Online women's clothing boutique

Women shopping online who want a specific style or fit they can't easily find in big chain stores.

You sell items at a markup over wholesale cost. Extra income can come from accessories, bundles and repeat customers on an email list.

• Eye for style and trends
• Social media and photography
• Organizing stock and orders

• Sales tax registration with your state, and rules on collecting tax on online sales, check with your state tax agency
• Wholesale minimum orders can tie up cash in stock that doesn't sell
• Returns and sizing problems can eat into profit, set a clear returns policy
• Clothing labeling rules (fiber content, care labels) may apply, check the FTC guidance
• Home-based work may need a local business license or must respect lease or HOA rules

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy and your wholesale minimum orders. These are estimates. Minimums can tie up cash in stock that doesn't sell, so plan your first order carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, stock and how many orders you ship. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Returns and sizing problems can eat into profit.

Check sales tax registration and rules on collecting tax on online sales with your state tax agency. Check clothing labeling rules, such as fiber content and care labels, in FTC guidance. If working from home, check local license, lease or HOA rules.