Local fence supply yard

Fence installers, landscapers and general contractors who buy regularly, plus homeowners doing their own fencing.

You mark up materials over your wholesale cost. Repeat contractor accounts give steady orders, and extras like gate kits, concrete, fasteners and delivery add to each sale.

• Knowing fence types and materials
• Sales and customer service
• Inventory and ordering
• Building relationships with local contractors

• Zoning for outdoor storage and retail use, check with your city or county planning office
• Local business license and state sales tax registration, plus a resale certificate for buying stock tax-free (check your state)
• General liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Tied-up cash in inventory, and demand that slows in winter or wet weather in some areas
• Safe handling of heavy materials and forklift or delivery truck requirements

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on your yard or unit, how much inventory you carry and your loading and delivery equipment. Inventory ties up cash, so stock levels matter.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your contractor customer base, product range and location. This is revenue before costs, and demand can slow in winter or wet weather in some areas.

Check zoning for outdoor storage and retail use with your city or county planning office. Also check your local business license, state sales tax registration and resale certificate, insurance including workers' compensation once you hire, and forklift or delivery truck requirements.