Hydroponic supplies for small commercial growers

Small farms, greenhouse operators, microgreen producers, restaurants with on-site growing and school or community farm programs.

Margin on bulk orders of nutrients, media, lighting and system parts, plus recurring supply contracts and paid design or setup consultations.

• Understanding of commercial growing setups
• Relationship building and sales
• Organizing orders and deliveries

• Sales tax and resale certificate rules, including exemptions for agricultural buyers, check your state
• State fertilizer registration or licensing rules, check your state department of agriculture
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus commercial auto if you deliver
• Payment terms: growers may want to pay late, consider deposits
• Storage rules if you keep stock at home, check HOA, lease and zoning

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your storage space and how you set up deliveries. Working from a home office or small storage unit can keep costs lower.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $12,000, depending on how many commercial growers you win, order sizes and the products you carry. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week.

Check sales tax and resale certificate rules in your state, including exemptions for agricultural buyers, and state fertilizer registration or licensing. Also check insurance, HOA, lease and zoning rules if you store stock at home, and consider deposits because growers may pay late.