Local tile showroom
Run a small shop selling ceramic, porcelain and stone tile to homeowners, builders and installers.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
9,723 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
NAICS 442210 “Floor covering stores”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small retail showroom with sample displays and some stock on hand, selling ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and glass tile, plus setting materials like thinset, grout and trim. Most larger orders are special-ordered from distributors.
Your first three steps
- Visit local tile shops and contractors to learn what sells and where there are gaps, such as budget tile, designer tile or natural stone
- Contact two or three tile distributors and manufacturers about dealer accounts, minimum orders and sample programs
- Price out leases for a small retail or flex unit and form your LLC, then get your EIN from the IRS
Who pays
Homeowners doing kitchen and bathroom remodels, general contractors, tile installers, interior designers and small property investors.
How it makes money
You buy tile at wholesale and sell at a markup. Extra income comes from grout, adhesives, tools, trim pieces and trade accounts with repeat discounts for contractors.
Skills that help
- Knowing tile types and where each is used
- Measuring and estimating how much tile a job needs
- Customer service and design advice
- Basic bookkeeping and inventory tracking
Watch out for
- Check your state for a sales tax permit and resale certificate, since you will be buying wholesale and selling retail
- Check city or county rules for a business license, zoning and signage for a retail location
- Get general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
- Tile is heavy and stock ties up cash, so start with a small range and special-order the rest
- Returns of cut or discontinued tile can be hard to resell, so check each supplier's return policy
- Big-box stores compete on price, so plan to compete on advice, selection and trade service
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: local tile showroom
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a tile showroom?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your location, showroom size, display samples and how much stock you hold. Starting with a small range and special-ordering the rest helps manage cash.
What rules should I check before opening a tile shop?
Check your state for a sales tax permit and resale certificate, and city or county rules for a business license, zoning and signage. Also arrange general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire.
How much can a tile showroom earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your range, location and trade relationships. Big-box stores compete on price, so plan to compete on advice, selection and trade service.
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