Car accessories shop

Local drivers, car enthusiasts, small garages, courier drivers and small fleets buying in bulk.

Retail mark-up on products, plus trade prices for garages and fleets. Simple fitting services such as wiper blades or bulb changes can add small extra income.

• Product knowledge about cars and accessories
• Customer service and sales
• Stock buying and control
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial lease terms and rent, which can be your biggest cost
• Municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules: check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus liability if you fit items
• Seasonality: winter products like all-weather mats sell strongly in some months and slow in others
• Competition from large chains and online sellers, so plan a clear local niche
• WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules if you hire staff

Estimates typically run around $25,000 to $100,000 to start, depending on the unit, lease terms, stock and any fitting equipment. Rent can be your biggest cost, so look closely at commercial lease terms before committing.

Check your municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules with your municipality. Also check commercial general liability and property insurance, plus liability if you fit items, and WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules if you hire staff.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on location, stock range and customers. Winter products sell strongly in some months and slow in others, and large chains and online sellers are competition.