Local furnace and heating parts shop

Homeowners replacing a furnace, local HVAC technicians and handymen who need parts the same day, landlords and property managers.

Markup on furnaces and parts, with higher volume from repeat technician customers. You can add referral fees or a margin by partnering with licensed installers, but check that your state allows this arrangement.

• Basic knowledge of heating systems and parts
• Customer service and clear explanations
• Inventory and supplier management
• Selling to trade customers

• A general business license, sales tax registration and a resale certificate are usually what a retail parts shop needs, but requirements vary, so check with your state, city or county
• Selling parts and equipment does not normally need an HVAC contractor license, but installing furnaces or doing repairs does in most states, so check your state's contractor licensing board before offering any installation or service
• General liability and product liability insurance, since gas appliance parts carry safety risks
• Inventory ties up cash and furnace demand is seasonal, so plan for slow summer months
• Check manufacturer warranty and return policies and any federal or regional efficiency rules for the furnaces you sell

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, how much stock you carry and your suppliers. Inventory ties up cash, and furnace demand is seasonal, so plan for slower summer months.

Selling parts and equipment does not normally need an HVAC contractor license, but installing furnaces or doing repairs does in most states. Check your state's contractor licensing board, plus business license, sales tax and resale certificate requirements with your state, city or county.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, stock range and mix of trade and homeowner customers. Demand is seasonal, so plan for slow summer months. Expect about 35 hours a week at minimum.