Online cut-to-size aluminum shop

Small fabricators, tradespeople, boat and trailer builders, makers, repair shops and hobbyists who can't buy full-length stock.

You mark up the metal and charge for cutting and shipping. Repeat orders from workshops and small businesses are the steadiest source of sales.

• Knowing aluminum alloys and common sizes
• Safe cutting and handling of metal
• Online selling and customer service
• Organising stock and shipping

• Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for stock stored at your location
• Home-based business and zoning rules for storing and cutting metal, check with your municipality
• Metal prices change, so check how quickly you can adjust yours
• Heavy, sharp material: plan for safe lifting, saw guarding and eye and hearing protection
• Shipping costs for long or heavy items can wipe out your margin, test carriers before you list
• GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration, check with the CRA and your province

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000 CAD, depending on how much stock you buy, your cutting equipment and whether you rent a small bay. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your range, customer base and pricing. Metal prices change, so check how quickly you can adjust yours. This is revenue, not profit.

Check home-based business and zoning rules for storing and cutting metal with your municipality. Check insurance, including commercial general liability and cover for stock, and GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration with the CRA and your province.