Cabinet and closet design-and-supply dealer

Homeowners doing remodels, plus small builders, contractors, landlords and flippers who want one reliable supplier.

You earn a markup or dealer margin on the cabinets and storage units you sell, sometimes with a design fee and a coordination fee on installs.

• Room measuring and layout design
• Quoting and negotiating
• Managing suppliers and installers
• Clear customer communication

• General liability insurance, and check whether your state or city requires a business license
• Register for sales tax with your state if you sell taxable goods, and check how resale certificates work
• Check whether your state requires a contractor license if you manage or sell installation, or use licensed subcontractors
• Ordering errors are costly, so confirm measurements and get written sign-off before placing orders
• Check HOA or lease rules and any home occupation permit before running the business from home
• Customer deposits and delivery delays, so set out clear terms in writing

Startup cost is an estimate, typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your design software, sample doors and catalogs, and insurance. You work from home and order from manufacturers, so you do not need a showroom.

Check whether your state or city requires a business license, and sales tax registration and resale certificate rules. Check whether a contractor license is needed if you manage or sell installation, or use licensed subcontractors. Also check HOA, lease and home occupation rules.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on job size and how many projects you win. Useful skills are room measuring, layout design, quoting, and managing suppliers and installers. Plan on at least 15 hours a week.