Small outdoor power equipment shop
Open a small shop selling and servicing mowers, trimmers and other garden machines for homeowners and crews.
- $30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
3,878 US businesses with employees in this field, -11.7% in a year
NAICS 444210 “Outdoor power equipment stores”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small store or unit with a service bench. You sell new machines and parts, offer repairs and sharpening, and may stock used equipment, handling both homeowners and landscaping businesses.
Your first three steps
- Contact manufacturers and distributors to ask about dealer applications, minimum orders and brand requirements
- Find a small unit with room for a service area and outdoor display, and check zoning with your city or county
- Build a budget for opening inventory and tools, and form an LLC and get an EIN
Who pays
Homeowners and local landscaping and grounds maintenance firms.
How it makes money
Margin on machine and parts sales, repair labor, and recurring seasonal servicing, plus pickup and delivery fees if you offer them.
Skills that help
- Small engine repair
- Retail and inventory management
- Sales and customer service
- Supplier relationships
Watch out for
- Brand dealer agreements and minimum stock requirements, read the terms carefully
- Local business license, sales tax registration and zoning rules for retail and repair
- Fuel and battery storage and fire code rules, check with your fire department
- General liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
- Big-box store competition and strong seasonal swings in sales
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: small outdoor power equipment shop
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an outdoor power equipment shop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on premises, stock levels and equipment for the service bench. Treat this as an estimate and build your own budget from local quotes before committing.
How much can a small engine and garden machinery shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, season and the mix of sales and repairs. That is revenue, not profit, so subtract stock, rent, wages and other costs.
What licenses and rules should I check before opening?
Check brand dealer agreements and minimum stock requirements, plus your local business license, sales tax registration and zoning rules for retail and repair. Also check fuel and battery storage and fire code rules with your fire department, and your insurance needs.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Local bait and tackle shop
Open a small shop selling rods, lures, bait and outdoor gear to anglers and hunters near a lake, river or popular fishing area.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighborhood cutlery and kitchen knife shop
Open a small store where home cooks and chefs can handle knives, get advice and have their blades sharpened.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Bedroom furniture showroom
Open a small local store selling beds, dressers and wardrobes to people furnishing their bedrooms.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Fine jewelry and watch wholesaler for independent jewelers
Supply fine jewelry and watches to independent jewelry stores, selling at trade shows and visiting stores in your region.
- $40k-150k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small furniture showroom
Open a local showroom selling sofas, tables and beds to homeowners and small offices nearby.
- $30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Full-time vending route business
Run a larger route of snack, drink and specialty machines in offices, schools and public sites, with a small stockroom.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Out and about