Start an online lock and fittings store for trade buyers

Small locksmiths, handymen, landlords, property managers and small hardware shops that want easy online reordering.

Margin on each product sold, with higher order values from trade bundles, multi-packs and repeat customers.

• Product knowledge and clear descriptions
• Online store setup
• Customer service by email or chat

• Authorized dealer rules from some lock brands, including limits on online selling or pricing
• Sales tax collection rules for online sales across states
• Restrictions on selling certain keys, blanks or tools in some states; check your state laws
• Returns, wrong-fit products and shipping damage eating into margins
• General and product liability insurance for what you sell

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your store setup, how much stock you hold yourself and whether a distributor ships orders. Insurance and returns handling can add to your costs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many trade buyers reorder. These are estimates, not guarantees, and returns and shipping damage can reduce what you keep.

Check authorized dealer rules from lock brands, including any limits on online selling or pricing. Also check sales tax collection for online sales across states, state limits on selling certain keys, blanks or tools, and product liability insurance.