Online auto accessories trade supplier

Small auto shops, garages, gift and hardware stores, online sellers and detailers who want one supplier for many products.

You sell at a wholesale price above your cost, often with minimum order values. Repeat buyers and larger baskets improve your margin.

• Building and running a simple online store
• Supplier negotiation
• Business-to-business sales and email
• Order and customer admin

• Check if any products, especially lighting, meet Canadian safety rules and can be sold in each province
• Supplier reliability: if they run out of stock or ship late, your customers blame you
• Importing directly means customs duties, brokerage fees and longer waits, so check costs first
• GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules for selling across provinces
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• If you sell to Quebec customers, check French-language requirements for your website and product information

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you hold and how you build your trade catalogue. Having suppliers ship directly to your customers can reduce the stock you need to buy upfront.

Check whether any products, especially lighting, meet Canadian safety rules and can be sold in each province. Also look into GST/HST and provincial sales tax, insurance, and French-language requirements if you sell to Quebec customers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your product range, supplier terms and how many trade customers you win. That figure is revenue, not profit. Plan for at least about 10 hours a week.