Online telescope and stargazing store

Hobbyists upgrading their gear, parents and grandparents buying for kids, students and gift buyers.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail on each item. Accessories and bundles usually carry better margins than the telescopes themselves.

• Basic knowledge of telescopes and binoculars
• Clear writing for product pages and guides
• Customer service and order handling

• Dealer agreements and minimum advertised price rules from brands, so check the terms before you list
• Sales tax registration and resale certificate rules in your state, and in any state where you may need to collect tax
• Fragile optics: budget for good packaging, shipping insurance and returns
• Thin margins against big online retailers, so focus on advice and service
• Home occupation permit or HOA and lease rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you hold and how you ship. These are estimates, so budget for good packaging, shipping insurance and returns.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your product range and how well you stand out. Margins can be thin against big online retailers, so focus on advice and service. Revenue is not profit.

Things to check: brand dealer agreements and minimum advertised price rules, plus sales tax registration and resale certificate rules in your state and any other state where you may collect tax. Also check home occupation, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home.