Local bag and packaging reseller (home-based)

Small retailers, restaurants, takeout shops, delis, boutiques and small manufacturers that use bags every day.

You earn the margin between your wholesale price and your selling price. Repeat monthly orders from regular customers are the core of the income.

• Selling and following up with local businesses
• Comparing supplier prices and quoting accurately
• Keeping track of orders and invoices

• Many states and cities ban or charge fees on single-use plastic bags, so check local rules and consider offering paper or reusable alternatives
• Bags that touch food should be food-safe, so ask suppliers for documentation
• Check whether you need a seller's permit or resale certificate with your state, and what your city or county requires for a home business
• General liability and product liability insurance are worth getting quotes on
• Margins can be thin if a customer's supplier undercuts you, so avoid depending on one or two big accounts

Estimates are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your setup. Orders are often drop-shipped straight from wholesalers to your customer, so you may not need a warehouse.

Many states and cities ban or charge fees on single-use plastic bags, so check local rules. Check whether you need a seller's permit or resale certificate with your state, and what your city or county requires for a home business. Bags that touch food should be food-safe.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many local businesses you supply. Margins can be thin if a competitor undercuts you, so avoid depending on one or two big accounts.