Bark and mulch supply yard

Landscaping contractors, homeowners, garden centers, nurseries, property managers and local councils or schools with grounds budgets.

Sales per cubic yard or scoop at the yard, bagged product sales, and delivery fees. Accounts with regular landscapers give a steady base.

• Running a skid steer or small loader safely
• Buying stock and managing inventory
• Building accounts with contractors

• Zoning, land use and any stormwater or environmental rules for outdoor material storage, check with your city or county
• Fire risk from large mulch piles, ask your local fire department about pile size and spacing
• General liability, property and workers' compensation insurance once you hire
• Loader equipment costs and operator safety training
• Sales tax registration and resale certificates, check your state rules
• Seasonal sales swings and the cash tied up in stock

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the lot, loader equipment, opening stock and insurance. These are estimates. Remember that cash can be tied up in stock, so budget for that as well.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, product range and how many contractor accounts you build. Sales swing with the seasons. The estimates start from about 30 hours a week.

Check zoning, land use and any stormwater or environmental rules for outdoor storage with your city or county. Ask your fire department about pile size and spacing. Also check insurance, loader operator safety training, and sales tax and resale certificate rules.