Lakeside water ski and wake shop

Local boat owners, vacationing families, summer-home owners, ski and wake enthusiasts, and nearby ski clubs or camps.

Retail margin on gear sold, plus add-ons like rope and binding fitting, repairs, and end-of-season sales. Income is strongly seasonal, so most owners plan cash for the quiet months.

• Knowing watersports gear well
• Customer service and product advice
• Basic inventory buying and stock control

• Local business license, sales tax registration and a certificate of occupancy for the space: check with your city, county and state
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus coverage for stock and theft
• Brand dealer agreements may set minimum orders or pricing rules, so read them before signing
• If you sell life jackets, check that they carry U.S. Coast Guard approval labeling for the intended use
• Heavy seasonality: unsold stock and slow winter months can strain cash

Estimated startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, how much stock you buy, which brands you carry and how you fit out the space. Brand dealer agreements may set minimum orders.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, season, stock range and services such as repairs. Winter months can be slow, so plan cash flow carefully.

Check local business license, sales tax registration and certificate of occupancy with your city, county and state. If you sell life jackets, check they carry U.S. Coast Guard approval labeling for the intended use, and read dealer agreements before signing.