Forklift & Material Handling Equipment Sales

Sell and service forklifts and warehouse material handling equipment

Startup Cost
$400,000-$2,000,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
18-36 months
Profit Potential
$67,000-$417,000/month

Overview

Forklift dealers generate $800,000-$5,000,000 annually with 18-35% margins.

In 2025, warehousing and logistics drive material handling needs.

Revenue from forklift sales ($15,000-$80,000 per unit), equipment rentals ($400-$2,000 per month), service contracts ($200-$800 monthly per unit), parts sales (45-65% margins), and operator training ($150-$400 per person).

Services include electric and propane forklifts, pallet jacks and warehouse equipment, short and long-term rentals, preventive maintenance contracts, parts inventory and sales, and forklift operator training.

Successful dealers offer diverse equipment fleet, provide rental options, sell service contracts for recurring revenue, maintain parts inventory, and offer training to buyers.

Warehouses and manufacturers as clients.

Marketing through warehouse and logistics contacts, manufacturer leads, equipment rental networks, trade shows, and direct sales.

Required Skills

  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Sales
  • Service & Maintenance
  • Warehouse Operations
  • Safety & Training
  • Parts Management

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Recurring revenue from rentals and service
  • Parts sales high-margin income
  • Growing e-commerce warehouse market
  • Training and certification services
  • Manufacturer support programs

Cons

  • High equipment inventory investment
  • Need service technicians and parts inventory
  • Competitive dealer market
  • Economic sensitivity
  • Large facility for inventory and service

How to Get Started

  1. Become authorized dealer for forklift brands
  2. Invest in forklift inventory and facility
  3. Build service department and parts inventory
  4. Hire sales team and service technicians
  5. Market to warehouses and manufacturers
  6. Sell, rent, and service material handling equipment
  7. Build recurring revenue from service contracts

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