AV supply and installation for businesses
Sell and set up screens, speakers and meeting room systems for local offices and venues.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
10,076 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.6% in a year
NAICS 423690 “Other electronic parts and equipment merchant wholesalers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
You source, sell and install audio visual equipment, such as conference room displays, video call setups, ceiling speakers and simple sound systems, for small businesses and venues. You can also offer support or rental of spare kit.
Your first three steps
- Pick a niche, such as meeting rooms for small offices or sound for restaurants, and learn the main products
- Open dealer or reseller accounts with a few AV distributors and build sample packages with prices
- Visit local businesses and venues, offer a free site check, and give a written quote
Who pays
Small offices, restaurants, bars, gyms, churches, schools and event venues.
How it makes money
A markup on equipment you sell, installation labor charged as a fixed fee or hourly rate, and optional support plans.
Skills that help
- Knowledge of AV products and compatibility
- Cabling, mounting and network basics
- Quoting jobs and managing customers
Watch out for
- Many states require a contractor or low-voltage license for installation work, so check your state's licensing board
- General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
- Check with your state about sales tax registration for equipment sales
- Warranty and returns on equipment you sell, and cash tied up in stock
- Mounting work may need permits or building owner approval
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: aV supply and install for businesses
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an AV supply and install business?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much equipment stock you hold and how you set up your business. Remember that cash can get tied up in stock, so plan for that.
How much can an AV installation business earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many installs you win, what equipment you sell and whether you add support or rental work. Revenue is not profit, so allow for stock and other costs.
Do I need a license to install AV equipment?
Many states require a contractor or low-voltage license for installation work, so check your state's licensing board. Also check whether mounting work needs permits or building owner approval, and look into sales tax registration and insurance.
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