Small bulk landscape materials yard

Homeowners with pickup trucks, landscaping contractors, property managers, and city, county or school grounds departments.

You sell by the cubic yard at a markup over wholesale, and charge a fee for delivery. Repeat contractor accounts and municipal bids give steadier volume than walk-in sales.

• Running a skid steer or front-end loader safely
• Pricing, purchasing and inventory management
• Building relationships with contractors

• Zoning, site plan and local business license requirements, so check with your city or county
• Stormwater and runoff rules for stockpiles, which may involve your state or county environmental agency
• General liability, commercial property and commercial auto insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Sales tax permit with your state, and how resale certificates work for contractor customers
• Equipment injury risk and strong seasonal swings in sales
• Check any city or municipal bidding requirements before pursuing public contracts

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on land, equipment and initial stock. Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your customer mix and the season.

Check zoning, site plan and business license requirements with your city or county, and stormwater and runoff rules for stockpiles. Also look at insurance, a state sales tax permit and resale certificates, workers' compensation once you hire, and any public bidding requirements.

Running a skid steer or front-end loader safely, pricing and inventory management, and building relationships with contractors are key. Estimates suggest at least about 30 hours a week. Watch equipment injury risk and strong seasonal swings in sales.