Online toner store for a niche audience

Small businesses and organizations that want easy online reordering and cartridge-finder help, often in a niche you target.

You earn the difference between your selling price and your wholesale cost on each order. Reorder reminders and subscription-style supply plans bring repeat sales.

• Basic website and online store setup
• Customer service by email and phone
• Product research and pricing

• Check your state's sales tax registration rules and how to collect tax on online orders
• Large online retailers compete hard on price, so a niche and good service matter more than being cheapest
• Wrong-model orders and returns can eat into margins, so make sure compatibility information is accurate
• Check the quality and warranty terms of compatible or remanufactured cartridges and your supplier's return policy
• General liability insurance, and a business license if your city or county requires one for home-based businesses

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on your website setup, any stock you hold and your insurance. These are estimates, and shipping directly from a supplier can keep costs lower.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your niche, pricing and how many repeat customers you win. These are estimates, and large retailers compete hard on price, so service matters.

Check your state's sales tax registration rules and how to collect tax on online orders. Also check warranty terms on compatible or remanufactured cartridges, your supplier's return policy, and whether your city or county requires a business license for a home-based business.