Used store fixtures warehouse and showroom
Rent a small unit, stock used shelving and counters, and supply local retailers and start-ups.
- $8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
3,637 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
NAICS 423440 “Other commercial equipment merchant wholesalers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small warehouse or unit where you store and display used shelving, counters, racks and display units. Buyers can walk in, measure up and take items away, and you offer delivery and bulk packages for new store fit-outs.
Your first three steps
- Contact local retail closures, commercial landlords and liquidators to line up your first supply of fixtures
- Price low-cost industrial or flex space near retail areas and check zoning allows retail sales or a showroom
- Form an LLC if you choose, get an EIN, and set up a simple stock list with prices and photos to show new retailers
Who pays
New retailers, boutique and thrift store owners, restaurants and offices that need display or counter units, and landlords or designers fitting out spaces.
How it makes money
Resale margin on each piece, bundled packages for whole store fit-outs, and fees for delivery, loading or buying out a closing store's fixtures.
Skills that help
- Sourcing and pricing used goods
- Negotiating with sellers and buyers
- Organizing inventory
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Check your city or county for a business license and whether the space is zoned for retail or storage use
- Check state sales tax registration and resale rules
- Get general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
- Lease commitments and slow-moving stock can tie up cash
- Heavy items and forklifts bring safety risks, so check training and equipment rules
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: used store fixtures warehouse and 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 used fixtures showroom?
Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your unit rent, how much stock you buy and any handling equipment. Slow-moving stock can tie up cash, so build your inventory gradually.
How much can a used store fixtures showroom make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your stock, pricing, delivery services and bulk fit-out packages. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and lease costs will affect what you keep.
What rules should I check before opening a fixtures warehouse?
Check your city or county for a business license and whether the space is zoned for retail or storage. Check state sales tax registration and resale rules, lease commitments, insurance, and training and equipment rules for forklifts and heavy items.
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