Local copper supply yard for the trades

Plumbers, HVAC contractors, roofers, electricians, machine shops, fabricators and small manufacturers.

Markup on materials bought from mills or distributors, plus cutting and delivery fees. Repeat accounts with local contractors drive steady orders.

• Knowing copper products and trade needs
• Buying and stock control
• Building relationships with contractors

• Copper prices swing, so unsold stock can lose value and tie up cash
• Initial inventory is the biggest cost: a useful range of pipe, fittings, sheet and wire can take a large share of your budget, so start with fast-moving sizes and expand as accounts grow
• Check city or county business license and zoning rules for a warehouse with customer visits
• If you buy scrap or offcuts back, check your state's secondhand or scrap metal dealer rules and record-keeping requirements
• General liability, property and theft insurance, as copper is a common target for theft, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Offering credit to contractors risks late or unpaid invoices, so check customers before extending terms
• Safe lifting and forklift or saw use, so check any training and safety requirements

Estimates put startup costs typically around $75,000 to $300,000, depending on your unit, racking and saw, and above all your opening inventory. Starting with fast-moving sizes and expanding as accounts grow helps manage the largest cost.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your stock range, copper prices and how many plumbers, HVAC contractors and fabricators become regular accounts. The estimates assume at least 30 hours a week.

Check your city or county business license and zoning rules for a warehouse with customer visits. If you buy back scrap or offcuts, check state secondhand or scrap metal dealer rules. Also check insurance, including theft cover, and any lifting, forklift or saw training requirements.