Online used instruments and accessories shop

Hobbyists, students, gigging players and collectors looking for good-value gear, often in a niche such as guitars, brass or vintage amps.

The difference between what you pay for gear and what you sell it for, minus marketplace fees and shipping. Accessories like strings and cables add steady smaller sales.

• Knowing instruments and their fair market value
• Basic testing and cleaning of gear
• Photography and writing clear listings
• Packing fragile items for shipping

• Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration, and how marketplace sales tax collection works for you
• Check for home occupation permit rules from your city or county, and HOA or lease limits on storing stock and shipping from home
• Shipping damage is a common risk on guitars and fragile instruments, so look at shipping insurance
• Ask your insurance agent whether homeowner's or renter's insurance covers business stock, and consider a separate policy
• Avoid counterfeit or misrepresented items, as marketplace sellers can be penalized or banned for them
• Keep records of purchases and sales for IRS reporting, and check whether you need an EIN

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much starting stock you buy, your packing and photo supplies, and any insurance. These are estimates, so start with gear you know well.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much gear you source, your niche, and how quickly it sells. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and the idea starts at about 10 hours a week.

Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration, and any home occupation, HOA or lease limits. Also check insurance for business stock and shipping, avoid counterfeit items, and keep records for IRS reporting.