Local packaging bag distributor with a small stockroom

Restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, retailers, laundries and small manufacturers that run out of bags often and can't buy pallets.

You buy by the pallet at a discount and sell by the case or carton at a higher price. Delivery routes and standing orders raise the revenue per trip.

• Sales and account management
• Inventory and ordering
• Driving and delivery planning

• Plastic bag bans and fees in many states and cities, so check local rules and stock paper or compostable options where needed
• Check the zoning, lease terms and fire code for storing large amounts of plastic
• Check whether you need a seller's permit or resale certificate with your state and a local business license
• Commercial vehicle insurance if you deliver, plus general liability insurance
• Cash can get tied up in stock, so start with fast-moving sizes only

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your unit rent, how much stock you buy and whether you need a delivery vehicle. Starting with fast-moving bag sizes only can stop cash getting tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your customer base, order sizes and the bag types you stock. That figure is revenue, not profit, so stock, rent and delivery costs come out of it.

Check local plastic bag bans and fees, and consider paper or compostable options where needed. Also check zoning, lease terms and fire code for storing plastic, a seller's permit or resale certificate, a local business license, and vehicle and liability insurance.