Auto glass shop with service bays

Local drivers, insurers paying glass claims, used car dealers, body shops and small business fleets.

A price per fitting covering glass, adhesive and labour. Dealer and body shop work adds steady repeat volume, and you can add chip repair and tinting if allowed locally.

• Auto glass installation or a trained installer on your team
• Basic business admin and stock control
• Building relationships with insurers, dealers and garages

• Commercial general liability and garage insurance, plus WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire, rules vary by province
• Zoning and municipal business licence for a workshop, check before signing a lease
• Disposal of old glass, adhesive and waste, check your municipality's rules
• Driver-assistance camera calibration needs equipment and training, decide whether to offer it or partner
• Rent, glass stock and wages are fixed costs, quiet winter months can squeeze cash

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, number of bays, equipment and glass stock. Rent, glass stock and wages are fixed costs, so quiet winter months can squeeze cash.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, number of bays and mix of drivers, insurers, dealers and fleets. Estimates point to at least about 40 hours a week.

Check zoning and a municipal business licence before signing a lease. Also check commercial general liability and garage insurance, WCB or WSIB once you hire, rules for disposing of old glass and adhesive, and whether to offer driver-assistance camera calibration or partner.