Online toiletries store

Online shoppers looking for specific brands, subscription refills, gift sets or products not stocked locally.

You sell at a markup over wholesale cost. Bundles, gift sets and repeat-order subscriptions raise the average order value and bring customers back.

• Setting up an online store
• Product photos and descriptions
• Packing and shipping
• Basic online marketing

• Register with your state for sales tax or a resale certificate, and check online sales tax rules for states you ship to
• Check your city or county rules and any HOA or lease limits if you store stock or pack orders at home
• Aerosols, alcohol-based products and other items may have special shipping rules, so check your carrier's policy
• If you make or private-label your own products, check FDA labeling rules for cosmetics and drugs
• Product liability and general liability insurance are worth checking before you sell
• Shipping costs on heavy liquids can eat into margins, and big online retailers compete on price

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your opening stock, store setup and whether a supplier ships for you. Shipping costs on heavy liquids can eat into margins, so factor them in early.

Register with your state for sales tax or a resale certificate, and check online sales tax rules for states you ship to. Check carrier rules for aerosols and alcohol-based items, and FDA labeling rules if you make or private-label products.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your range, marketing and repeat customers. You can start with roughly 8 hours a week, and big online retailers compete on price, so a focused niche helps.