Online sauna supply store

Homeowners building or upgrading a backyard or basement sauna, DIY builders, and small sauna businesses such as gyms, spas and rental operators.

You earn the margin between the wholesale and retail price on each item. Higher-priced items like heaters bring larger orders, while accessories help lift the average order and bring customers back.

• Basic online store setup
• Product knowledge and clear writing
• Customer service and email support
• Organizing orders and suppliers

• Sales tax: check your state's rules on seller's permits and on collecting tax for out-of-state sales
• Product liability and general liability insurance, since heaters involve heat and electricity
• Check that heaters carry recognized safety listings (such as UL or ETL) and that you do not give installation advice. Installs typically need a licensed electrician, so check local rules
• Heavy, bulky shipping and returns can eat your margin, so confirm freight costs and return terms with suppliers first

Estimates put startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your store setup and how much of your own stock you hold. Many owners start with products that suppliers ship directly to customers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your product range, traffic and pricing. That is revenue, not profit, and heavy, bulky shipping and returns can reduce your margin.

Check your state's rules on seller's permits and on collecting sales tax for out-of-state sales. Also check product and general liability insurance, that heaters carry recognized safety listings such as UL or ETL, and local rules on installs, which typically need a licensed electrician.