How to Start a Cabinet Business: A DL Cabinetry Guide

The kitchen and bath industry is thriving. Homeowners are choosing to invest in spaces that upgrade daily living and raise property value. This guide walks you through starting a cabinet business  and setting yourself up for success! 

1. Build Your Foundation: Experience and Legal Structure

Before you can make your first sale, you need to build your knowledge, set up your legal structure, and ensure compliance with local as well as state requirements.

• Gain Hands-On Experience

If you already have experience working in the industry or prior knowledge, you’re ahead of the game. If you’re new, consider shadowing an installer, taking a design or construction course, or working part-time in a related field.

• Pick a Business Structure

The legal structure affects taxes, liability, and flexibility. Common business structures are:

• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Protects your personal assets while keeping taxes simple.

• S-Corp: Allows potential tax advantages once your business grows.

• Sole Proprietorship: Easy to start but leaves assets unprotected.

• Obtain Licenses and Permits

Each state has different requirements, like state registration, local business license, or specialty contractor licenses.

• Get Your Employer Identification Number (EIN):

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for taxes, hiring employees, and registering as a dealer with suppliers. You can apply for free on the IRS website in minutes

2. Financial Planning: Budgeting for Success

A solid financial plan keeps your company stable.

• Estimate Your Startup Costs

  
  

Your costs depend on your business model:

• Home-Based Owner-Operator: Expect $50,000–$75,000 for tools, software, marketing, insurance, and initial inventory.

• Showroom-Based Business: Ranges from $150,000–$500,000, depending on size, staffing, and location.

Budget for other expenses like insurance, rent, utilities, software subscriptions, marketing campaigns, salaries, and benefits if you hire staff members.

• Explore Funding Options

Don’t let capital keep you from starting your business. Explore:

• SBA Loans: The 7(a) and 504 programs cover working capital, equipment, and inventory.

• Working Capital Loans: Great for deposits on large projects.

• Personal Savings or Investor Funding: Many small businesses start here before scaling.

• Lines of Credit: Flexible for seasonal fluctuations.

Pro Tip: Leverage accounting software from the beginning.

3. Your Supply Chain: Partnering with DL Cabinetry

Your supplier relationship is everything. Delayed shipments, backorders, or inconsistent quality can sink your reputation. Partnering with DL Cabinetry gives you an edge.

• Why DL Cabinetry? 

• Pro-Only Pricing – Protect your margins with dealer-exclusive rates. 

• Free Design and Quoting Tools – Save hours of work and present professional designs. 

• Live Inventory and Freight Rates – Prevent delays, backorders, and unforeseen costs. 

• Consistent Quality – Cabinets built to last, making it easier to win repeat customers. 

• How to Become a DL Pro 

• Visit the DL Cabinetry dealer portal online. 

• Complete the sign-up form with your EIN. 

• Once approved, you will have access to dealer pricing, inventory tools, and marketing resources. 

4. Operational Excellence: From Concept to Completion

Strong operations separate successful cabinet businesses from those that fizzle out. 

• Choose Your Business Model 

• Design-Build Model: You handle design and installation; clients love the one-stop-shop approach. 

• Supply-Only Model: Focus on selling cabinets to contractors, builders, and DIY homeowners. 

• Hybrid: Offer both supply and installation to maximize opportunities. 

• Project Management 

• Every project should start with a signed contract that covers: 

  • Scope of work. 

  • Estimated start and completion dates. 

  • Product specifications. 

• Client Communication 

• Transparency builds trust. Keep clients informed with: 

• Progress reports. 

• Photos of milestones. 

• Realistic timelines (avoid over-promising). 

Some businesses use client portals where homeowners can log in to see updates, approve designs, and view invoices. This boosts confidence and professionalism. 

5. Merchant Processing: Getting Paid

For modern cabinet businesses, offering flexible payment options is key for securing sales and providing professional experience. This is where merchant processing comes in.

• What is Merchant Processing? 

Merchant processing is the system that allows your business to accept credit and debit card payments. It involves a payment processor.

• Why is it Important for a Cabinet Business? 

  • Customer Convenience

  • Professionalism

  • Faster Payments

  • Security 

• How to Get Started with Merchant Processing 

  
  

  1. Choose a Payment Processor: There are many options available, each with different features and fee structures. Consider providers like Square, Stripe, PayPal, or dedicated merchant services companies. Look for a provider that offers: 

     1. Competitive Rates: Understand the fee structure, which may include a percentage of each transaction, a per-transaction fee, and monthly service charges. 

     2. Flexible Payment Methods: Ensure they support online invoices and in-person card readers. 

     3. Integration with Software: Choose a processor that integrates with your accounting and project management software (like QuickBooks or Buildertrend) to simplify bookkeeping. 

     4. Set Up Your Merchant Account: Once you choose a processor, you'll go through an application process. You'll need to provide your business information, including your EIN, business license, and bank account details. 

     5. Send Digital Invoices: Use your accounting software or payment processor's tools to send professional, digital invoices to your clients. This allows them to pay securely online with a few clicks, making the process faster and easier for both of you. 

6. Marketing: Get the Word Out

You can have the best cabinets in the world, but without visibility, sales won’t come. 

• Build a Professional Website 

  • Think of your website as your digital storefront. Include: 

    • High-quality project photos. 

      • Before-and-after galleries. 

    • A clear contact form or “Request a Quote” button. 

    • Client reviews. 

  • A blog with valuable content.

• Leverage Local SEO 

You’ll need: 

• Optimized website content with location-specific keywords. 

• Complete Google Business Profile.  You can review DL Cabinetry - Jacksonville Profile

• Positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and Houzz. 

• Social Media Marketing 

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are perfect for showing off transformations. Post consistently, use local hashtags, and consider running targeted ads to reach homeowners in your service area. 

• Network with Contractors and Realtors 

  
  

  • B2B referrals can be game-changing. Build relationships by: 

    • Offering exclusive pricing for local contractors. 

    • Providing referral bonuses to realtors. 

    • Attending home shows and local networking events. 

7. Scaling for Long-Term Success

Once your business is running smoothly, it’s time to think bigger. 

• Expand Your Product Line 

• Open Additional Locations 

• Hire a Sales Team 

• Invest in Technology 

Final Thoughts 

With the proper preparation, hands-on experience, legal setup, financial planning, strong supplier relationships, smooth operations, and innovative marketing, you can build a successful company.

By partnering with DL Cabinetry, you gain more than just a supplier. You get pro-only pricing, real-time inventory, quoting tools, and quality products that make it easier to meet deadlines and keep clients happy. 

Become A Dealer

The kitchen and bath industry isn’t slowing down anytime soon. If you’re ready to leap, start laying your foundation today, you could quickly become the go-to cabinet expert in your community.