Glass and mirror cutting shop with a trade counter
Run a small unit that cuts glass and mirrors to size for contractors, glaziers and walk-in customers.
- $12k-55k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
955 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.1% in a year
NAICS 327215 “Glass product manufacturing made of purchased glass”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small shop or industrial unit with a cutting table, edging equipment and stock racks. You cut glass and mirror to order for trade and retail customers, and may add polished edges, drilled holes and simple repair pieces such as replacement panes.
Your first three steps
- Visit local glaziers, contractors and property managers to learn what they buy, which sizes they need and how quickly
- Price out a small unit near trade customers with loading access, plus equipment such as a cutting table, edge grinder, drill and racking
- Open accounts with one or two glass suppliers and agree minimum orders, delivery days and credit terms before you sign a lease
Who pays
Glaziers, contractors, property managers, cabinet makers, framers and walk-in homeowners.
How it makes money
Per piece pricing by size, thickness and finish, with trade accounts for regular buyers. Extras like edge polishing, holes, same-day service and delivery raise the average order.
Skills that help
- Accurate cutting and measuring
- Safe handling of large glass sheets
- Quoting, stock control and customer service
Watch out for
- Check zoning and your lease for permitted use, and your city or county for a local business license
- Register for state sales tax if you sell taxable goods, and check how resale certificates work for trade customers
- General liability, product liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
- Lifting and cutting injuries, so use proper racks, lifting aids, gloves and eye protection
- Check whether installation work needs a state or local contractor license before you offer it
- Stock tied up in glass and breakage losses can hurt cash flow, so order carefully at first
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: glass and mirror cutting shop with a trade counter
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 open a glass cutting shop?
Startup costs are typically around $12,000 to $55,000, depending on your unit, cutting and edging equipment and opening stock. Stock tied up in glass and breakage losses can hurt cash flow, so order carefully at first.
What rules and licenses should I check for a glass shop?
Check zoning and your lease for permitted use, and your city or county for a local business license. Register for state sales tax if you sell taxable goods, and check whether installation work needs a contractor license.
How much can a glass and mirror cutting shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your trade and walk-in customers. You will also need general, product liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire.
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