Online fire alarm parts supplier for installers

Small fire alarm installers, electrical contractors, property and facilities managers, and maintenance companies that need parts quickly.

You earn the margin between your trade price and your selling price on each order. Repeat accounts and project quotes bring bigger orders, and you can charge for shipping or rush delivery.

• Learning the products and brands
• Quoting and customer service
• Organizing orders and stock records

• Some manufacturers only sell through approved distributors, so check dealer agreements before promising brands
• Check that the products you sell are listed or approved for use in the places your customers install them
• Product liability and general liability insurance, because faulty equipment can have serious consequences
• Sales tax rules and resale certificate requirements, which vary by state
• Do not give design or code advice you are not qualified to give, since installers and local fire authorities decide what is acceptable

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many products and brands you list and whether you ship direct from suppliers or hold a small stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your product range, how many installers and facilities managers you win as customers, and how quickly you can fill orders.

Check manufacturer dealer agreements, since some brands sell only through approved distributors. Check that products are listed or approved where customers install them, your state's sales tax and resale certificate rules, and liability insurance. Avoid giving design or code advice.