Basket importer and trade warehouse

Florist shops, hamper and gift box companies, independent retailers, event and wedding suppliers, and small chains.

Bulk purchasing lowers your cost per basket, and you sell at trade prices with volume discounts, minimum orders and repeat accounts.

• Sales and account management
• Managing stock and suppliers
• Costing, pricing and cash flow planning

• Budget for the whole startup: first container or pallet orders, duties and freight, deposits and fit-out for the unit, shelving, a vehicle or courier account, insurance and working capital while you wait for payment
• Import duties, shipping delays and exchange rate swings can squeeze margins, so check the full landed cost
• Natural fibre and wood products may face CFIA or other import requirements, so check before ordering
• Commercial general liability, stock and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for your unit
• A lot of cash is tied up in stock, and demand peaks around seasonal holidays

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $60,000 to $250,000 CAD. Budget for the whole startup: first container or pallet orders, duties and freight, unit deposits and fit-out, shelving, delivery, insurance and working capital while you wait for payment.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $35,000 CAD, depending on your range and trade accounts. A lot of cash is tied up in stock, and demand peaks around seasonal holidays.

Things to check: whether natural fibre and wood products face CFIA or other import requirements; duties, shipping delays and exchange rates affecting landed cost; municipal zoning and business licence rules for your unit; and insurance, including WCB/WSIB if you hire.