Online stationery wholesaler for small buyers

Independent gift shops, small schools and daycares, nonprofits, churches and small offices that want lower prices or a personal supplier.

You earn the difference between your bulk cost and your wholesale price, with repeat monthly orders from regular accounts. Minimum order sizes help keep each sale worthwhile.

• Sales and relationship building
• Organizing stock and orders
• Basic bookkeeping and pricing

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and resale certificates, and collect exemption forms from business customers
• Check city or county rules and HOA or lease terms if you store stock at home
• General liability and product liability insurance, and cover for stock kept at home
• Large buyers and online marketplaces can undercut your prices, so a niche or good service matters
• Money tied up in unsold stock, so start with fast-moving items

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your online catalog and insurance. Money gets tied up in unsold stock, so starting with fast-moving items helps.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your customers, pricing and niche. Large buyers and online marketplaces can undercut prices, so a niche or good service matters.

Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and resale certificates, and collect exemption forms from business customers. If you store stock at home, check city or county rules and HOA or lease terms, plus insurance.