Online water ski and wakeboard store

Recreational skiers and wakeboarders, boat owners, and families buying gear for a lake house or vacation.

Margin on each item sold, with higher earnings from accessories and bundles such as a ski plus rope and gloves. Sales usually peak in spring and summer.

• Knowing watersports gear and sizing
• Online selling and product photos
• Customer service and handling returns

• Sales tax registration and collection rules vary by state, so check your state's tax agency
• Some brands restrict online sales or set minimum advertised prices, so check dealer terms
• Wetsuit and binding sizing leads to returns, so plan for return shipping costs
• General and product liability insurance, and a home occupation permit if your city requires one for stock stored at home
• If you sell life jackets, check that they carry U.S. Coast Guard approval labeling

Estimated startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you hold at home, your website setup and whether suppliers ship for you.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your niche, stock range, pricing and return rates. Wetsuit and binding sizing can lead to returns, so plan for return shipping.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules with your state tax agency, and dealer terms, since some brands restrict online sales or set minimum advertised prices. Check whether your city requires a home occupation permit, plus liability insurance and U.S. Coast Guard approval labeling on any life jackets.