Online insulation materials supplier

Electricians, HVAC and plumbing contractors, small engineering firms, maintenance teams and handy DIY builders who want to order without a trip to a supply house.

You buy at wholesale or trade prices and sell at a markup. Margin comes from product price, shipping charges and repeat orders from contractors who reorder regularly.

• Basic product knowledge of insulating materials
• Online selling and customer service
• Organized with orders and stock records

• Sales tax registration and resale certificate rules in your state, and rules for out-of-state sales
• Product liability and general liability insurance, since customers rely on the ratings you list
• Check that products carry the right safety listings (such as UL) and fire ratings for their stated use
• Never sell or ship asbestos-containing materials, and check rules for shipping adhesives or foams
• Supplier minimum orders and shipping costs can erode thin margins
• Home business rules: check your zoning, HOA or lease if you store stock at home

Estimates typically run around $1,000 to $5,000 to start, depending on how much stock you hold, how you set up your online shop and supplier minimum orders. Shipping direct from suppliers can help keep costs toward the lower end.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your niche, product range and how many contractors you reach. Supplier minimums and shipping costs can reduce margins, so check them before pricing.

Check sales tax registration and resale certificate rules in your state, including out-of-state sales. Also check product liability insurance, safety listings such as UL and fire ratings, and never sell asbestos-containing materials.