Online pet supplies store

Pet owners who want convenient ordering, plus owners of a specific type of pet who struggle to find the right products in local stores.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail price on each item sold, plus shipping or local delivery fees. Bundles and subscription boxes can bring repeat orders.

• Choosing products pet owners want
• Basic website and photo skills
• Order handling and customer service

• Sales tax registration and collection rules for your state and for states you ship to
• Check whether you need a local business license, even for a home-based online store
• Pet food rules: check state requirements for selling pet food and treats before you stock them
• Returns, damaged goods and shipping costs can eat into margins
• General liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your website, initial stock and how much you spend on photos and packaging. These are estimates, so plan your product range before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your niche, product range and marketing. Returns, damaged goods and shipping costs can eat into margins, so watch them as you grow.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules for your state and states you ship to, and whether you need a local business license. Also check state requirements for selling pet food and treats, and liability insurance.