Home-based cabinet dealer and designer

Homeowners doing kitchen, bathroom or storage upgrades, plus small renovators, landlords and handymen who want trade pricing without holding stock.

The difference between supplier trade price and your quote, plus design fees and a mark-up on hardware or accessories. Many dealers take a deposit before ordering.

• Measuring and drawing simple layouts
• Using kitchen design software
• Clear quoting and follow-up
• Working with installers and suppliers

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or allows client visits
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check what happens if an installer damages a home
• Check GST/HST, and PST or QST where it applies, and when to register
• Be clear on deposits, lead times, returns and who pays for damaged or wrong items
• Check provincial rules on installation work, since some trades need certification
• Winter freight delays can push back delivery dates, so tell customers upfront

Estimates suggest typically around $3,000 to $15,000 to start, depending on your setup and tools. Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many projects you win. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Things to check include whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or allows client visits, liability insurance, GST/HST and PST or QST registration, provincial rules on installation work (some trades need certification), and clear terms on deposits, lead times and returns.

Useful skills include measuring and drawing simple layouts, using kitchen design software, clear quoting and follow-up, and working with installers and suppliers. Estimates suggest at least about 10 hours per week. Winter freight delays can push back delivery dates, so tell customers upfront.