Water filter and softener reseller

Homeowners with hard or poor-tasting water, cafes, offices, salons and small commercial kitchens.

Margin on each system sold, plus repeat sales of replacement filters, cartridges and salt, and sometimes a small service plan.

• Explaining technical products simply
• Quoting and follow-up
• Reliable customer service

• Installation usually counts as plumbing work, so check your state's licensing rules and use a licensed plumber
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Check product compliance and any WaterMark requirements with your supplier
• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business
• Avoid health claims you can't back up

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the supplier you work with, any demonstration units, insurance and your marketing. You book a licensed plumber for installs rather than buying heavy equipment.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many homes, cafes and offices you sell to and the type of systems you recommend. Revenue isn't profit, as you still pay your supplier and plumber.

Installation usually counts as plumbing work, so check your state's licensing rules and use a licensed plumber. Also check product compliance and any WaterMark requirements with your supplier, and avoid health claims you can't back up.