Industrial tools and parts sourcing from home

Machine shops, fabrication shops, small factories and maintenance departments that want a reliable local contact instead of searching catalogs themselves.

You buy at a trade or dealer price and add a markup, or earn a commission or dealer margin from the supplier. Repeat orders and blanket purchase orders from a few steady customers matter most.

• Reading part numbers and specs
• Building trust with buyers
• Quoting and follow-up
• Organized record keeping

• Sales tax: check your state's rules on resale certificates and when you must collect tax
• Cash flow: some customers pay in 30 to 60 days while suppliers want payment sooner
• General liability and product liability insurance, since a faulty part can cause damage or injury
• Wrong part orders and returns: confirm specs in writing before ordering
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if you keep stock at home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your setup, marketing, any stock you hold and insurance. Many orders ship straight from the supplier, which can help keep upfront spending down.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many shops you serve and how often they reorder. Treat these as estimates, not guarantees, and check your margin on each quote.

Check your state's rules on resale certificates and when you must collect sales tax. Also look at general and product liability insurance, and any home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if you keep stock at home.