Fabric exporter with a small stock room

Overseas garment makers, small fashion brands, upholstery and home textile businesses, and wholesalers.

You earn the margin between what you pay the mill and what the buyer pays, after freight, packing and storage. Holding stock lets you fill smaller or faster orders than an agent can.

• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Knowledge of fabric types and quality
• Inventory and cash flow management
• Handling shipping and export documents

• Working capital is tied up in stock, so start small and avoid buying before you have buyers
• Check export filing rules, any licensing needs and the destination country's import duties and labeling rules with your forwarder or customs broker
• Screen buyers against US sanctions and restricted-party lists
• Get paid before shipping, or use a letter of credit or export credit insurance for larger orders
• Check cargo insurance, general liability insurance, and the zoning and lease terms of your unit
• Check state sales tax rules, as sales for export are often treated differently, and confirm with your state revenue department

Estimates are typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on how much stock you buy and your unit. Working capital is tied up in stock, so start small and avoid buying before you have buyers.

Check export filing rules, any licensing needs, and the destination country's import duties and labeling rules with your forwarder or customs broker. Also screen buyers against US sanctions lists, and check state sales tax treatment, insurance, and your unit's zoning and lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on stock and buyers. For larger orders, check getting paid before shipping or using a letter of credit or export credit insurance. Estimates assume at least about 25 hours a week.