Tennis pro shop near local courts

Club players, juniors and their parents, high school and college players, and coaches buying for their students.

Markup on rackets, balls and accessories, plus fees for stringing and grip installation. Repeat sales of balls, strings and overgrips bring regulars back.

• Knowledge of tennis gear and the game
• Stringing rackets (can be learned)
• Inventory buying and stock control
• Friendly customer service

• Brands may require minimum opening orders or limit who can sell their products, so check dealer terms
• Sales tax registration with your state and a local business license from your city or county
• General liability and property insurance, and a lease you can afford in a slow winter season
• Competition from big chains and online stores, so plan for services and local relationships

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, opening stock of rackets, strings, shoes and apparel, and any stringing equipment. These are estimates, so check brand minimum opening orders before you budget.

Check brand dealer terms, since some require minimum opening orders or limit who can sell their products. Also check state sales tax registration, a local business license from your city or county, insurance, and a lease you can afford in a slow winter season.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, stock and whether you add services like racket stringing. The estimate assumes about 35 or more hours a week, before rent, stock and other costs.