Online trades business ideas you can start in the US

26 ideas

These 26 ideas let you serve the trades without picking up a wrench. Most involve selling parts, tools or equipment online to contractors, shops and serious DIYers.

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1k to 5k 5k to 20k Over 20k From home Out and about Own premises

Coils of rubber hoses and brass fittings are stacked in a supplier's warehouse.

Online hose and fittings reseller

Sell hoses and fittings online and by local delivery to tradespeople and farms from a small stock room.

$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

9,605 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.0% in a year

Joiner fitting a wooden door into its frame in a workshop.

Online door and hardware dealer (drop-ship)

Sell interior and exterior doors, frames and hardware to contractors and homeowners, shipped direct from suppliers.

$1.5k-7.5k
Side hustle
Online

7,048 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.8% in a year

Bins of bolts, screws and nails stacked in a supplier warehouse.

Online fastener supplier for manufacturers and shops

Sell bulk fasteners online to small manufacturers and workshops, shipped from a rented unit or storage space.

$8k-40k
Part-time
Online

5,967 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.1% in a year

Boxes of LED light bulbs stacked on warehouse shelves.

Online lighting supply store for trade buyers

Sell bulbs and lamps online to contractors and small businesses, with bulk pricing and fast reorders.

$500-3k
Side hustle
Online

13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year

Large reels of copper electrical cable stored in a supplier warehouse.

Online wire and cable reseller

Sell electrical wire and cable online to electricians and contractors, shipped straight from your suppliers.

$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year

Rows of red fire extinguishers and fire blankets stocked in a supply warehouse.

Online fire safety supplies store

Sell extinguishers, fire blankets, signs and smoke alarms online to small businesses, landlords and property managers.

$800-5k
Side hustle
Online

5,296 US businesses with employees in this field, +18.1% in a year

Stacks of copper and plastic pipes and fittings in a supply warehouse.

Online specialty pipe and fittings store

Sell a focused range of pipe and fittings online, such as PEX, irrigation or PVC, shipped from a supplier or small stock.

$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

6,410 US businesses with employees in this field, -5.0% in a year

Online niche tool supplier for trades and shops

Run a home-based wholesale tool business for one trade, selling to contractors and small hardware stores.

$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

5,967 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.1% in a year

Online scale reseller for shops and labs

Sell the right weighing scales to small businesses online, shipped from distributors, with advice on choosing.

$1k-5k
Side hustle
Online

3,637 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year

Online HVAC parts supplier for contractors

Sell HVAC parts and equipment to installers online, shipped direct or delivered locally.

$3k-15k
Part-time
Online

6,477 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.8% in a year

Online solar water heating kits and parts shop

Sell solar water heating kits, collectors and replacement parts online to DIY homeowners and small installers.

$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

6,410 US businesses with employees in this field, -5.0% in a year

Online fire alarm parts supplier

Sell fire alarm panels, detectors and sounders online to local installers and facilities managers, shipped direct or from a small stock.

$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

10,076 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.6% in a year

Online garage door parts supplier for installers

Sell springs, rollers, openers and remotes to local installers and builders, shipped from suppliers or a small stock at home.

$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

3,756 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.5% in a year

Online niche electrical supplies shop

Sell a focused range of electrical parts to electricians and contractors online, shipped straight from suppliers.

$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year

Online fiberglass and resin supply shop

Sell fiberglass cloth, mat, resin and insulation online to boat repairers, hobby builders and small trades.

$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

3,581 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.5% in a year

Online insulation materials supplier

Resell electrical and thermal insulation products online to electricians and contractors, shipped straight from your suppliers.

$1k-5k
Side hustle
Online

13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year

Online air filter supplier for homes and small shops

Sell common HVAC and shop air filters online, with repeat orders shipped on a schedule.

$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

12,266 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.9% in a year

Online air tool and accessories shop

Sell air wrenches, nailers, hoses and fittings online to garages, shops and tradespeople.

$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

9,605 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.0% in a year

Online ladder and access equipment store

Sell ladders, scaffolds and access gear to contractors and homeowners online, shipped from suppliers or a small stock.

$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

9,605 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.0% in a year

Online boiler and heating parts supplier

Sell boiler parts and heating supplies online to local plumbers and HVAC pros, shipped straight from suppliers.

$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

6,410 US businesses with employees in this field, -5.0% in a year

Online lock and fittings store for trade buyers

Sell locks, cylinders and door hardware online to locksmiths and landlords, shipped from a supplier or your own small stock.

$1k-6k
Side hustle
Online

5,967 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.1% in a year

Online water pump shop with fitting advice

Sell well, sump, irrigation and transfer pumps online, and win customers with clear sizing help.

$1k-5k
Side hustle
Online

6,410 US businesses with employees in this field, -5.0% in a year

Water and transfer pumps displayed on shelves in a supply warehouse.

Online pump reseller (drop-ship)

Sell water, transfer and garden pumps online to contractors and farms, shipped direct from the supplier.

$500-4k
Side hustle
Online

Technician repairing an antique clock mechanism in a workshop.

Mail-in antique clock restoration

Restore antique and collectible clocks sent to you by dealers and collectors from across the country.

$2k-8k
Part-time
Online

About these ideas

Examples include an online HVAC parts supplier for contractors, an online fastener supplier for manufacturers and shops, and an online pump reseller using drop-ship. They suit people who know a trade, have worked in supply or purchasing, or simply like detail-heavy products. Start by choosing a narrow product category you understand well, since buyers in the trades want the exact part and accurate specs. Then check supplier terms, shipping costs for heavy or bulky items, return handling, and whether any products need certifications or have restrictions on who you can sell to. Work out your margins after freight and payment fees before you commit to stock.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need trade experience to start an online trades business?

Not always, but it helps a lot. Buyers often ask technical questions about compatibility and specs. If you lack experience, consider starting with a small range, working closely with supplier support, and checking whether product data and training are available.

Should I hold stock or use drop-shipping for trade products?

Each has trade-offs. Drop-shipping lowers upfront cost but gives you less control over delivery and returns. Holding stock can improve service but ties up cash and space. Check supplier agreements, shipping costs for heavy items, and how returns would work.

What should I check before selling parts like HVAC or fire alarm components?

Check whether products need listings, certifications or code compliance, and whether suppliers restrict who can buy them. Also look at your state's sales tax rules, any business license requirements, and insurance for product liability. Confirm details with official sources or a professional.