Specialty wood finishes trade counter

Cabinet makers, furniture refinishers, joiners and carpenters, professional painters, and serious DIYers.

Retail and trade-account sales at a markup over wholesale cost, plus color matching, custom mixing, and accessories. Local delivery can add revenue.

• Deep knowledge of finishes and how to apply them
• Customer service and advice
• Stock control and purchasing
• Sales and local networking

• Zoning, fire code and certificate of occupancy rules for storing flammable finishes, so check with your city or county fire department
• Hazardous materials storage and spill rules, plus VOC limits on coatings that vary by state and area
• Inventory ties up cash, and slow-moving stock can be costly
• General liability, product liability and property insurance
• Sales tax registration and resale certificate rules in your state
• Competition from large chain stores and online sellers, so focus on expertise and trade relationships

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the space and your opening stock. Inventory ties up cash, and slow-moving stock can be costly, so plan your buying carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your stock range, location and the trade relationships you build. Large chain stores and online sellers compete, so focus on expertise.

Check zoning, fire code and certificate of occupancy rules for storing flammable finishes with your city or county fire department. Also check hazardous materials storage and spill rules, VOC limits on coatings, and sales tax and resale certificate rules.