Online fine pen and ink shop

Pen hobbyists, students, professionals buying a quality pen, and gift buyers.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail price on each item, plus extra from bundles such as starter sets and gift boxes.

• Knowledge of pens and inks
• Basic online store setup
• Product photography and writing
• Packing and shipping

• Sales tax registration and collection rules in your state and any states where you sell a lot, check with your state tax agency
• Some brands restrict who can sell their pens or set minimum advertised prices, read each dealer agreement
• Ink bottles can leak in transit, so budget for good packaging
• Home business rules from your city, county, HOA or lease if you store stock at home
• General liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether you use dropshipping, and how you set up your store. Budget for good packaging too, since ink bottles can leak in transit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your product range, traffic and pricing. These are revenue figures, not profit. The estimates assume a minimum of about 8 hours a week.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules with your state tax agency, including states where you sell a lot. Read each brand's dealer agreement for restrictions or minimum advertised prices. Check home business rules from your city, county, HOA or lease, and look into insurance.