Natural stone broker (no warehouse needed)

Countertop fabricators, landscapers, masons, general contractors, builders and independent stone or tile retailers.

You add a margin on top of the supplier's price for each slab, pallet or truckload. Repeat trade customers and larger project orders build steady income.

• Sales and relationship building
• Attention to detail on quotes and specs
• Organizing orders and freight
• Learning stone types and grades

• Freight damage and who is responsible for it: agree terms with both supplier and buyer in writing
• Color and grain vary between lots of natural stone, so set expectations and use approval samples
• Check your state and city rules on resale certificates, sales tax and business licenses
• If you import, check duties, tariffs and whether you need a customs broker
• Check general liability and product liability insurance options
• Payment risk: consider deposits or credit checks before extending terms to new buyers

Startup cost is an estimate, typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many samples you buy, your website and tools, and any insurance you choose. Because stone ships straight from the supplier, you do not need to pay for stock or a warehouse.

Check your state and city rules on resale certificates, sales tax and business licenses. If you import, check duties, tariffs and whether you need a customs broker. Also check general and product liability insurance, and agree freight damage terms in writing with suppliers and buyers.

Useful skills are sales, attention to detail on quotes and specs, organizing orders and freight, and learning stone types and grades. Plan on at least 15 hours a week. Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on order volume and margins.