Propane refill and exchange shop

Households with grills and patio heaters, RV and camping customers, contractors, food truck owners and small businesses.

Fees per refill or exchange, plus margin on appliances, fittings and accessories. Repeat tank customers bring steady, predictable traffic.

• Careful safety habits
• Customer service and basic sales
• Inventory and record keeping

• Many states require licensed or trained staff and inspected equipment for propane filling, so check your state's rules before signing a lease
• Zoning and fire code limits on how much gas you can store and how far it must be from buildings, check with your local fire department
• Higher insurance needs for flammable gas, ask brokers early because some insurers decline this risk
• Cylinder condition and expiration dates must be checked, and unsafe tanks must be refused
• Peak season is warm weather, so plan cash flow for slower winter months

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, equipment and stock. Check your state's rules before signing a lease, and ask brokers about insurance early because some insurers decline this risk.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, season and the range of gear you sell. Peak season is warm weather, so plan cash flow for slower winter months.

Things to check: whether your state requires licensed or trained staff and inspected equipment for propane filling, zoning and fire code limits on storage and distances from buildings, and insurance for flammable gas. Ask your local fire department.