website setup and storage. A tightly focused range can help keep initial stock costs down.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your range, pricing and traffic. The estimate assumes from about 10 hours a week, and sales are seasonal.

Check whether your state requires a seed dealer license or labeling permit, and federal seed labeling rules for interstate sales. Also check label details, protected varieties, state shipping restrictions, and home occupation, lease or HOA rules.