Surplus and outdoor gear storefront

Bargain hunters, campers, hunters, hikers, hobbyists, work-clothes buyers and locals who like browsing for finds.

You buy stock cheaply in bulk and sell it at a markup in-store. Fast-moving basics cover the rent, and rarer finds bring higher margins.

• Spotting good deals when buying stock
• Pricing and display
• Friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Sales tax registration and a resale certificate, check with your state's tax agency
• Rules on selling certain ex-military items (such as ammunition, firearms or controlled equipment), check federal and state rules before buying them
• General liability insurance and coverage for your stock
• Lease terms and the risk of unsold stock tying up cash
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire staff

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on the size of the premises, how much stock you buy and your shop fit-out. Unsold stock can tie up cash, so budget for it.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, the stock you carry and how well you buy and price it. Lease terms and unsold stock can affect what you keep.

Check sales tax registration and a resale certificate with your state's tax agency. Check federal and state rules on certain ex-military items, such as ammunition, firearms or controlled equipment, before buying them. Also check insurance.