Office Equipment Merchant Wholesalers — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 35% of office equipment merchant wholesalers businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 19.0%.
Is Office Equipment Merchant Wholesalers a Good Business to Start?
With a 35% five-year survival rate, office equipment merchant wholesalers has a below-average survival rate compared to the national average of ~50%. This indicates higher risk of failure — new entrants face significant competitive pressure or challenging economics.
The annual exit rate of 19.0% is elevated. If you're considering entering this industry, ensure adequate capitalization, a clear competitive advantage, and realistic timeline to profitability.
Entry vs. Exit Rates
Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.
Net negative: more businesses closing than opening (-12.5 pp spread).
Job Creation & Destruction
The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 671,585 workers across 19,171 firms.
Want to know how much office equipment merchant wholesalers businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for Office Equipment Merchant Wholesalers →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of office equipment merchant wholesalers businesses fail?
- Approximately 65% of office equipment merchant wholesalers businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 19.0%, with 1,627 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the office equipment merchant wholesalers industry growing or shrinking?
- The office equipment merchant wholesalers industry is currently stable with a net job creation rate of +1.0% per year. New businesses are entering at 6.5% while 19.0% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.