Local fitness equipment showroom

Home users setting up a garage gym, small gyms, studios, schools and local sports clubs.

Margin on equipment and accessories sold, plus fees for delivery, assembly and sometimes repairs or service plans. Gym and club orders can be larger one-off sales.

• Knowing the equipment and who it suits
• Friendly, honest selling
• Managing stock and supplier orders
• Handling heavy items safely

• Check your city or county for a local business license and your state for a sales tax permit
• General liability and product liability insurance, since customers will test heavy equipment in your store
• Commercial lease terms, deposits and zoning for retail use
• Stock is expensive to hold, so check supplier terms such as consignment or dropship for large items
• Heavy lifting and delivery risks, so consider workers' compensation insurance once you hire

Estimates put startup costs typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease and deposit, how much stock you hold and the supplier terms you can get. Stock is expensive to hold, so check terms carefully.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your product range, location, pricing and delivery services. The estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week of work.

Check your city or county for a local business license, your state for a sales tax permit, and zoning and lease terms for retail use. Also check general and product liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire.