60 Mail Order Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

Updated: July 24th, 2023

Interested in starting a mail order business in 2024?

We put together 60 of the best mail order businesses you can start in today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other mail order businesses to help you see what it really takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start an online t-shirt business

Running a t-shirt business is an opportunity many entrepreneurs are looking into as a side hustle or even a full-time business opportunity. While having your own physical store is possible, online businesses are becoming extremely popular in this field.

Launching your own successful online t-shirt business may feel daunting, but with the guidance & insights from people who are already pioneering this industry, it’s simpler than you may think. You can start with selling customized quotes t-shirts, tie-dye prints/screen printing t-shirts, or solid color t-shirts. The opportunities for this industry are endless.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $83,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

How Two Teachers Started A T-Shirt Business Doing $1.2M/Year

Texas-born apparel brand Tumbleweed TexStyles has grown to serve over 150 retailers throughout the southern United States, selling an estimated 90,000+ products yearly and making an annual $1.2m in sales, thanks to the founders' unique designs, focus on giving back to the education community and successful “guerilla marketing” tactics.

About
Brian started Tumbleweed TexStyles over 12 years ago
Revenue
Brian grew the business to $93K/month
Read by 19,214 founders

2. Start a furniture business

The furniture industry involves designing, manufacturing, and selling various types of furniture for household and commercial purposes. With the increase in flexible workspaces and the real estate industry’s growth, the furniture business’s demand is boosted.

The furniture business is easy to start and does not require high investments. However, it is first essential to know your niche, for example, office, domestic, home furniture, and luxury items.

The furniture business needs a lot of preparation and prior knowledge. Taking business classes, learning about your local market, and making a solid business plan is advisable. In general, if your products are unique and one of a kind, consumers will be willing to pay a higher, including the shipping cost.

How much you can make: $1,700 — $999,999/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Took My Woodworking Hobby Full Time To Build A Successful Brand

Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.

About
Sasha started Timber Grove Studios almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Sasha grew the business to $6.5K/month
Read by 58,317 founders

3. Start a shoe brand

Starting a shoe business can be very lucrative - you can make money by selling shoes, but you can also make money by buying shoes and then reselling them at a higher price.

It's an industry that's been around for hundreds of years, so it's well-established and has plenty of room for growth—especially if you can get in at the ground level. It's also easy to start with minimal investment: even if you only have enough money for two months' worth of inventory, you can still get started right away.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $83,300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 455 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Luxury Shoes And Accessories Brand

16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.

About
Kartik started KASA over 5 years ago
Revenue
Kartik grew the business to $80K/month
Read by 20,296 founders

4. Become a software developer

A software developer is a person who creates computer programs. They design, test, and oversee the creation of software for a variety of purposes including businesses, personal use, or social networking.

If you have strong technical skills and experience in programming, you can start a software development business. You should also have a good understanding of how the software works.

The average salary for software developers is $110,140. The best-paid 25 percent earn an annual income of up to 140K dollars while the lowest-paid workers make just under 84K dollars.

The recent trends in software development are moving towards mobile apps and cloud-based solutions. Businesses are providing a variety of programming languages and tools to create software that meets the client's needs.

Starting a software development company is the perfect way to explore in this exciting industry. This type of business is growing in popularity as businesses are looking for ways to offer their customers a convenient way to access their data and applications.

How much you can make: $1,700 — $465,583,333/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $350K/Month Business Developing Software Tools For Ecommerce Brands

SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.

About
Max started SkyVerge, Inc. about 11 years ago
Revenue
Max grew the business to $350K/month
Read by 35,776 founders

5. Start a tour company

Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!

There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start:

  • Food & Drink Tours
  • Adventure & Sporting Tours
  • Sightseeing & Historical Tours
  • Shopping Tours
  • and many more!

It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.

To get started, find out if you need a license to operate in your state. Some states require tour companies to be licensed, while others do not. If you are required to be licensed, talk with the licensing agency to find out what steps must be taken before you can apply for that license.

How much you can make: $3,750 — $43,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A Wildly Successful Food Tour Business

How Jessica Baumgart founded a successful food tour business in Denver, which broke even and started making a profit after just three months, generating $20,000/month in revenue from offering different food tour experiences.

About
Jessica started Delicious Denver Food Tours over 6 years ago
Revenue
Jessica grew the business to $75K/month
Costs
It cost Jessica $2000 to start the business
Read by 19,520 founders

6. Start a tax service business

A tax service business helps individuals and businesses prepare and file their tax returns accurately and efficiently. This business typically offers tax preparation, tax planning, and consulting on tax-related matters.

To run a successful tax service business, it is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest tax laws and regulations and any changes that may affect your clients. You should also invest in reliable tax preparation software and thoroughly understand how to use it.

Another key to success in this business is building strong relationships with your clients. This may involve offering personalized services and being available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the tax preparation process.

Marketing and networking are also crucial for attracting new clients. This may involve utilizing social media, creating a website, and attending local business events.

Overall, a tax service business can be a rewarding and lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs with a strong understanding of tax laws and a dedication to providing excellent customer service.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $370,000/month

How We Built A $100K/Year Crypto Tax SaaS (In Just 1 Year)

Divly is a startup that helps customers calculate and pay taxes on their cryptocurrency gains, with a revenue of $50k since launching and a plan to expand into multiple markets for 2023.

About
Carl started Divly almost 3 years ago
Revenue
Carl grew the business to $10K/month
Read by 2,659 founders

7. Start a lingerie business

Are you interested in opening a women's fashion shop? Running a lingerie shop can be the right choice for you. Any woman will tell you that wearing quality lingerie makes her feel beautiful and confident.

Therefore, opening a lingerie shop can be a successful business venture. To open, research the market and find a reliable supplier of quality lingerie. Before deciding on the location for your lingerie store, it would help if you research the competition and check if competitors within your targeted region are selling lingerie.

When considering location, choose strip malls located in busy streets to maximize the number of views from potential customers.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $37,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Started My Own Lingerie Business Side Hustle

Love Lorn Lingerie started as a side hustle and now generates $1.9k per month in revenue through Etsy and local events, with plans to expand into wholesale and increase marketing efforts to eventually replace the founder's day job.

About
Jessica started LoveLornLingerie over 10 years ago
Revenue
Jessica grew the business to $5.25K/month
Read by 29,086 founders

8. Start a CBD business

Cannabidiol, abbreviated as CBD, is becoming a household name, and its proponents believe this is for good reasons. Reports indicate that CBD treats several conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, and anxiety.

Market trend researchers indicate the CBD market will grow by a CAGR of 21.7 % over the next few years. Rising awareness of cannabidiol’s health benefits and its effectiveness in managing pain are some factors propelling the CBD industry’s growth.

Therefore, starting a CBD business in 2024 could be the best decision you are yet to agree to. Some high-potential CBD business ideas and opportunities include:

  • Become a CBD distributor.
  • Form CBD cooperatives.
  • Run a CBD podcast.
  • CBD marketer.
  • CBD blogger and reviewer.
  • Make and sell CBD bottles and containers.
  • Start a CBD subscription box service.
  • Start a CBD courier business.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How Two College Roommates Started An Online CBD Business

Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.

About
Evan started Plain Jane almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Evan grew the business to $275K/month
Read by 16,457 founders

9. Start a website development business

Website developers create websites for their clients. as a website developer, your responsibility is to ensure a website is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Web developers also focus on improving the website’s performance and capacity.

To become a website developer, learn different web programming languages. Your customers can be eCommerce business owners or brick-and-mortar businesses looking to have an online presence.

How much you can make: $200 — $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $20K/Month Web Design Agency

How a founder turned his passion for marketing and technology into a successful Boston-based web design and SEO company, generating over $20k in sales each month by focusing on serving the niche market of small businesses through affordable and personalized services, while establishing his reputation through B2B networking and online initiatives.

About
Scott started Up And Social almost 10 years ago
Revenue
Scott grew the business to $25K/month
Costs
It cost Scott $2500 to start the business
Read by 25,421 founders

10. Start a hair product line

Starting a hair product line can be a fun and profitable way to build a new income stream. It's also fairly easy, as long as you plan it out (and maybe do a little bit of market research before creating your sales funnel). There's a reason we often talk about trends in hip-hop and pop culture when we talk about hairstyles — they often have a lot to do with advancements in the hair product industry. The industry is expected to grow to 102 billion dollars by 2024.

How much you can make: $550 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Started A $650K/Month Hair Extensions And Products Business

Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.

About
Mikey started Private Label Extensions about 11 years ago
Revenue
Mikey grew the business to $650K/month
Costs
It cost Mikey $14000 to start the business
Read by 36,542 founders

Building links is necessary as it helps businesses improve the site’s visibility. However, link building can be overwhelming, so business owners hire experts.

If you are interested in starting an SEO business, anything along with link building can be a profitable venture. To become a link-building expert, embrace learning new SEO techniques, focus on producing valuable content, and network with other content creators.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $416,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month SEO Link Building Agency

Italian electrical engineer turned entrepreneur grows manual outreach link building service for profitable software companies and startups from zero to $10k in monthly recurring revenue in less than a year.

About
Alan started Growth Gorilla almost 6 years ago
Revenue
Alan grew the business to $25K/month
Read by 38,955 founders

12. Start a real estate business

Are you a qualified architect with a broad range of knowledge in the real estate field? Starting a real estate business can be a profitable venture.

Real estate involves purchasing, selling, managing, or investing in land and buildings.

To become a successful real estate business owner, you must have finely honed visual awareness and a strong understanding of various building materials and structures.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $500K/Month Real Estate Investment Business

This case study is about T. C. Lewis & Co, a real estate investment and management firm that successfully diversified their approach to include sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being the key to investor doors and organic growth.

About
T. started T. C. Lewis & Co. Real Estate over 18 years ago
Revenue
T. grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 11,380 founders

13. Start an online advertising agency

An online advertising agency helps businesses promote their products or services on the internet.

To start this business on a budget, first learn the basics of digital marketing through free online resources.

Create a professional website and set up profiles on social media platforms to showcase your skills.

Build a portfolio by working on mock campaigns or offering discounted services to friends and family, and gradually market your services to attract clients.

With dedication, you can grow your agency over time.

How much you can make: $2,797 — $1,250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A $120K/Month Online Course For Social Media Marketing Agencies

Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.

About
Iman started Grow Your Agency almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Iman grew the business to $120K/month
Read by 14,302 founders

14. Become a business coach

Are you thinking of starting a career as a business coach?

Becoming a business coach can be a great way to help aspiring entrepreneurs while earning a healthy income. You may want to consider becoming a coach if you have skills in specialized business fields such as marketing, e-commerce, stress management, or leadership.

Many small-business owners are finding it hard to get started, grow, and succeed. As a business coach, your job will be to help entrepreneurs identify new opportunities and take advantage of the ones they already have.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $9,259,259/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

About
Kamil started E-commerce Mentoring about 7 years ago
Revenue
Kamil grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Kamil $1000 to start the business
Read by 24,252 founders

15. Start an email newsletter business

How much you can make: $100 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $36M/Year Stock Market Research Newsletter

Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.

About
Matt started MarketBeat over 13 years ago
Revenue
Matt grew the business to $3M/month
Read by 26,085 founders

16. Start a consulting business

Consulting businesses are booming, more so than ever before, and seeing year-over-year growth. With an accumulated value of about $250B, the global consulting industry is one of the biggest markets within the professional services sector.

If you want to start your own consulting business with valuable insights from industry experts, reading about their entrepreneurial journey will help you decide how you should go about it.

How much you can make: $100 — $2,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $45K/Month Cybersecurity Consulting Firm For Startups

Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.

About
Taylor started Eden Data about 4 years ago
Revenue
Taylor grew the business to $230K/month
Read by 34,511 founders

17. Start a lead generation business

Lead generation business aggregates consumer and business information that it can sell to businesses wishing to purchase new leads. A lead generation company earns money for every lead it generates for a client.

As the business landscape becomes more competitive, entrepreneurs prefer hiring a lead generation company to help increase sales. Therefore, if you understand how digital marketing works to attract customers, you can start your lead generation business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

About
David started Article-Writing Co about 13 years ago
Revenue
David grew the business to $125K/month
Read by 23,592 founders

18. Start a pet toys and accessories business

How much you can make: $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

This Designer Cat Furniture Brand Does Over $300K/Month In Sales

Tuft + Paw, a modern cat brand founded by Jackson Cunningham, started as an importer of exquisite cat furniture and, after raising $150k from Kickstarter, graduated to manufacturing products, seeing sales grow to over $300k per month and now raising $2m from famed investors including Alexis Ohanian.

About
Jackson started Tuft & Paw over 7 years ago
Revenue
Jackson grew the business to $300K/month
Costs
It cost Jackson $1000 to start the business
Read by 5,702 founders

19. Start a jewelry reselling business

Jewelry reselling business is often an overlooked business idea. However, many want to dispose of their old jewelry, especially after a divorce or selling estate pieces.

If you are interested in a fashion business but unsure where to start, you may consider buying jewelry and reselling it for a profit.

To start the jewelry reselling business, target those looking to sell pre-owned jewelry and purchase at a lower price. You can start a jewelry sale website or sell to local customers from a brick & mortar establishment.

20. Start a t-shirts business

Starting a t-shirt business is simple and anyone can do it. It's also a great way to make money on the side or even start out as a full-time business.

If you are someone who enjoys creating beautiful designs and has a sense of humor, then starting a t-shirt business might be the perfect venture for you. It's also a great way to make extra money on the side while working on a hobby.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $83,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 42 days (?)

How I Turned A $5K Investment Into A $7.2M Apparel Brand

This case study follows the story of a successful online business that has made 7.2 million dollars in sales since 2012, with profits of around 30-45%, and the founders share insights on lessons learned and tools used.

About
Jonathan started On Cloud Faith almost 2 years ago
Revenue
Jonathan grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Jonathan $5000 to start the business
Read by 7,969 founders

21. Start an adult toys business

How much you can make: $500 — $125,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How We Started A $125K/Month Ecommerce Network Focused On Adult Pleasure Products

Betty's Toy Box and Naughty North are a leading eCommerce network focused on adult pleasure products and accessories, growing over 60% last year with sales of approximately $125,000/mth, with sales increasing even further during Covid.

About
Carolyn started Betty's Toy Box over 10 years ago
Revenue
Carolyn grew the business to $125K/month
Costs
It cost Carolyn $2000 to start the business
Read by 10,000 founders

22. Start an auto parts shop

If you want to start a retail business in the automobile industry, consider an auto parts business.

The auto parts business is one of the most successful businesses in the world. There are many Auto Parts Businesses in the United States, Canada, and the UK, where most are part-time.

Listed are the steps on how to start an auto parts shop business.

  • Pick a location
  • Do your market research
  • Secure all permits and licenses
  • Open a bank account for business transactions

How much you can make: $45,000 — $600,000/month

How I Started A $12K/Month Aftermarket Vehicle Accessories

This case study follows an inspiring 22-year-old entrepreneur who started an eCommerce store for aftermarket vehicle accessories, making 5x the amount of money he used to make per month, and generated over $90,000 in sales last year.

About
Mitchel started Adrenaline Offroad over 6 years ago
Revenue
Mitchel grew the business to $45K/month
Read by 18,170 founders

23. Start an online book store

Bookselling is the commercial trading of out-of-print books or collectibles. If you are an avid reader or just love selling online, opening an online book store in the age of Amazon and massive retail stores can be a rewarding and fun business. You can sell books on sites like eBay, Abebooks and other high-traffic bookstores.

You can write and self-publish your own books, and sell to fans directly, or resell books by different publishers. Alternatively, you can venture into the vintage, rare or out-of-print books.

To start a bookselling business follow these basic steps:

  • Find a niche and create an inventory
  • Develop a book brand
  • Source the books you plan to sell
  • Launch and market your online store

To compete effectively, differentiate your bookselling brand and be hyper-focused. Focus on delivering a curated experience so you build a community of book lovers.

How much you can make: $200 — $20,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,200 (?)

How I Generate $10K/Month As An Indie Writer

This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.

About
Nick started Conundrum Publishing over 7 years ago
Revenue
Nick grew the business to $20K/month
Read by 9,694 founders

24. Start a network marketing business

The network marketing model depends on person-to-person sales by an independent representative. The individual distributors market and sell the products to a local network of friends, relatives, and people they know.

Networking marketing can also be online, where the marketer targets and recruits followers to join the network marketing agency.

25. Sell vitamin supplements

How much you can make: $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 300 days (?)

We Started Our Gummy Vitamin Packs In College And Now Earn $3M/Year

Vitafive, a direct-to-consumer custom gummy vitamin pouch business founded by 21-year-old Nik Hall and his business partner, Garret, reached a seven-figure business and will earn $3m in revenue in 2021, despite starting with only 31 orders after launch, with a focus on Facebook and Instagram marketing, and expanding into retail with eco-friendly packaging.

About
Nik started Vitafive about 9 years ago
Revenue
Nik grew the business to $250K/month
Costs
It cost Nik $199999 to start the business
Read by 4,093 founders

26. Start a crafts business

If you're interested in starting a crafts business begin by gathering the necessary materials, tools, and a dedicated workspace to create your unique products.

In addition to crafting expertise, it’s important to possess basic business skills such as marketing, pricing, and customer service.

To sell your items, you can participate in local craft fairs take advantage of online platforms like Etsy, or create your own website.

It’s crucial to keep track of your expenses and profits to ensure that you’re making a profit. Nevertheless, running a crafts business can be a fulfilling and creative way to channel your passion for making things.

How much you can make: $600/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Validated My Business On Etsy And Launched My Own Handcrafted Artistry Shop

DownHomeModern's Marc Staples turned his creativity into a successful business through handcrafting windbells and chimes with a rustic style that pays homage to American Southwest decor.

About
Marc started DownHomeModern LLC about 3 years ago
Revenue
Marc grew the business to $600/month
Costs
It cost Marc $5500 to start the business
Read by 2,323 founders

27. Start a personal care products

How much you can make: $4,000 — $2,800,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How We Started A 4.8M E-Commerce Skincare Company

Tree To Tub, a natural skincare company, solves the painful problem of people with delicate skin, resulting in $3M revenue on their third year; their signature products include shampoo, body wash, and facial cleanser made from the gentle Soapberry, and they have since grown to $4M and plan to reach $10M in 2020.

About
Michael started Tree To Tub about 8 years ago
Revenue
Michael grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 18,505 founders

28. Start a vintage housewares business

Starting a vintage housewares business might be the perfect gig if you’re a lover of all things vintage and antique. This type of business is about sourcing, curating, and selling a wide range of retro and vintage home decor items, such as vases, dishes, textiles, and even furniture.

To get started, you’ll need to do a bit of research on what types of vintage housewares are currently in demand. This can include scouring estate sales, thrift stores, and online marketplaces for unique finds or even sourcing items from private collectors or dealers. Once you’ve found some great pieces, it’s all about presenting them in the best light possible. This means taking high-quality photographs, providing detailed descriptions, and perhaps even showcasing the items in a beautifully styled setting.

To make your vintage housewares business successful, here are a few tips:

  • Be consistent in your branding and styling. People will come to know you for your unique vintage aesthetic, so make sure you stick to it throughout all your marketing and packaging efforts.

  • Be patient. Finding truly special and one-of-a-kind vintage housewares takes time, so don’t expect to have a complete inventory overnight.

  • Be knowledgeable. As an expert in your field, you must know the history and value of your selling items. Be prepared to answer questions and provide context for your pieces.

  • Be engaging. The world of vintage and antique housewares is fascinating, so don’t be afraid to tell the stories behind the pieces you’re selling. This will help build trust and loyalty with your customers.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to operating a thriving and thriving vintage housewares business. Happy hunting!

29. Start a computer store

A computer store is a retail business that specializes in selling and servicing computers and related devices. These stores offer a range of products, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, printers, and peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and monitors.

In addition to selling hardware, computer stores also offer software and services such as repair and maintenance, data recovery, and installation and setup. Some stores may also offer training and support services to help customers get the most out of their computer products.

To run a successful computer store, you must understand the products and services you offer sincerely. This includes staying up-to-date on the latest technology trends and being able to troubleshoot and repair common computer issues. It is also essential to have a strong customer service orientation and be able to educate customers on the benefits and features of different products.

To succeed in this business, it is also crucial to have a strong marketing and sales strategy. This can include offering promotions and discounts, establishing partnerships with local businesses, and utilizing social media and online marketing to reach new customers.

Other tips for running a successful computer store include:

  • Developing a knowledgeable and helpful team of employees who can assist customers with their computer needs
  • Building relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to secure the best prices and product availability
  • Offering warranties and service plans to give customers peace of mind and encourage repeat business
  • Staying organized and maintaining a clean and professional store environment.

30. Start a stamps and coins business

31. Start a gift cards selling business

We all love receiving gifts from friends for occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or festival celebrations like Christmas and Easter. As times change, people's tastes and preferences are changing rapidly, and offering variety is the best way to fulfill customers' expectations.

Therefore, if you are looking for a good business idea, you may consider setting up a gift card shop at a convenient location. A strip mall with high traffic of target customers makes a good choice for a gift card business.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $35,000/month

How long does it take to build: 65 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A $25K/Month Online Group Greeting Cards Service

30-year-old Val shares how she founded Thankbox, an online group card and gift collection service in Scotland that has been used to send over 40,000 cards, issued over $2 million worth of gift cards, and now pulls around $25k in revenue per month, with plans to expand and offer physical versions of cards.

About
Valentin started Thankbox almost 4 years ago
Revenue
Valentin grew the business to $35K/month
Costs
It cost Valentin $2500 to start the business
Read by 4,548 founders

32. Start a genealogical researcher business

33. Start a cleaning supplies business

How much you can make: $500,000/month

Seven Figures a Month Selling Cleaning and Sanitizing Products

Learn how Jeff, the CRO of a cleaning product e-commerce company, has grown the business to +40 employees and on track to make $20M in revenue.

Revenue
They grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 487 founders

34. Start a perfume business

A fragrance or perfume business creates and sells products made from various ingredients, such as oils and extracts, which are mixed together to produce a pleasant smell.

And perfumes are no small business: the industry is expected to reach over $40B in the next few years.

There are a few ways to get started with creating your own perfume. You can start by choosing which ingredients you would like to use and then find recipes that will work for those ingredients. Or, you could start with a fragrance that you already love and try to recreate it as closely as possible with natural ingredients.

How much you can make: $19,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $19K/Month Personal And Home Fragrances Brand

Founder Rafael Hernandez launched Alfred Lane, a line of handcrafted personal and home fragrances, generating $19k in monthly revenue with 50% attributed to online and wholesale sales, while expanding to 65 stores across 6 countries and expanding to Europe and South America.

About
Rafael started Alfred Lane over 11 years ago
Revenue
Rafael grew the business to $19K/month
Costs
It cost Rafael $2000 to start the business
Read by 7,660 founders

35. Start a cosmetic store

The cosmetic industry is growing rapidly. Starting a cosmetic shop can be highly profitable, but only if you stock trendy, skin-friendly products.

If you are passionate about the beauty industry, consider starting a cosmetics brick-and-mortar shop.

Cosmetic shops sell products ranging from anti-aging, aromatherapy, lotions, beauty spa, cosmetic store, and even make-up.

To start a cosmetic store, research the market and source products from well-known brands in the beauty industry.

How much you can make: $8,500 — $490,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $8.5K/Month Cosmetics Brand

A former felon's passion for makeup and skincare led her to launch FBI Cosmetics, which has grossed over $62,000 in sales since July 2020, through social media marketing, brand partnerships, and online sales at Walmart.com.

About
Alexis started FBI Cosmetics Inc. over 3 years ago
Revenue
Alexis grew the business to $8.5K/month
Costs
It cost Alexis $1500 to start the business
Read by 8,162 founders

36. Start a musical dvds business

37. Start a products

How much you can make: $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

I Invented A $3.6M Blue Light Filter Blocking Health Business

Ocushield, a brand that develops medically-rated products to eliminate harmful blue light from digital device screens and improve sleep after screen use, serves over 150,000 customers in 80 countries and generates $300k per month with their flagship product being a blue light blocking screen protector and filters, sold in Verizon, BestBuy, HSN & URBN Outfitters and personally recommended by Sir Richard Branson.

About
Dhruvin started OCUSHIELD over 9 years ago
Revenue
Dhruvin grew the business to $300K/month
Costs
It cost Dhruvin $30000 to start the business
Read by 3,640 founders

38. Start a health insurance business

Starting a health insurance business can be a lucrative and rewarding endeavor. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the demand for affordable and comprehensive health insurance plans is higher than ever.

To start a health insurance business, you must obtain a license to sell insurance in your state. This typically requires completing an insurance training program and passing an exam. You will also need to work with insurance carriers to create plans and negotiate rates.

To run a successful health insurance business, it is important to have a strong understanding of the healthcare industry and the various types of health insurance plans available. You should also be able to communicate effectively with clients and help them understand their options.

In addition to selling insurance, you may also need to manage claims and handle customer service inquiries. Strong organizational and customer service skills will be essential to running a successful health insurance business.

Starting a health insurance business requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and resources. With dedication and hard work, you can build a thriving business that helps individuals and families protect their health and financial well-being.

How much you can make: $7,160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How we pivoted our way to a near hundred million dollar exit

Limelight Health, founded in 2014 and acquired by FINEOS in 2020 for nearly $100M, achieved success through building meaningful relationships, product research, executive and advisor hiring, and focusing on culture and authenticity to help life insurers provide excellent service to customers.

About
Jason started Limelight Health about 10 years ago
Revenue
Jason grew the business to $7.16M/month
Read by 713 founders

39. Sell luxury cars

The luxury car business is a niche market targeting super-rich people with substantial disposable income and displays of wealth.

Starting a luxury car business requires a considerable investment in terms of Cash. To start the luxury car business, write a good business plan and study the competition. Understand the market trends so you do not end up stocking luxury cars that will not fetch a good profit. Register your business and create a tax account to keep up with the tax payments.

40. Start a bumper stickers business

Custom bumper stickers can be a great idea when it comes to making money from your graphic design skills. Bumper stickers are becoming widely popular and easy to make, providing business owners with phenomenal profit margins.

Remember, bumper sticker sales spike relative to trending or popular subjects. After a trend has passed, the income flow from the bumper stickers business might reduce. Thus, you ought to be keen and make the stickers as soon as there is a new trend. In addition, it could be a great idea if you introduce a deal discount or any other incentive to drive traffic towards your store.

41. Start a video games one-stop shop

42. Become a crypto accountant

As cryptocurrencies become more common for transactions and investments, there is a need for accounting professionals with knowledge of how cryptos work.

To become a crypto accountant, you need to understand how cryptocurrencies work and how the classification of these digital assets under the generally accepted accounting principles.

The rise of cryptocurrencies brings a new layer of complexity to accounting. Navigating the new frontier and ensuring tax compliance and proper crypto accounting can prove challenging.

The best way to start learning more about cryptocurrency accounting is to read articles that are published on the topic, like this one. They will cover everything from how to account for cryptocurrency mining operations to how to account for a fork in the blockchain.

43. Start a mosquito repellent business

44. Start a religious books business

45. Sell tickets

The ticketing business involves the sale of tickets for events, such as concerts, sporting events, and theater productions. The business typically involves purchasing tickets from the event organizer or ticketing company and reselling them to the public at a markup.

To run a successful ticketing business, it is essential to have a reliable source of tickets, a strong marketing strategy, and a clear understanding of the demand for the events you sell tickets for. It is also essential to have a system for tracking ticket sales and handling customer inquiries.

One essential tip for success in the ticketing business is to offer a wide range of ticket options, including VIP packages and seating options, to appeal to different types of customers. It is also essential to stay up to date on industry trends and to be flexible to adapt to changes in the market.

Finally, building solid relationships with event organizers and ticketing companies can be crucial for securing a steady supply of tickets and for negotiating favorable terms for your business. By focusing on customer satisfaction and building a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy ticket seller, you can establish a successful ticketing business that thrives in the competitive entertainment industry.

How much you can make: $500,000/month

How I Started a $150K/Month Ticketing Platform That Sells More Than 5 Million Tickets A Year Worldwide

A successful ticketing platform that grew from a side project into a business that issues over 5 million tickets annually, using a combination of cold calling, word of mouth, and partnerships to attract and retain customers while navigating the challenges of COVID-19.

About
Jonny started Ticket Tailor over 13 years ago
Revenue
Jonny grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Jonny $1000 to start the business
Read by 10,348 founders

46. Start a hand wash business

47. Start a recycled denim jeans business

48. Start a motorcycle sales business

How much you can make: $240,000/month

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

I Built A Motorcycle Brand Earning $2.8M/Year [Featured In The New York Times]

Janus Motorcycles, a direct-to-consumer brand building handmade, classically styled motorcycles, has steadily increased sales by around 40% each year, relying on organic marketing, customer surveys, and extensive options for customization with a full menu of colors, upgrades, and add-ons to attract and retain customers, all while striving to offer the best ownership experience with personalized service and down-to-earth Midwestern hospitality.

About
Richard started Janus Motorcycles over 12 years ago
Revenue
Richard grew the business to $240K/month
Costs
It cost Richard $25000 to start the business
Read by 6,436 founders

49. Start a bronze baby shoes business

50. Start a mobile phone cases & accessories kiosk

The increasing adoption of mobile phones and other handheld devices has created a secondary demand for phone accessories. Experts project the mobile phone accessories market will reach $166 Billion in the next decade.

High-demand mobile phone accessories include phone cases, batteries, headphones, portable speakers, etc.

Opening a mobile phone accessories kiosk can be a profitable way to make money. Do you plan to start a mobile phone accessories kiosk? Find a busy shopping mall where people buy phones. You can sell mobile phone accessories in retail or wholesale only.

How much you can make: $125,000/month

Selling One Million Phone Accessories

Phone Loops founder Jean-Philippe Brousseau developed and launched his first product after realizing how often he dropped his phone and caused costly repairs, and to date, the company has sold over one million Loops in 66 countries.

About
JP started Phone Loops over 10 years ago
Revenue
JP grew the business to $125K/month
Read by 8,294 founders

51. Start a fictional novels business

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)

How I Created A $60K/Year Software For Novel Writers

"How this founder created a successful novel-writing software now earning over $60k a year through her passion for writing and background in software, growing from just a few sales a month to over 1000 free trial sign-ups and 100 new subscriptions per month."

Revenue
Katja grew the business to $10K/month
Read by 2,861 founders

52. Start an evening gown rentals business

53. Start a bags store

How much you can make: $833,333 — $2,000,000/month

How This Founder Built a Successful Boutique Brand from Scratch

Linjer, a sustainable jewelry, luggage and watch brand, founded by Jennifer Chong & Roman Khan, generated $10 million in revenue in just three years and has plans to expand via influencer marketing, pop-ups, new product markets & wholesale partners.

About
They started Linjer over 10 years ago
Revenue
They grew the business to $833K/month
Read by 990 founders

54. Start a spices business

Globally, spice shops bring in billions of dollars annually. Starting the herbs and spices business is not as difficult as it may seem. Using vertical farming technology, you can start a spices and herbs garden in your backyard.

When your spices and herbs mature, you can process them easily and package them for sale locally or online.

How much you can make: $7,000 — $125,000/month

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

How We Left Our Jobs At Tech Companies To Sell Farm Fresh Cocktail Ingredients

Simple Goodness Sisters is a lifestyle beverage brand that produces "farm to bar" cocktail mixers and accessories made with natural, sustainable ingredients, growing at a rate of 4 times their original production.

About
Belinda started Simple Goodness Sisters over 5 years ago
Revenue
Belinda grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Belinda $30000 to start the business
Read by 8,518 founders

55. Start a smart camera business

56. Start an inspirational books business

57. Start a CCTV camera installation business

As the demand for innovative and intelligent surveillance systems intensifies, CCTV installation businesses have begun registering a high demand for their services.

According to a market survey report, the global AI CCTV market size is projected to register a CAGR of 14.9% to reach $55.22 Billion.

This significant growth potential is attributed to increased demand for technically advanced surveillance systems and rising public safety and security concerns. Therefore, starting a CCTV installation business today is an excellent opportunity for building a profitable business venture.

58. Start a herbal and natural products business

How much you can make: $40,000 — $320,000/month

How long does it take to build: 356 days (?)

How I Started A Seven-Figure Supplements Business

Lost Empire Herbs co-founder and CEO Logan Christopher shares how he built an ecommerce business specializing in high-quality, phyto-androgenic herbs that support hormone systems, going from zero to mid-seven figures in revenue, and discusses strategies including affiliate marketing and email-and-content marketing.

About
Logan started Lost Empire Herbs almost 12 years ago
Revenue
Logan grew the business to $320K/month
Costs
It cost Logan $1000 to start the business
Read by 13,907 founders

59. Sell vacuum cleaners

How much you can make: $100,000/month

Starting A Vacuum Business and Growing to $100k/month

Chad Rubin, founder of Think Crucial and CEO of Skubana, shares his experience in building and scaling his e-commerce business from scratch using scrappy tactics and integrated e-commerce management software.

About
Chad started Think Crucial over 16 years ago
Revenue
Chad grew the business to $100K/month
Read by 6,935 founders

60. Start a weight loss products business

Increased disposable income and growing concerns about maintaining a healthy lifestyle drive the increased demand for weight loss products.

More people have shown interest in improving overall well-being and overcoming obesity.

If you are passionate about helping people attain their weight loss goals, you can start a weight loss products business.

How much you can make: $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

I Opened A $1.2M/Year Fat Reduction Treatment Clinic [2022]

This case study follows Jennifer, the founder of Cool Contours, a specialized CoolSculpting clinic that has achieved a 75% YoY growth and ranked #1 in VA for CoolSculpting, with an average monthly revenue of $100k and a 570% return on digital ad spend.

About
Jennifer started Cool Contours over 5 years ago
Revenue
Jennifer grew the business to $100K/month
Costs
It cost Jennifer $300000 to start the business
Read by 1,945 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.