Online workwear and hi-vis store
Sell hi-vis jackets, coveralls and safety clothing online to trade workers and small employers, shipped direct from suppliers.
- $500-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
2,954 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.8% in a year
NAICS 424320 “Men's and boys' clothing and furnishings merchant wholesalers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
An online shop selling protective clothing such as hi-vis vests and jackets, coveralls, flame-resistant shirts and rain gear. You can ship from a wholesaler (dropshipping) or hold a small stock yourself.
Your first three steps
- Pick a niche, such as construction hi-vis or flame-resistant clothing, and compare 3 to 5 wholesale suppliers' prices, minimums and dropship terms
- Register your business, get an EIN and a state sales tax permit, then set up a store on a platform like Shopify
- Create clear listings with size charts and safety class details, and email local contractors with an offer for first-time crew orders
Who pays
Tradespeople buying for themselves, plus small contractors, landscapers, warehouses and event companies buying for their crews.
How it makes money
Markup on each item sold, with bigger margins on multi-item crew orders. Add-ons like logo embroidery through a partner can raise the order value.
Skills that help
- Knowing safety clothing types and standards
- Basic website and product listing skills
- Customer service and order handling
Watch out for
- Hi-vis and flame-resistant garments must meet specific standards (such as ANSI/ISEA 107 or NFPA 2112); check the labels and don't make claims you can't back up
- Sales tax registration and collection rules for your state and for out-of-state buyers
- Returns on wrong sizes can eat margins, so set a clear returns policy
- Product liability insurance, check with a business insurance broker
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: online workwear and hi-vis store
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online workwear store?
Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on whether you dropship from a wholesaler or hold a small stock yourself, and on how you set up your website and product listings.
Do hi-vis and protective clothing have to meet standards?
Hi-vis and flame-resistant garments must meet specific standards (such as ANSI/ISEA 107 or NFPA 2112). Check the labels and don't make claims you can't back up. Also check sales tax registration and collection rules for your state and out-of-state buyers.
How much can an online workwear store earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your product range and whether you sell to individuals or crews. Returns on wrong sizes can eat margins, so set a clear returns policy and check product liability insurance.
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Photo: ZeeChow on Pixabay