Local appliance parts shop

Independent appliance repair technicians, property managers and landlords, and homeowners who want a part the same day.

Markup on parts sold at the counter, trade accounts for repairers, and extra income from online orders and special orders for harder-to-find parts.

• Knowledge of how household appliances work
• Stock control and ordering
• Friendly, patient customer service

• Check zoning and business licence requirements with your municipality before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus insurance for stock and premises
• Stock can sit unsold, so start with fast-moving parts and avoid over-ordering
• Large chains and online sellers compete on price, so local expertise and speed matter
• Register for GST/HST (and PST or QST where it applies) and check your provincial rules on collecting tax
• WCB or WSIB coverage may be needed once you hire staff, so check your province

Estimates typically put startup costs around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, shelving and fit-out, and how much opening stock you buy. Starting with fast-moving parts can help avoid over-ordering.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, your range of parts and how many repairers, landlords and homeowners you serve. Revenue is not profit, as stock and rent come out of it.

Check zoning and business licence requirements with your municipality before signing a lease. Also check commercial liability, stock and premises insurance, GST/HST (and PST or QST) rules, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff in your province.