Online water heater supplier for local contractors

Independent plumbers, small HVAC companies, property managers and landlords who want a quick quote and a delivery date.

You earn the margin between your trade price and your selling price on each unit and part. You can add a delivery or handling fee. Margins are usually thin, so repeat contractor accounts matter more than one-off sales.

• Sales and relationship building
• Learning product specs (fuel type, capacity, venting, sizing)
• Organizing orders and follow-up
• Customer service

• Check whether brands require an authorized dealer or distributor agreement before you can sell or give warranty support
• Ask your state about sales tax registration and resale certificates
• Check federal and state efficiency and labeling rules for the models you sell
• Damaged freight, wrong-model orders and returns can wipe out a thin margin, so agree clear return terms with suppliers
• Get general liability and product liability insurance, and check any home occupation or HOA rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your setup and insurance. Because you hold little or no stock, costs can stay low, but agree clear return terms with suppliers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many contractors you serve. Damaged freight, wrong-model orders and returns can wipe out a thin margin, so watch these closely.

Check whether brands require an authorized dealer or distributor agreement before you sell or give warranty support. Also ask your state about sales tax registration and resale certificates, check federal and state efficiency and labeling rules, and review insurance and home occupation rules.