Shower door showroom and installation shop

Homeowners, landlords, property managers and local builders or remodelers who want one supplier for supply and installation.

Job pricing that covers glass, hardware and installation, with a markup on materials. Repeat trade work from builders and remodelers adds steady volume. Add-ons like glass coatings and replacement parts bring extra sales.

• Installation know-how
• Quoting and sales
• Scheduling crews and jobs
• Managing suppliers and stock

• Your state's contractor licensing rules for installation work, and whether the business or an employee must hold the license
• Lease terms, zoning and signage rules for the premises
• General liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and commercial vehicle insurance
• Sales tax registration with your state and how it applies to materials and installation
• Cash tied up in samples and slow-paying trade customers

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the premises, sample stock and vehicles. Cash can get tied up in samples, so it helps to plan your budget with that in mind.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many installs you complete, the trade customers you win and how quickly they pay. Estimates assume roughly full-time hours of 40 a week.

Check your state's contractor licensing rules for installation work, and whether the business or an employee must hold the license. Also check lease terms, zoning and signage rules, and sales tax registration with your state.