Home-Based steel broker with direct delivery

Small fabricators, builders, contractors, agricultural businesses and manufacturers that don't want to chase multiple suppliers.

You earn the margin between the supplier's price and what you charge the customer, sometimes with a fee for sourcing or arranging freight.

• Reading steel specifications and drawings
• Quoting and negotiating
• Building supplier and customer relationships
• Organizing orders and freight

• Suppliers may want credit checks or deposits before opening a trade account
• You're responsible if the wrong material is shipped or arrives damaged, so agree who covers this
• Customers may be slow to pay while you still owe the supplier
• Check sales tax registration and resale certificate rules in your state
• General liability insurance, and ask whether you need product or cargo cover
• Running a business from home may need a home occupation permit, check your city and HOA or lease rules

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your software, insurance and any supplier deposits. These are estimates, and suppliers may want credit checks or deposits before opening a trade account.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on order sizes, your customers and how well you negotiate. The estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week. Customers may pay slowly while you still owe suppliers.

Check sales tax registration and resale certificate rules in your state, and whether you need general liability, product or cargo cover. Also check a home occupation permit with your city and HOA or lease rules, and agree who covers wrong or damaged material.