Special-order window dealer for local contractors

Remodelers, small builders, glaziers, handymen and property owners or landlords doing multi-window jobs.

You buy at dealer pricing and sell at a markup on each order, sometimes adding delivery or a measuring fee. Repeat contractors give steady orders.

• Reading plans and window specs
• Quoting accurately
• Following up with customers and suppliers

• Check state and local rules on business licenses and sales tax for resale
• Measuring mistakes on custom orders can be costly, so confirm sizes in writing
• Check your insurance needs, such as general liability and product liability
• Check local building codes and energy label requirements for the windows you sell
• Special-order units are often non-returnable, so get deposits before ordering
• Be careful with credit terms for contractors who pay late

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your setup and supplier arrangements. Because you hold no stock, the work is mostly quoting, ordering and keeping customers informed rather than funding inventory.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many contractors and jobs you serve. Special-order units are often non-returnable, so get deposits before ordering, and be careful with credit terms for contractors who pay late.

Check state and local rules on business licenses and sales tax for resale. Also check local building codes and energy label requirements for the windows you sell, and your insurance needs, such as general liability and product liability.