Vinyl window dealer, run from home

Remodelers, small builders, installers and homeowners replacing old windows or doors.

You buy at dealer pricing and sell at a markup on each order, sometimes adding fees for measuring, delivery or coordinating installation by a partner crew.

• Reading plans and measuring accurately
• Quoting and follow-up
• Building relationships with contractors

• Measuring errors can mean expensive remakes, so confirm who pays for a wrong order
• Check your state and city rules on contractor licensing if you measure, install or manage installation
• General liability insurance, and whether product liability coverage is needed
• Long factory lead times and warranty claims can strain customer relationships
• Check HOA, lease and home occupation rules if you work from home

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your setup and how you find customers. You order from the manufacturer per job rather than holding stock. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many contractor and homeowner jobs you win. That is revenue, not profit, and remade orders caused by measuring errors can cut into what you keep.

Check state and city contractor licensing rules if you measure, install or manage installation. Also confirm who pays for a wrong order, whether you need general and product liability insurance, and any HOA, lease or home occupation rules.