Online trades business ideas you can run from anywhere in Canada
20 ideas
These 20 ideas bring the trades online without requiring you to swing a hammer every day. Most are supply or service businesses that sell to contractors, farms and DIYers across Canada, such as an online fence materials supplier, an online insulation supplier for trades, or mail-in watch and clock restoration.
Online pump supplier for contractors and farms
Sell water, transfer and garden pumps online, shipped from suppliers or a small home stock.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online fastener supplier for trades
Sell screws, bolts, nails and anchors in bulk to contractors and small manufacturers through a simple online store.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online solar kit shop for cabins, RVs and DIY
Sell certified solar panels, inverters and mounting kits online to off-grid, cabin and RV owners, often shipped direct from suppliers.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online battery supplier for one equipment niche
Supply batteries for one niche, like golf carts, mobility scooters or power equipment, to dealers and businesses across your region.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online wire and cable reseller
Sell certified wire and cable to electricians and contractors online, shipped straight from your supplier.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mail-in watch and clock restoration
Take in watches and small clocks by post from across the country, repair them and send them back insured.
- C$2.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online fire safety supplies reseller
Sell certified extinguishers, fire blankets and signs to small businesses and trades from home, shipped from a supplier or small stock.
- C$1.5k-7.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online door reseller for builders and renovators
Quote and sell interior and exterior doors from your laptop, with orders shipped straight from the manufacturer or distributor.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online hose and fittings store
Sell hoses, clamps and fittings online to tradespeople and farms, from home with a small stock.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online glass block shop with supplier delivery
Sell glass blocks and install accessories online to homeowners and installers, shipped direct from a wholesaler.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online water pump shop
Sell sump, well and utility pumps online to homeowners and installers, with clear advice on choosing the right one.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online electrical supplies for contractors
Sell a focused range of electrical parts online to tradespeople, with a small home stock and the rest shipped from suppliers.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online insulation supplier for trades
Sell electrical and thermal insulation products to local contractors online, mostly shipped direct from wholesalers.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online solar hot water dealer
Sell solar water heating kits and parts online to installers and homeowners, shipped direct from the manufacturer.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online garage door parts supplier for installers
Sell springs, rollers, openers and hardware online to local installers and builders, shipped or ready for pickup.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online fibreglass and resin supplier
Sell fibreglass matting, cloth and resin kits online to boat repairers, hobby builders and small trades.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online AC parts and equipment supplier for installers
Supply ductless units, parts and fittings to local installers on trade terms, with orders online and next-day delivery.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online ladder and access equipment shop
Sell ladders, scaffold towers and safety gear to tradespeople and homeowners online, with supplier delivery or a small stock.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online fence materials supplier
Take orders for fence materials online and arrange delivery from wholesalers, with little or no stock of your own.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Niche electrical supplier for local contractors
Stock a focused range, like LED lighting or EV charger parts, and sell in bulk to electricians and builders.
- C$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Online
About these ideas
They suit people with trade knowledge, a purchasing or sales background, or a good eye for a neglected niche. Before choosing, think about shipping costs for heavy or bulky goods, where you would store stock, and whether you would hold inventory or have suppliers send orders directly. Check the product standards and certifications that apply to what you sell, and compare your likely margins with the carrying costs. Start narrow and know your customer well.
Questions
Do I need a trade qualification to sell trade supplies online in Canada?
Not always, but it helps with credibility and product advice. Check whether the products you plan to sell, such as electrical or fire safety items, need certification or have rules about who can sell or install them in your province.
How should I handle shipping heavy or bulky products across Canada?
Compare freight and courier quotes early, since distances and rural delivery can affect pricing. Check whether suppliers can ship directly to customers, how returns would work, and whether you can pass shipping costs on without losing sales.
What should I check about taxes and registration for an online trades business?
Check whether you need to register for GST/HST and how provincial sales taxes apply to your sales. Also look at your business structure, any local licensing, and insurance for products you sell. An accountant can confirm what fits your situation.