Local drywall and finishing supply store

Drywall finishers, remodelers, small builders, handymen and homeowners doing their own projects.

Margin on products sold, plus delivery fees. Repeat contractor accounts with trade pricing make up most of the sales, and walk-in DIY customers add higher-margin small orders.

• Product knowledge of drywall types and finishing supplies
• Inventory and ordering
• Building relationships with contractors
• Safe lifting and storage of heavy materials

• Inventory is a big upfront cost, and big-box stores and large distributors compete hard on price
• Check zoning, your local business license and state sales tax registration, including a resale certificate for buying stock
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Heavy sheets cause injuries, so check safe handling, forklift training and OSHA requirements
• If you deliver with a truck, check vehicle weight limits and any commercial driver rules with your state DOT

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on your premises, equipment and how much stock you buy. Inventory is a big upfront cost, and big-box stores and large distributors compete hard on price.

Monthly revenue is typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, stock range, pricing and how many contractors become regular customers. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check zoning, your local business license and state sales tax registration, including a resale certificate for buying stock. Also check insurance, safe handling, forklift training and OSHA requirements, and state DOT rules if you deliver by truck.