Refrigeration showroom with new and used stock
Run a small showroom and warehouse selling new and refurbished commercial coolers and freezers to local food businesses.
- $20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
1,262 US businesses with employees in this field, +5.3% in a year
NAICS 423740 “Refrigeration equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small unit with a showroom and storage where food businesses can see, compare and buy refrigeration on the spot. You stock popular reach-ins, undercounter units, display cases and prep tables, and can take in used units to resell.
Your first three steps
- Visit local restaurants and wholesalers to see what is in demand, and check which brands will give you a dealer account
- Find a warehouse or flex unit with a loading dock or truck access, and check zoning and lease terms with your city or county
- Form your LLC, check whether your state requires a sales tax permit or reseller certificate and what local business license your city or county requires, then buy a first batch of fast-moving units and a few used trade-ins
Who pays
Restaurants, cafes, bars, delis, convenience stores, caterers and church or school kitchens, often with a short deadline to open or replace a failed unit.
How it makes money
You mark up the stock you buy, and earn extra margin on used and refurbished units. Delivery fees and referred installation add smaller amounts.
Skills that help
- Sales and negotiation
- Knowing refrigeration equipment
- Inventory and cash flow management
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Selling equipment generally needs standard business registration rather than a special trade license: check your state's sales tax or reseller registration and your city or county business license and zoning rules
- Stock ties up cash: start with fast-selling sizes and avoid buying too much at once
- Used units: check condition and any state rules, and consider a short warranty. Selling units is different from servicing them: if you or your staff recover, handle or add refrigerant while repairing or refurbishing, EPA Section 608 certification is required, so check with the EPA or hire certified technicians
- Commercial general liability, property and product liability insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
- Heavy lifting and delivery risk: use proper equipment and check vehicle and freight insurance
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: refrigeration showroom with new and used stock
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 a commercial refrigeration showroom?
Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on your unit, how much stock you buy and your delivery equipment. Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, product mix and how many food businesses you serve.
Do I need a license to sell commercial refrigeration?
Selling equipment generally needs standard business registration rather than a special trade license, so check sales tax or reseller registration and your city or county license and zoning. If you or staff handle refrigerant while refurbishing units, EPA Section 608 certification is required, so check with the EPA.
What are the main risks when selling used refrigeration units?
Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-selling sizes and avoid buying too much at once. For used units, check condition and any state rules, and consider a short warranty. Heavy lifting and delivery also carry risk, so check vehicle and freight insurance.
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