Local battery supply round for garages and shops

Independent garages, tire shops, small fleets, marinas, farms, equipment dealers and repair shops that want fast delivery without holding much stock.

You sell at trade prices above your buying cost. Margins per battery are modest, so income comes from repeat orders, reliable same-day delivery and a growing list of regular accounts.

• Sales and relationship building
• Route planning and reliable delivery
• Knowing battery types and sizes
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Tying up cash in stock, start with a small range and track what sells
• Commercial general liability and vehicle insurance, plus cover for goods in transit
• Rules for storing and transporting batteries, including lithium types under Transportation of Dangerous Goods regulations, check with Transport Canada and your province
• Provincial battery recycling and stewardship programs, and rules on handling old lead-acid batteries, check your provincial environment ministry
• GST/HST registration and any provincial sales tax rules, check with the CRA and your province
• Heavy lifting and acid risk, use proper handling gear
• Customers paying late, set clear credit terms from the start

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the stock you buy and your van set-up. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your customers and route. Starting with a small range limits cash tied up in stock.

Check rules for storing and transporting batteries, including lithium types under Transportation of Dangerous Goods regulations, with Transport Canada and your province. Also check provincial battery recycling programs, old lead-acid battery handling, insurance, and GST/HST registration with the CRA.

It is estimated to need at least about 20 hours a week, depending on your route size. Useful skills include sales, route planning, knowing battery types and sizes, and basic bookkeeping. Set clear credit terms, as customers may pay late.