Open a sheet music shop with a small storefront

Students and parents, private teachers, school band and choir directors, churches, community orchestras and local players.

Retail margin on printed music and accessories, special orders for teachers and schools, and repeat seasonal sales such as back to school and recital time.

• Knowing music and repertoire across instruments
• Retail and inventory management
• Building relationships with teachers and schools
• Basic bookkeeping

• Lease costs and a long lease commitment, so negotiate carefully and check zoning for retail use
• Sales tax permit with your state, and a local business license from your city or county
• General liability insurance and coverage for your stock
• Only sell legally sourced printed music. Check copyright rules before offering printing or copying services
• Slow months outside the school year, so plan your cash flow

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your location, lease, shop fit-out, and how much printed music and stock you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, stock range and ties with teachers and schools. Expect slower months outside the school year, so plan your cash flow.

Check lease terms and zoning for retail use, a sales tax permit with your state, and a local business license from your city or county. Also check liability and stock insurance, and copyright rules before offering printing or copying services.