Local metal and weld supplies delivery

Small fabrication shops, machine shops, welders, repair garages, farms and local manufacturers that want quick delivery without big-supplier minimums.

You sell at a markup over your wholesale cost, with a delivery fee or minimum order. Repeat accounts and standing weekly orders bring steady income.

• Knowing metals, fasteners and welding consumables
• Sales and relationship building
• Organizing stock and delivery routes

• State sales tax registration and resale certificate rules, check with your state revenue department
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus commercial auto cover for deliveries
• Customers paying late if you offer credit terms, check new accounts before extending credit
• Some customers may need material certificates or traceability, check what your suppliers can provide
• Heavy lifting and where you store stock, check zoning, lease and HOA rules if using a garage or yard

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you carry and how you store it. These are estimates, so get distributor pricing and minimums before you buy inventory.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many shops you supply and how often they reorder. If you offer credit terms, check new accounts first, since late payment can hurt cash flow.

Check state sales tax registration and resale certificate rules with your state revenue department. Also get general liability, product liability and commercial auto insurance, ask what material certificates suppliers can provide, and check zoning, lease and HOA rules for stock storage.