Online shelving and storage store

Homeowners organizing garages and closets, plus small businesses, offices and renters needing storage.

Profit on each item sold, usually the gap between wholesale and retail price. Add-ons like bundles, accessories and optional assembly guides can raise the order value.

• Basic online store setup
• Product research and descriptions
• Customer service
• Organizing orders and shipping

• Heavy and bulky items can have high freight costs, so check shipping prices before setting your prices
• Damage in transit and returns can cut into margins, so check supplier return policies
• Sales tax rules for online sellers vary by state, so check where you need to register and collect
• Product liability and general liability insurance, especially for items that hold heavy loads
• Make sure supplier weight-capacity and safety claims are accurate before you repeat them in listings

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your store setup, whether you hold stock or ship from suppliers, and your marketing. These are estimates, so check supplier terms and freight prices first.

Check freight costs for heavy, bulky items before setting prices, supplier return policies for damage, and where your state requires you to register and collect sales tax. Also check product liability insurance and that weight-capacity claims are accurate.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your product range, pricing and marketing. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week. Freight, returns and damage can reduce what you keep.