Bathroom supply showroom for installers

Plumbers, renovation contractors, builders and homeowners in your local area.

Margin on products sold, with trade accounts for repeat contractors and special orders for higher-end items. Design advice and delivery can bring in extra income.

• Product and plumbing fitting knowledge
• Stock control and ordering
• Building relationships with contractors

• Opening stock and lease costs tie up a lot of cash, so plan for a slow first few months
• Check that fixtures meet Canadian plumbing certification requirements in your province
• Check municipal business licence and zoning requirements for retail premises
• Supplier minimum orders and credit terms can be tough for a new business
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Big-box competitors may undercut on price, so focus on service, range and speed
• In Quebec, check French-language rules for signage and customer documents

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the lease, display fit-out and opening stock. Stock and rent tie up cash, so plan for a slow first few months.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, range and how many contractors you win. The estimates assume a full-time commitment of about 40 hours a week or more.

Check that fixtures meet Canadian plumbing certification requirements in your province, plus municipal business licence and zoning rules for retail premises. Check supplier minimum orders and credit terms, liability insurance, WCB or WSIB duties when hiring, and French-language rules in Quebec.