Online unfinished furniture store

DIY homeowners, renters, parents, and crafters looking for a blank piece to paint or stain who can't find one nearby.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail price. Finishing kits and supplies bundled with each piece raise the order value.

• Setting up and running an online store
• Product photography and descriptions
• Customer service by email and chat

• Sales tax rules when selling to customers in other states, check each state's requirements
• Freight shipping costs and damage claims, so be clear about delivery times and returns
• Reliance on a few suppliers, since stock or price changes can affect your listings
• General liability and product liability insurance, check what your insurer covers
• If you run it from home, check any HOA, lease or local home occupation rules

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your website setup, whether suppliers ship directly or you hold a small amount of stock, and your marketing. Freight costs are worth checking early.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your product range, pricing, supplier terms and marketing. The estimate assumes roughly 10 or more hours a week.

Check each state's sales tax requirements when selling to customers in other states. Also check freight and damage claim terms, what your insurer covers for general and product liability, and any HOA, lease or local home occupation rules if you work from home.