Local air filter supplier to businesses and fleets

Auto repair shops, HVAC contractors, building maintenance teams, small manufacturers, farms and local fleets.

You buy from distributors or manufacturers and sell at a markup, with repeat orders from accounts. Delivery, rush orders and hard-to-find sizes can add margin.

• Sales and relationship building
• Reading part numbers and cross-reference charts
• Driving and route planning
• Bookkeeping

• Check your state and local rules for a business license and sales tax resale certificates
• Many business buyers expect invoicing terms, so plan for cash flow while waiting on payment
• Check commercial auto and general liability insurance, especially if you deliver in your own vehicle
• Storing stock at home may need a home occupation permit and must respect HOA or lease rules
• Large distributors may undercut you on common items, so focus on service and speed

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your stock and how you deliver. These are estimates, so price out inventory and delivery before you approach business customers.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many standing business accounts you build. Business buyers often expect invoice terms, so plan for cash flow while you wait on payment.

Check your state and local rules for a business license and sales tax resale certificates. Also check commercial auto and general liability insurance if you deliver in your own vehicle, and home occupation, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home.