Granite slab broker

Countertop fabricators, remodelers, home builders, kitchen designers and some homeowners buying through their fabricator.

You buy slabs at a wholesale price and sell at a markup, or earn a commission from the distributor. Delivery arrangements can add a small fee.

• Sales and negotiation
• Knowing stone types, finishes and grades
• Organizing orders and deliveries

• Check whether you need a state sales tax permit and resale certificate, and how your state treats resale of stone
• Slabs can crack or arrive with defects, so agree in writing who pays for damage in transit
• Cash flow, since distributors may want payment before you are paid by the customer
• Check local business license rules and any home occupation rules or HOA limits
• General liability insurance and whether you need cargo or product coverage

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your tools, samples and marketing. You work with importers and distributors and ship direct, so you do not need a yard of your own. This is an estimate.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many fabricators and builders you supply. This is revenue, not profit. Cash flow can be tight if distributors want payment before your customers pay you.

Check whether you need a state sales tax permit and resale certificate, and how your state treats resale of stone. Agree in writing who pays for transit damage, and check local business license, home occupation and HOA rules.