Rural feed and supply store

Hobby farmers, horse owners, small livestock producers, poultry keepers and local pet owners.

Mark-up on bagged feed, bedding and supplies, plus extra from higher-margin items like treats, tack accessories and pet products. Regular customers buy every few weeks.

• Knowing animal feed and nutrition basics
• Stock control and ordering
• Customer service and building local trust
• Lifting and handling heavy bags

• Feed sales are regulated federally, so check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency about rules for selling and labelling feed, especially medicated feed
• Municipal zoning and business licence rules for retail premises
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for stock stored on site
• Heavy lifting, dust and rodent control in storage areas
• Slow winter or quieter seasons for some customers; check cash flow before signing a lease
• Collect and remit GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, how much stock you carry and your fit-out. Check cash flow before signing a lease, as some seasons are quieter.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and customer base. Estimates suggest at least around 40 hours a week. Winter or quieter seasons can slow sales for some customers.

Feed sales are regulated federally, so check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency about selling and labelling rules, especially for medicated feed. Also check municipal zoning and business licence rules, insurance, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax.