Independent mailing equipment dealer

Small and mid-sized offices, law and accounting firms, medical practices, nonprofits, schools and company mail rooms.

Commission or margin on machine sales and leases, plus repeat income from ink, labels, tapes and other supplies, and referrals for service contracts.

• Friendly, consultative selling
• Understanding how offices handle their mail
• Following up with customers and keeping records

• USPS has its own rules on postage meters, so check how meters can be supplied and leased in your area and work only through authorized providers
• General liability insurance and any local business license from your city or county
• Sales tax registration with your state if you resell equipment and supplies, check your state's rules
• Lease and contract terms from your supplier, including who handles service and repairs
• Sales can be slow at first, as offices often renew existing contracts only every few years

Startup costs are typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on your supplier arrangement, any demo equipment, insurance and local licensing. These are estimates, so check what your authorized provider or wholesale supplier requires before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many offices you win and whether you arrange sales or leases. Sales can be slow at first, as offices often renew existing contracts only every few years.

Check USPS rules on postage meters and work only through authorized providers. Also check general liability insurance, any city or county business license, state sales tax registration if you resell, and the lease and service terms from your supplier.