Small farm and grower supply store

Small and mid-size farms, ranches, hobby farms, nurseries, orchard and vegetable growers, and landscapers who prefer a local supplier.

Retail margin on products sold, plus delivery fees and sometimes spreader rental or soil testing referrals. Monthly revenue figures here are gross sales before product costs.

• Product and agronomy knowledge
• Inventory and purchasing
• Customer service and local networking
• Handling safe storage and paperwork

• State pesticide dealer licensing, and restricted use product rules, vary by state, so check with your state agriculture department
• Fertilizer licensing, labeling and bulk storage rules differ by state and county, and some products such as anhydrous ammonia carry extra requirements
• Zoning, fire code and environmental rules for storing chemicals, including spill containment
• General liability, product liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Seasonal cash flow and inventory that may not sell, so check supplier credit terms and returns

Startup costs are typically around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on your premises, opening inventory, storage and insurance. These are estimates, so check supplier credit terms and returns before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, product range and season. This is an estimate of sales, not profit, and cash flow can swing with the seasons.

Check state pesticide dealer licensing and restricted use product rules with your state agriculture department. Also check fertilizer licensing and bulk storage rules, zoning, fire code and spill containment, and your insurance needs.