Online yarn and knitting supply shop

Hobby knitters and crocheters, gift buyers and people who want colors or brands their local store does not carry.

Markup on yarn and supplies, with higher margins on bundled kits. Shipping charges and repeat customers on a mailing list add to sales.

• Knowledge of yarn types and fibers
• Basic photography for product photos
• Inventory tracking and order packing
• Social media and email marketing

• Sales tax registration with your state, and rules for collecting tax on online sales in other states
• Some wholesalers require a resale certificate and a minimum opening order, so check terms first
• Tied-up cash in stock: start with a small range and reorder what sells
• Home storage and any HOA or lease rules if you keep inventory and ship from home
• General liability and product insurance, ask a broker what suits online retail

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website setup and any wholesaler minimum opening orders. Starting with a small range and reordering what sells keeps cash from being tied up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your niche, product range, traffic and marketing. A starting estimate for time commitment is at least about 8 hours a week, with more as orders grow.

Check sales tax registration with your state, and the rules for collecting tax on online sales in other states. Also check whether wholesalers require a resale certificate, any HOA or lease rules for shipping from home, and insurance options with a broker.