Local bearing and parts trade counter
Run a small unit stocking common bearings and seals, with counter sales and van delivery to nearby garages and factories.
- C$30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small trade supply shop or unit in an industrial area, holding stock of common bearing sizes, seals, grease and related parts. Customers collect over the counter, and you or a driver deliver to local workplaces.
Your first three steps
- Talk to distributors and manufacturers about becoming an authorized reseller, and ask about opening stock packages and credit terms
- Survey local industrial customers about what they buy, how often and what delays them, then scout units in an industrial area
- Draft a stock list and a 12-month cash plan, including slow-moving stock, and take it to your bank or a small business lender
Who pays
Garages, farms, factories, machine shops, mining and construction contractors and maintenance departments that need parts the same day.
How it makes money
Margin on stock sold, plus delivery fees, trade accounts with regular buyers and add-on sales such as seals, lubricants and fittings.
Skills that help
- Technical product knowledge
- Inventory and cash flow management
- Selling to trade customers
Watch out for
- Stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with fast-moving sizes and avoid over-ordering
- Counterfeit parts: use authorized suppliers and keep traceability records
- Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock and any delivery vehicle
- Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for the unit, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire
- Register for GST/HST and check provincial sales tax, and in Quebec check French-language requirements for signs and documents
- Trade customers often expect 30-day payment terms, so watch late payers
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: local bearing and parts trade counter
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a bearing trade counter in Canada?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the unit, how much stock you buy, any delivery vehicle and fit-out. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so starting with fast-moving sizes is worth considering.
How much revenue can a bearing and parts trade counter bring in?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, stock range and how many trade accounts you build. Trade customers often expect 30-day payment terms, so watch cash flow.
What rules should I check before opening a bearing trade counter?
Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for the unit, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, and French-language requirements for signs and documents in Quebec. Also arrange insurance and use authorized suppliers.
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