Local pump supplier with a small stock room

Contractors, farms, irrigation and landscaping firms, property maintenance companies and municipal or facility crews.

Margin on pumps, parts and accessories, plus delivery fees, accounts with regular buyers and sometimes simple repair or pump rental services.

• Technical knowledge of pumps and fittings
• Building relationships with local trade buyers
• Inventory and cash flow management

• Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving items and reorder as you sell
• Check zoning for a warehouse or retail counter with your city or county
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus coverage for stock and any delivery vehicle
• Check state sales tax registration and resale certificate rules
• Larger competitors and online sellers may undercut prices, so compete on speed and advice
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your unit, how much stock you buy and any delivery vehicle. Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving items and reorder as you sell.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your range, customer base and pricing. Larger competitors and online sellers may undercut prices, so think about competing on speed and advice.

Check zoning for a warehouse or retail counter with your city or county, and your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules. Also check insurance: general and product liability, cover for stock and any vehicle, and workers' compensation once you hire.