Start an online sheet music store

Music students, parents, private teachers, school music programs, church musicians and hobby players.

Retail margin on each printed book or sheet, plus a share on licensed digital titles. Teacher bundles and repeat orders from studios help build steady sales.

• Knowing music and what players need
• Basic online store setup
• Inventory and order handling
• Customer service

• Copyright: only sell printed copies bought from authorized sources and digital files you are licensed to resell. Never sell photocopies or unlicensed arrangements
• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and collecting tax on online orders
• Publisher dealer accounts may have minimum orders or approval steps
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how much printed stock you order and how you set up your online store. Publisher dealer accounts may have minimum orders or approval steps.

Check copyright carefully: only sell printed copies bought from authorized sources and digital files you are licensed to resell, never photocopies or unlicensed arrangements. Also check your state's sales tax rules and whether your city or county requires a business license.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on your niche, range and how many students, teachers and groups you reach. Estimates start from about 8 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.