Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 35% of other professional equipment and supplies 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%.

35%
5-Year Survival Rate
+1.0%
Net Growth Rate
19,171
Total Firms
1,627
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers a Good Business to Start?

With a 35% five-year survival rate, other professional equipment and supplies 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.

Entry Rate (new businesses)6.5%
Exit Rate (closures)19.0%

Net negative: more businesses closing than opening (-12.5 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

13.2%
Job Creation Rate
12.1%
Job Destruction Rate
+1.0%
Net Job Growth

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 other professional equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of other professional equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers businesses fail?
Approximately 65% of other professional equipment and supplies 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 other professional equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers industry growing or shrinking?
The other professional equipment and supplies 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.