Online window parts and hardware store

Homeowners, landlords, handymen and small glazing businesses who need parts fast and without a trip to a supplier.

Markup on each part, with extra from bundles, repair kits and shipping fees. Good product pages and identification guides bring repeat buyers.

• Product knowledge and part matching
• Online listings and basic photography
• Packing and shipping

• Check state sales tax rules for online sales
• Wrong-part returns can eat margins, so make compatibility information very clear
• Check your insurance needs, including product liability
• If you run it from home, check HOA, lease and home occupation rules for stock and shipping
• Glass and heavy items are costly to ship, so check carriers before you stock them

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the range of parts you list, your store setup and the storage and packing supplies you need. Use this as an estimate when planning your own budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range and how well you match parts to buyers. Wrong-part returns can eat margins, so make compatibility information very clear. Plan for at least 10 hours a week.

Check state sales tax rules for online sales and your insurance needs, including product liability. If you run it from home, check HOA, lease and home occupation rules for stock and shipping, and check carriers before stocking glass or heavy items.