Online swimwear boutique

Vacation shoppers, swimmers and pool or beach regulars, usually buying a few weeks before a trip or the start of summer.

You buy at wholesale and sell at retail, keeping the margin on each item. Add-ons like cover-ups, hats and sunscreen raise the average order.

• Picking styles that sell
• Basic product photos and descriptions
• Customer service and handling returns

• Check your state's rules on a seller's permit and sales tax, including online sales to other states
• Returns on swimwear can be high and hygiene rules often mean items can't be resold, so set a clear return policy
• Seasonal demand, so plan your cash flow for slower months
• Consider general liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on whether you hold inventory yourself or use a wholesaler that ships for you, and on how you build your website and product photos.

Monthly revenue is an estimate of typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, your stock and how much demand you attract. Demand is seasonal, so plan your cash flow for slower months.

Check your state's rules on a seller's permit and sales tax, including online sales to other states. Set a clear return policy, since returns can be high and hygiene rules often mean items can't be resold. Consider general liability and product liability insurance.