Home-Based sprinkler parts supplier

Fire sprinkler installers, mechanical and building contractors, facility maintenance teams and fire protection service companies.

You earn the margin between your wholesale price and your selling price on each order. Repeat accounts with installers who reorder parts for ongoing jobs are the core of the business.

• Reading parts lists and spec sheets
• Sales and relationship building with contractors
• Careful order and invoice tracking

• Check that every product you sell is listed or approved for its use (for example UL or FM), since installers and inspectors will ask
• General liability and product liability insurance, as a wrong or faulty part can be costly
• Some states and cities license fire protection contractors; check whether your plans (such as extinguisher sales or service) trigger a license
• Thin margins and manufacturers' minimum order or dealer requirements
• Sales tax resale certificates and home occupation or HOA rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you drop-ship everything or hold a small stock of fast-moving items. Manufacturers may set minimum order or dealer requirements, and margins can be thin.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many installers and contractors you sell to and the parts you offer. That is revenue, not profit. The estimate assumes about 15 hours a week or more.

Check that every product is listed or approved for its use, such as UL or FM, since installers and inspectors will ask. Check whether your plans trigger a state or city fire protection license, plus liability insurance, resale certificates and home occupation or HOA rules.