Air conditioning shop with installer referrals

Homeowners, renters, landlords and small businesses such as offices, salons and restaurants.

Profit margin on each unit and accessory sold, plus referral fees or partnership deals with local installers where allowed.

• Explaining products in plain language
• Basic sizing knowledge (BTUs, room size)
• Inventory and supplier management
• Customer service

• Selling is not installing: installation of ducted or split systems usually needs a licensed contractor, and handling refrigerant needs EPA certification. Check your state's rules before offering any install work
• Check federal and state efficiency and refrigerant rules for the units you stock
• Sales are seasonal and heat-wave driven, so plan cash flow for quiet months
• Large inventory ties up cash and space, so start with fast-selling models
• General liability and product liability insurance; check your local business license and sales tax registration
• Check how warranties and returns work with each supplier before you stock a brand

Estimates typically run around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on your premises, stock levels and supplier terms. Large inventory ties up cash and space, so the idea suggests starting with fast-selling models.

Selling is not installing. Check your state's rules before offering any install work, since ducted or split systems usually need a licensed contractor and refrigerant handling needs EPA certification. Also check efficiency and refrigerant rules for units you stock.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock and the weather. Sales are seasonal and heat-wave driven, so plan cash flow for quiet months. The idea assumes at least about 35 hours a week.