Local shredder dealer with on-site service

Offices, schools, medical and legal practices, local government and small businesses that need reliable shredders and someone to service them.

Margin on machine sales, paid repairs and service calls, and recurring maintenance plans. Supplies like oil, bags and replacement parts add steady extra sales.

• Basic mechanical and repair skills
• Selling to office managers and purchasing staff
• Reliable scheduling and follow-up

• General liability insurance, and check whether you also need product coverage
• Check your state's seller's permit and sales tax rules, and whether your city or county requires a business license
• Warranty work may need approval or training from the manufacturer, so confirm before promising it
• You need a vehicle that can carry heavy machines, and lifting heavy equipment carries a risk of injury
• Do not promise that a machine meets any specific data security standard unless the manufacturer states it

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much inventory, tooling and insurance you take on. You will also need a vehicle that can carry heavy machines, so factor that into your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many offices and schools you serve and how many service plans you sell. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours of work a week.

Check that you have general liability insurance and whether you need product coverage. Look at your state's seller's permit and sales tax rules and any city or county business license. Confirm manufacturer approval before promising warranty work.