Analysis
NAICS 423710 is the 2022 national industry for hardware merchant wholesalers, part of 42371 (Hardware Merchant Wholesalers). Census lists 21 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 5,967 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 99,773 people at an average annual payroll of $77,949 per employee (66th percentile of national industries). 47% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include appliance hardware merchant wholesalers, blades (e.g., knife, saw) merchant wholesalers, bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, and other fasteners merchant… and brads merchant wholesalers, among 21 in all.
Census lists 4 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 423510, 423120, 423830 and 424130. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, merchant wholesale distribution of nails, noninsulated wire, and screening are classified in 423510 (Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of hardware, knives, or handtools.
Illustrative Examples:
Brads merchant wholesalers Cutlery merchant wholesalers Knives (except disposable plastics) merchant wholesalers Power handtools (e.g., drills, saws, sanders) merchant wholesalers Fasteners (e.g., bolts, nuts, rivets, screws) merchant wholesalers Staples merchant wholesalers Handtools (except motor vehicle, machinists' precision) merchant wholesalers Hardware (except motor vehicle) merchant wholesalers Tacks merchant wholesalers Keys and locks merchant wholesalers
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Merchant wholesale distribution of nails, noninsulated wire, and screening | 423510 Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers |
| Merchant wholesale distribution of motor vehicle handtools, hardware, and equipment | 423120 Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers |
| Merchant wholesale distribution of machinists' precision handtools | 423830 Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers |
| Merchant wholesale distribution of disposable plastics knives and eating utensils | 424130 Industrial and Personal Service Paper Merchant Wholesalers |
Index entries (21)
- Appliance hardware merchant wholesalers
- Blades (e.g., knife, saw) merchant wholesalers
- Bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, and other fasteners merchant wholesalers
- Brads merchant wholesalers
- Cabinet hardware and fittings merchant wholesalers
- Carpenters' tools merchant wholesalers
- Cutlery merchant wholesalers
- Drapery hardware merchant wholesalers
- Fasteners (e.g., bolts, nuts, rivets, screws) merchant wholesalers
- Handtools (except motor vehicle mechanics', machinists' precision) merchant wholesalers
- Hardware (except motor vehicle) merchant wholesalers
- Hinges merchant wholesalers
- Keys and locks merchant wholesalers
- Knives (except disposable plastics) merchant wholesalers
- Locks, security, merchant wholesalers
- Plumbers' tools and equipment merchant wholesalers
- Power handtools (e.g., drills, sanders, saws) merchant wholesalers
- Specialty-line hardware merchant wholesalers
- Staples merchant wholesalers
- Tacks merchant wholesalers
- Tools, hand (except motor vehicle, machinists' precision tools), merchant wholesalers