Cut-to-Size acrylic shop

Sign makers, picture framers, display and shopfitting firms, contractors, schools, hobbyists and homeowners needing custom pieces.

You buy full sheets at trade prices and sell by the sheet or cut piece with a markup, plus charges for cutting, edge polishing and special shapes.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Customer service at the counter
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic workshop safety

• Check zoning, business licence and fire code rules with your municipality, especially for storing plastic sheet
• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• Dust, offcuts and fumes from cutting or solvent cement: check ventilation, WHMIS training and your provincial workplace safety rules
• WCB/WSIB coverage rules by province once you hire help
• Large sheets tie up cash and space, so start with the popular sizes and thicknesses
• Scratched or damaged sheets are hard to resell, so handle and store carefully
• Check GST/HST, and PST or QST where it applies; in Quebec, check French-language requirements for signage and materials

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on premises, equipment and stock. Large sheets tie up cash and space, so start with the popular sizes and thicknesses.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and customer mix. Customers can include sign makers, picture framers, display firms, schools and hobbyists.

Check zoning, business licence and fire code rules with your municipality, especially for storing plastic sheet. Also check ventilation, WHMIS training, provincial workplace safety rules, WCB/WSIB coverage, GST/HST, PST or QST, and Quebec's French-language requirements.