Starting a wholesale plumbing company is an expensive endeavor and will likely require extensive financing. You'll need to service both contractors and homeowners, which will require an intimate knowledge of the technical side of plumbing, as well as an ability to provide customers with numerous design possibilities. Before you do anything, draw up a business plan.
Hire experienced designers and coordinators to design your plumbing showroom and help contractors and homeowners find the right design for their kitchen or bath. Many homeowners will expect you to help them select a design. You'll need qualified designers on hand to offer advice. Stock your showroom with a variety of bathroom and kitchen designs for remodeled or new homes. Purchase warm lighting and a décor to match each display.
Find a location for your wholesale plumbing supply company that is situated within a reasonable distance of your clientele. Minimize cost and zoning concerns by moving into an old warehouse, rather than building one from the ground up. Once you've found a locale, hire a licensed contractor to help you modify your warehouse, build your showroom and submit building plans. Your state may require that you get clearance from an architect before it will issue a building permit. Your contractor should know your county's requirements. Before your application can be approved, you will need to obtain a business license and liability insurance.
Stock your shelves with backflow-prevention tools, chemicals, adhesives, hoses, drainage equipment, fixtures, fittings, casings, water heaters, valving and pumps. Select popular lines such as Kohler, Moen, Delta, Sterling, Price Pfister, Bradford-White, Bosch, Aqua-Glass, Elkay and Oasis. Call the manufacturers directly about buying wholesale. If you lack plumbing experience, enlist the help of a plumber you trust to help you learn the ins and outs of popular brands and products in your area. You can also contact local plumbers and contractors for advice. Review your state's plumbing rules to ensure that the products you sell meet state regulations.
Write a business plan. In it, determine who you will service and how large your operation will be. You may service smaller plumbing supply businesses, industrial supply houses, retail stores, contractors or homeowners. If servicing other supply companies, you may need as much as 60,000 square feet to house your supplies and equipment. In addition to a warehouse, you'll need at least 3,000 feet for your showroom.
Hire strong employees to stock shelves, deliver products and move equipment.
Purchase supplies and equipment for your warehouse such as fixtures, shelves, office supplies, fork lift, hauling equipment, industrial trucks, safety gear and dollies. Insure heavy-duty equipment.
评论