Local Welding Supply Store

Fabrication shops, auto and farm repair shops, contractors, welding students and serious hobbyists.

You buy at wholesale and sell at a markup on equipment and consumables. Repeat orders from local shops and trade accounts bring in steady income, and cylinder exchange or rental partnerships can add more.

• Product knowledge of welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick)
• Customer service and advice
• Inventory and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping

• Compressed gas cylinders: check fire code, storage and transport rules with your local fire marshal and state agencies
• Don't fill or refill gas cylinders without the required training, equipment and permits
• General liability and product liability insurance, since equipment and safety gear can cause injury claims
• Check your city or county business license, and state sales tax and resale certificate rules
• Inventory is expensive and slow to turn over, and big distributors and online sellers compete on price

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $50,000 to $250,000, depending on your premises, the range of welders, consumables and safety gear you stock, and your opening inventory. Inventory is expensive and slow to turn over, so plan your cash carefully.

Check fire code, storage and transport rules for compressed gas cylinders with your local fire marshal and state agencies. Don't fill cylinders without the required training, equipment and permits. Also check your business license, sales tax and resale certificate rules, and liability insurance.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, stock range and customer mix. Expect a full-time commitment of around 40 hours a week or more, and competition from big distributors and online sellers on price.