Gas log and fireplace showroom

Homeowners, landlords, builders, remodelers and other contractors who buy sets and fittings.

Retail margin on logs, burners and accessories, labor charges for installs, and repeat income from service, parts and builder accounts.

• Product knowledge of gas logs and venting types
• Retail sales and customer service
• Inventory and bookkeeping
• Managing installers or a licensed gas fitter

• Local business license, zoning and a state sales tax permit, check with your city, county and state
• Gas installation usually needs a licensed professional and permits, check your state licensing board
• Display units with live gas may need inspection and insurance approval, so ask your insurer and fire marshal
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Sales are seasonal and inventory ties up cash, so plan your cash flow

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your space, display units, opening inventory and fit-out. Inventory ties up cash, so it helps to plan your cash flow around seasonal sales.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock, how many installs you offer and the season. Sales can be seasonal, so treat these as estimates rather than promises.

Check your local business license, zoning and state sales tax permit with your city, county and state. Gas installation usually needs a licensed professional and permits. Live gas displays may need inspection and insurance approval, so ask your insurer and fire marshal.