Natural stone broker (no yard needed)

Remodeling contractors, kitchen and bath designers, stonemasons, fabricators, landscapers and homeowners doing larger projects.

You buy at a trade price and sell at a markup, or earn a commission from the supplier. Quotes are per square foot or per slab, plus a freight charge.

• Sales and quoting
• Knowing stone types and finishes
• Organizing orders and freight
• Building relationships with contractors

• Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and resale certificates
• General liability insurance, and ask whether product liability cover is needed
• Stone varies in color and veining, so make sure customers approve actual slabs or samples to avoid disputes
• Damage in transit: agree who is responsible for freight claims before you order
• Check HOA or lease rules if you run the business from home

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the samples you buy, your website and the insurance you choose. These are estimates, and you can start without holding much stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many contractor and homeowner orders you win and how large the projects are. That is revenue, not profit, so supplier costs come out of it.

Check your state's rules on sales tax registration and resale certificates, and ask about general and product liability insurance. Also agree who is responsible for freight damage, have customers approve actual slabs or samples, and check HOA or lease rules.