Niche plastic containers and fittings reseller

Small businesses such as restaurants, bakeries, salons, farms, contractors, cleaning companies and makers who need regular supplies.

You earn the margin between your wholesale price and your selling price. Repeat orders and bulk quantities from regular business customers matter most.

• Sales and follow-up with business buyers
• Organizing orders, stock and supplier prices
• Comparing products and negotiating pricing

• Sales tax: check your state's rules on a seller's permit and resale certificates
• Food-contact items may need to meet FDA or state requirements, so ask your supplier for documentation
• General liability and product liability insurance, since customers may rely on your products
• Shipping bulky, lightweight goods can eat into margins, so check freight costs before quoting
• If you store stock at home, check HOA, lease and local home occupation rules

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you hold at home versus having your supplier ship directly. Shipping bulky items and insurance can affect your total, so get quotes first.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your niche, your pricing and how many regular business customers you win. That is revenue, not profit, so check your margins after supplier prices and freight.

Check your state's rules on a seller's permit and resale certificates. For food-contact items, ask your supplier for documentation showing FDA or state requirements are met. Also check insurance, and HOA, lease and home occupation rules if you store stock at home.