Online door and hardware dealer (drop-ship)

Remodelers, small builders, handymen, property managers and homeowners doing renovations in your region.

You earn the margin between your dealer price and your selling price, plus extra on hardware and add-ons. Many dealers also charge for freight and for prep services like pre-hanging.

• Knowing door types, sizes and hardware
• Clear, patient customer service
• Organized order and supplier tracking
• Basic website or online store setup

• Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration, and how resale certificates work with your suppliers
• Doors are heavy and easily damaged in freight, so confirm who pays for damage and returns before you list anything
• Wrong measurements or swing direction are a common cause of costly returns, so provide clear ordering guides
• Fire-rated and egress doors may be subject to local building codes, so check before advertising them for specific uses
• Ask an insurance agent about general liability and product liability coverage

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your website setup, supplier arrangements and marketing. Because orders ship straight from a manufacturer or distributor, you don't need a warehouse.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your product range, how well you reach contractors and homeowners, and the customer service you offer. Treat it as a rough estimate, not a promise.

Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration, and how resale certificates work with your suppliers. Also check local building codes before advertising fire-rated or egress doors for specific uses, and confirm who pays for freight damage.