Online aluminum reseller for small orders

Hobbyist makers, small fabricators, sign and trailer builders, repair shops and tradespeople who can't buy full-size lengths from a big metal distributor.

Markup on the metal and on cutting, plus shipping handling. Pricing is per piece, per foot or per pound, and repeat customers reorder the same sizes.

• Knowing common aluminum alloys and sizes
• Sales and customer service
• Organizing quotes, orders and shipping

• Sales tax registration and resale certificates, check with your state's revenue department
• General liability and product liability insurance, ask a broker what covers metal you resell
• Heavy and long items can have high freight costs, check shipping rates before listing
• Aluminum prices move, so confirm supplier prices before quoting
• Check whether customers need mill certificates or alloy certification for their work
• Home business rules, check HOA, lease and any local home occupation permit if you hold stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on whether you hold a small stock of popular sizes or ship from a supplier. Check freight rates before listing heavy or long items.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your product range, pricing and order volume. Aluminum prices move, so confirm supplier prices before quoting customers.

Check sales tax registration and resale certificates with your state's revenue department. Ask a broker about general and product liability cover for metal you resell, and check whether customers need mill certificates or alloy certification.