Heating trade counter and boiler supply shop
Open a small trade counter stocking boilers and fast-moving parts for local plumbers and heating contractors.
- C$30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small unit or shopfront with a trade counter where heating contractors collect boilers, parts and fittings. You carry the common stock and can order in the rest, often with local delivery.
Your first three steps
- Visit local contractors and talk about what they buy and where the gaps in local supply are
- Seek dealer agreements with manufacturers and find a low-rent industrial unit near contractors, with truck access
- Draw up a stock list and budget for opening inventory, then line up supplier credit terms
Who pays
Plumbing and heating contractors, property maintenance firms and some renovation companies buying for customer jobs.
How it makes money
Markup on boilers and parts, plus account sales to regular contractors. Convenience and having stock on the shelf are the main reasons contractors choose you.
Skills that help
- Technical product knowledge
- Stock control and purchasing
- Managing trade accounts and credit
Watch out for
- Opening stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with fast-moving items
- Check municipal zoning, business licence and signage rules for your unit
- Check certification requirements for gas appliances and pressure equipment with your provincial safety authority
- Commercial general liability, property and product liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
- Contractors may ask for credit, so decide on terms and how you will chase late payments
- Seasonal swings: expect busy autumn and winter, quieter summer
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: heating trade counter and boiler supply shop
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 start a boiler supply trade counter in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises and how much opening stock you carry. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so starting with fast-moving items is a sensible approach.
How much revenue can a heating trade counter make?
Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your stock range, location and trade accounts. Revenue is not profit. Expect a busy autumn and winter and a quieter summer.
What rules should I check before opening a boiler supply shop in Canada?
Check municipal zoning, business licence and signage rules for your unit. Also check certification requirements for gas appliances and pressure equipment with your provincial safety authority, and insurance, including WCB/WSIB if you hire. Rules vary by province.
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