Rain barrel and garden tank seller

Homeowners, keen gardeners, community gardens, small urban farms and HOAs that want to cut water bills or reduce runoff.

Profit on each tank or barrel sold, plus fees for delivery, stand or base setup, and downspout diverter installation. Add-ons like filters, overflow hoses and drip kits increase each sale.

• Basic hands-on skills with tools
• Explaining the benefits clearly to customers
• Lifting and loading safely

• Rules on collecting rainwater vary by state and sometimes by city or HOA, so check local rules before selling
• Treat collected water as non-drinking unless a properly designed and permitted system says otherwise
• General liability insurance and check if your city or county requires a business license
• Open barrels can breed mosquitoes, so sell with screens and lids
• Storing stock at home may be limited by HOA or lease rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether suppliers ship direct and what delivery equipment you need. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup first.

Check local rules before selling, since rainwater collection rules vary by state and sometimes by city or HOA. Treat collected water as non-drinking unless a properly designed, permitted system says otherwise. Also consider liability insurance and check for a city or county business license.

You will need basic hands-on skills with tools, the ability to explain benefits clearly to customers, and safe lifting and loading habits. Plan on typically at least around 8 hours a week, depending on how many orders you take.