Online yarn and knitting supplies store

Hobby knitters and crocheters, gift buyers, and people who want to learn a craft and need a starter kit.

You buy yarn wholesale and sell at retail, earning a margin on each skein, plus higher-margin kits, patterns and bundles. Shipping fees and free-shipping thresholds help cover postage.

• Knowledge of yarn types and knitting
• Basic online selling and photography
• Organizing stock and shipping orders

• Sales tax registration: check your state's rules for online sellers and any out-of-state sales thresholds
• Home occupation permit or HOA and lease rules if you store stock and ship from home
• Tying up cash in slow-selling stock, so start small and track what sells
• General liability and product insurance: check what a policy covers for an online retailer

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much yarn and stock you buy and how you set up your website. These are estimates, so start small and track what sells before restocking.

Check your state's sales tax registration rules for online sellers, including any out-of-state sales thresholds. If you ship from home, check home occupation permit, HOA and lease rules. Also check what a general liability and product insurance policy covers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $300 to $3,000, depending on your niche, products and marketing. Slow-selling stock can tie up cash. Expect to spend around 8 hours a week at minimum.