Online sunglasses store shipping across the country
Sell curated sunglasses and fashion eyewear online from home, shipping orders to customers across the country.
- $1k-6k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
11,719 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.5% in a year
NAICS 446130 “Optical goods stores”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small web store with a focused range of sunglasses, such as a particular style, budget or niche, with style guides, fit advice and a simple returns process.
Your first three steps
- Choose a niche and find suppliers or wholesalers, then order samples to check quality
- Set up a store on an e-commerce platform and photograph the products
- Register your business, get an EIN if needed and set up sales tax collection as your state requires
Who pays
Online shoppers looking for a particular look, price point or niche like sports, polarized or vintage-inspired styles.
How it makes money
Markup on each pair sold, with accessories and bundles raising the average order. Ad and shipping costs need to be factored into pricing.
Skills that help
- Online selling and basic marketing
- Product photography and descriptions
- Buying and stock control
- Customer service by email or chat
Watch out for
- Check your state's sales tax rules for online sales, including out-of-state buyers
- Check that a home business is allowed under your lease or HOA and whether your city needs a home occupation permit
- Avoid counterfeit or unlicensed brand products, as listings can be removed and you could face legal trouble
- Returns and shipping costs can eat into margins, set clear policies
- Be careful with UV protection claims and check supplier labeling
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: online sunglasses store
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online sunglasses store?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy and what you spend on your website, photography and marketing. Treat this as a planning estimate.
How much can an online sunglasses store earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $5,000, depending on your niche, marketing and pricing. Returns and shipping costs can eat into margins, so set clear policies before you launch.
What rules should I check before starting?
Check your state's sales tax rules for online sales, including out-of-state buyers. Check whether a home business is allowed under your lease or HOA and whether your city needs a home occupation permit. Avoid counterfeit products and be careful with UV claims.
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Photo: Engin_Akyurt on Pixabay