How to Start a Fidget Toy Business

The fidget spinner was the first “fidget toy” to be introduced into the marketplace. Designed to help alleviate and channel nervous energy in children, this popular toy is Googled over 100,000 times per month and has already generated over $500 million in sales since its introduction in early 2017. Due to its overwhelming popularity, inventors and entrepreneurs across the world are now focused on dreaming up the next fidget fad to take over the Internet marketplace.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

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Start a fidget toy business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Fidget Toy Business
  2. Form your Fidget Toy Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Fidget Toy Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Fidget Toy Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Fidget Toy Business
  7. Get Fidget Toy Business Insurance
  8. Define your Fidget Toy Business Brand
  9. Create your Fidget Toy Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your fidget toy business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Fidget Toy Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a fidget toy business?

Some of the most successful business owners in this industry started out with less than $1,000 in capital. This business venture can be run from the comfort of your home office, with very little overhead costs. If your plan is to simply sell an already produced item, you could create an e-commerce store through platforms like Shopify. This online platform offers a two-week free trial. Once the trial period is over, your cost is approximately $29 per month.

For product inventory, you could handle this in one of two ways. You could find the most affordable, quality product, and purchase in bulk. Once an order is placed, you would handle the shipment of each order. Or, you could link up with a website like AliExpress. This company lets you search through their inventory and identify the products you wish to sell. You then set the price, based on parameters defined by you. When an order is placed, AliExpress fulfills the order and ships it directly to the customer. Your profit margins are slightly lower, as they absorb all the up-front costs.

If you have a little more capital to invest, you could take this a step further, investing directly in the products you stand behind and wish to sell. While this will create a little more work on the front-end, your profit margins increase significantly.

If you feel you have invented what is sure to be the latest craze in fidget toys, start-up costs will be quite a bit higher. Your first task should be to obtain a patent. While this requires both time and money, the benefits could follow you for years to come. You will then need to identify the manufacturer you wish to produce your product. Again, this will require more work and financial commitment than your first options, but the profits generated from just one successful product could yield you millions over time. Many successful business ventures sprouted from crowd funding and/or GoFundMe campaigns, so do not get discouraged if start-up capital is a roadblock.

What are the ongoing expenses for a fidget toy business?

Until you get into manufacturing a great deal of fidget toys, your ongoing expenses for this business are fairly low. You will need storage space to organize and store the fidget toys offered. Many business owners have found success running such an enterprise out of their home office. You will incur costs associated with product shipment, which, when priced properly, can be absorbed into the cost of the products you sell. To realize significant success, your primary investment should be in targeted marketing campaigns.

Who is the target market?

While these toys are primarily geared towards children, your marketing efforts should target both children and parents. The parents are, ultimately, who have the buying power, so it is important that you appeal to them as much as the kids you are catering to.

How does a fidget toy business make money?

A fidget toy business generates revenue from the sale of each toy. Initially, filling orders will be on a smaller scale, with individuals visiting your website to place their order. However, as your site gains popularity, you will start filling larger orders, distributing directly to retailers.

How much can you charge customers?

There are a number of fidget toys on the market today. Some retail for as low as $10, while others sell for as high as $350.

How much profit can a fidget toy business make?

Your profits are directly tied to your cost per item, the price you set for consumers and the amount you are able to sell, minus overhead costs. The lower your ongoing expenses, the higher your profits will soar. There are a number of entrepreneurs who have seized this fidget trend, yielding over $500,000 in just a years time.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Whether you are most skilled at identifying the latest and greatest in fidget toys, or inventing them yourself, your sales skills can help you launch this business into a six-figure income. The most important thing you can do to maximize profits is identify the best quality merchandise and supply these products to larger enterprises, as well as smaller, local shops. While acting as a middleman, the right sales strategy can launch you to success status in a matter of months.

We could all benefit from the actions of the masterminds behind Fidget360. These high school students came up with their own invention, invested in a 3-D printer, and became an overnight sensation. Within six months, these teenagers sold over $350,000 in merchandise and could be found in major retail stores such as Walmart and Target.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your fidget toy business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your fidget toy business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a fidget toy business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

If manufacturing your own fidget toys, your business will most likely include a factory or warehouse. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a fidget toy business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your fidget toy business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Fidget Toy Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Fidget Toy Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a fidget toy business

Read any article on the Fidget Spinner product and you will quickly realize how important marketing is and how much power a strong campaign possesses. First, try to identify a few buzz words about the product that are sure to gain media attention. Then, blast this on social media platforms, investing in ads on Facebook and Twitter, to gain further exposure. Ask your readers to share your content and set up contests to encourage additional sharing. In essence, create a “viral loop.” This article offers valuable insight into this powerful marketing strategy.

The viral loop strategy works best for new products. If you are marketing a product that has already gained media attention, you will want to apply some additional marketing techniques. Place your products in online forums and place ads in local, national, and international sources that attract your target audience. Carefully build your ads to ensure buyers understand why your products stand out above the competition.

How to keep customers coming back

In the retail industry, customer retention is reliant on three things – offering quality products, at an affordable price, and delivering strong customer service at all times. If a potential client, whether it be an individual or a prospective retailer, makes an inquiry, answer them as soon as possible. If someone has a complaint or issue, resolve speedily and to their liking. Lost profits on one order is a small sacrifice if it ensures a positive outcome from a potential repeat customer.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

While a significant amount of capital isn’t required, this industry does require an entrepreneurial spirit, an inventive mind, and a deep understanding of your target audience. If you possess these qualities, as well as the drive to be your own boss and manage a business in a dynamic industry, opening your own fidget toy business could be the “career change” you have been looking for.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a fidget toy business?

There are many moving parts (pun intended) in managing a business of this genre. The fidget spinner became an overnight sensation, proving to the business community that there is one overriding component contributing to its success – marketing. Therefore, the bulk of your time should be spent mastering your marketing strategy, ensuring each new product successfully reaches its target audience. In your marketing efforts, you will need to conduct thorough research, getting into the minds of your customers. This will not only shed light on how you market to them, it will also assist you in identifying changing trends and what products best fit their needs, both now and moving forward.

Once you have gained this valuable information, your team will need to work on new inventions and coming up with the best strategy for moving these ideas from paper to production and, ultimately, to the marketplace. While you will likely want to distribute these items directly to customers yourself, it would be beneficial if you are able to tap into other sales platforms, both on a national and international level. Fulfilling order requests, addressing questions and concerns, and seeking out new opportunities will be a part of your everyday routine.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful fidget toy business?

There is no certification required to take on this business venture. However, it does require a specific skill set. To realize long-term success, business owners must possess an entrepreneurial mind and strong marketing skills. To reach your target audience on a larger scale, it would also prove beneficial to understand the art of salesmanship, connecting with individuals of every age. With that in mind, previous sales experience, particularly one that targets this genre of product, would prove to be a plus.

What is the growth potential for a fidget toy business?

As demonstrated by the phenomenon that is the fidget spinner, there is the potential to realize significant profits and experience remarkable growth. For long-term success, however, you will need to either invent a product that is recognized on an educational, therapeutic, and/or occupational level, or continue to produce items that follow the latest in industry trends.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a fidget toy business?

Since this is a highly competitive market, it’s important that you gain an edge over the opposition. The primary factor driving people to your product is quality and price. Industry leaders recommend “upselling,” which means offering your customers a product that complements or is related to their existing order. Nine times out of ten, offering the right “upsell” will yield you additional revenue.

How and when to build a team

The size of your team depends fully on the magnitude of work you are faced with. If you set yourself up with an online sales site, you should be able to handle order fulfillment and marketing on your own. However, if your plan is to distribute on a larger scale or manufacture and sell your own invention, you will want to enlist the help of others. It is recommended that you seek the professional advise of an attorney or financial advisor, who can guide you through the process and assist you in coming up with a timeline and financial plan.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities