Niche Product Importer, Run From Home

Independent gift shops, boutiques, online sellers and small businesses that want products they can't easily find from big US distributors.

You buy in bulk at a low unit price and sell at a wholesale price that covers shipping, duties, storage and your margin. Repeat orders from the same shops matter most.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Careful budgeting of landed costs
• Organizing orders and stock
• Selling to business buyers

• Import duties and tariffs on your product category, check the current rates for your product code with a customs broker
• Whether you need a customs bond, which many importers need for larger or repeated shipments
• Product safety and labeling rules for your category (for example CPSC rules for children's products, FDA for food, FTC for textiles), check before ordering
• State sales tax registration and a resale certificate for selling to retailers
• Home occupation, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
• Cash tied up in stock and the risk of faulty or delayed shipments

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your product category, order size, shipping and where you store stock. Cash tied up in inventory is a key factor, so start with one niche.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your product, your margins after landed costs and how many retailers or online buyers you reach. The estimate assumes about 10 hours a week or more.

Check import duties and tariffs for your product with a customs broker, and whether you need a customs bond. Check product safety and labeling rules for your category, state sales tax registration and resale certificates, and any home occupation, HOA or lease rules for storing stock.