Custom Trade Show and Retail Display Maker
Design and build booths, counter displays and retail fixtures for local brands from a small workshop.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
789 US businesses with employees in this field, -4.1% in a year
NAICS 337215 “Showcase, partition, shelving, and locker manufacturing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small workshop that designs and builds custom trade show booths, point-of-sale counter displays and floor stands in wood, metal, acrylic and printed panels.
Your first three steps
- Rent a small shared or unit workshop space and set up core tools for cutting, joining and finishing
- Build three sample displays and photograph them for a simple portfolio and website
- Visit local retailers, agencies and upcoming trade show exhibitors with samples and offer a quote on their next display
Who pays
Local and regional brands, small retailers, marketing agencies, trade show exhibitors and craft or food producers needing shelf and counter displays.
How it makes money
Quoted price per project covering design, materials and labor, with repeat orders for popular displays and extra fees for delivery, installation and rush jobs.
Skills that help
- Woodworking or fabrication
- Basic design and 3D drawing
- Quoting and project management
- Working to a client's deadline
Watch out for
- General liability insurance and coverage for your tools and stock
- Zoning rules for workshops and noise, dust and fire requirements, check with your city or county
- Local business license and sales tax registration, check with your state
- Workers' compensation insurance once you hire help
- Quote carefully so material costs and rework do not eat your margin
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a custom display and booth business?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your tools, materials and workshop setup. These are estimates, so quote carefully to keep material costs and rework from eating your margin.
How much can a custom display maker earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on project size, how many clients you serve and your pricing. The estimate assumes at least about 20 hours a week.
What rules and insurance should I check before opening a display workshop?
Check zoning rules for workshops and noise, dust and fire requirements with your city or county. Check local business license and state sales tax registration. Arrange general liability and tool coverage, and workers' compensation once you hire help.
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