Janitorial supplies reseller with local delivery

Small cleaning companies, property managers, churches, schools, offices, restaurants and other local building managers.

You buy at wholesale or distributor pricing and sell at a markup. Repeat orders from regular accounts bring steady income, and machines, repairs and supply contracts add higher-value sales.

• Sales and relationship building
• Knowing cleaning equipment and what suits different jobs
• Organized with orders and invoicing
• Customer service

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and resale certificates so you can buy wholesale tax-free
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus coverage for any vehicle you use for deliveries
• Check your city or county for a business license and any home occupation permit or HOA/lease limits on storing stock
• Slow-paying business customers, so consider deposits or clear payment terms
• Machine warranties and returns, so check what the supplier will cover before you promise anything

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your website, starting stock, insurance and any vehicle you use for deliveries. Many items can ship direct from wholesalers or distributors, which helps keep stock low.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many local cleaning firms and building managers you win. Slow-paying business customers can strain cash flow, so consider deposits or clear payment terms.

Check your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules, and your city or county for a business license and any home occupation permit. Check HOA or lease limits on storing stock, insurance, and what suppliers cover on warranties and returns.