Online stationery store

Students, journaling and planner fans, gift buyers and remote workers who want nicer everyday supplies.

Profit on each item sold, usually buying wholesale and marking up, plus gift sets and bundles that raise the average order.

• Choosing products people want
• Basic online selling and photos
• Packing and shipping orders
• Social media or email marketing

• Sales tax registration with your state and how it applies to online sales, check your state's rules
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
• Shipping costs eating into thin margins, test prices before launching
• Wholesale minimum orders tying up cash in stock that may not sell
• General liability and product insurance, check what you need

Estimates typically run around $500 to $4,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your site or marketplace shop. Wholesale minimum orders can tie up cash in stock that may not sell.

Check sales tax registration with your state and how it applies to online sales. If you store stock at home, check home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules, and check what general liability and product insurance you need.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on your niche, products and marketing. Shipping costs can eat into thin margins, so test prices before launching. The idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week.