Smart device sales with home setup

Busy households, older adults, new homeowners and small offices who want devices installed and working without the hassle.

Margin on the devices and accessories you sell, plus a flat fee or hourly rate for setup, data transfer and training visits.

• Comfortable with phones, Wi-Fi and smart home apps
• Clear, patient explanations
• Basic online selling and bookkeeping

• Sales tax registration and any seller's permit your state requires, check with your state revenue department
• Check your city or county for a general business license, and for home occupation or HOA rules if you store stock at home
• General liability insurance, ideally with cover for working in customers' homes
• Customer privacy and security, especially when setting up cameras and moving personal data
• Returns and warranty claims on devices you sell, set a clear policy
• Avoid claiming to be an authorized dealer for any brand or carrier unless you actually are

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you carry and how you set up your online store. Because you have no shop to rent, overhead stays low.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your product range, how many setup visits you book and how much you sell online. These are revenue estimates, not profit.

Check sales tax registration and any seller's permit with your state, plus your city or county business license and any home occupation or HOA rules if you store stock at home. Also check insurance for working in customers' homes and set a clear returns policy.