Local sports equipment store

Parents buying for kids, adult league players, youth clubs, high school and rec teams, and local coaches.

Retail margin on gear and accessories, plus team orders, uniform and custom lettering jobs, and extras like racquet stringing or skate sharpening.

• Knowing the sports you sell
• Customer service and fitting advice
• Inventory buying and tracking
• Building relationships with coaches and schools

• Register for a state sales tax permit and check how resale certificates work with your suppliers
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Tied-up cash in unsold stock, especially seasonal items and sizes that do not move
• Competition from big chains and online sellers, so focus on fitting, service and team accounts
• Check your city or county for a local business license and signage rules

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your location, the opening stock you buy and how you set up the store. These are estimates, and unsold stock can tie up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, the sports you stock and whether you win team and school accounts. The estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week, before costs.

Check how to register for a state sales tax permit and how resale certificates work with your suppliers. Also check general liability and property insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and your city or county business license and signage rules.