Local glassware wholesaler with a small warehouse

Restaurants, bars, breweries, hotels, caterers, event rental companies and independent retailers within driving distance.

Markup on goods bought in volume, plus delivery fees on small orders. Being local and in stock lets you win repeat business from buyers who need glasses quickly.

• Sales and account management
• Inventory control
• Driving and delivery logistics
• Negotiating with suppliers and importers
• Bookkeeping and managing credit terms

• Commercial lease terms, zoning and whether your city or county requires a business license for a warehouse
• Sales tax registration and keeping resale certificates on file for business buyers; check with your state
• Insurance: general liability, product liability, stock and cargo cover, and workers' compensation if you hire
• Heavy lifting and forklift or pallet-jack safety; check OSHA rules if you take on staff
• Offering payment terms can create cash flow problems if customers pay late
• If you import, check customs, duties and food-contact safety rules for glassware

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your unit, stock levels and delivery setup. Commercial lease terms and the cash tied up in inventory are the main things to plan for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on how many restaurants, bars and shops you supply. Offering payment terms can create cash flow problems if customers pay late.

Check commercial lease terms, zoning and any city or county business license for a warehouse. Also look into state sales tax registration and resale certificates, insurance, OSHA rules if you hire staff, and customs and food-contact safety rules if you import.