Carpet and flooring showroom

Homeowners renovating, landlords and property managers, and small businesses such as offices and daycares.

Margin on the flooring you sell, plus a markup or fee on measuring and fitting arranged through installers. Rugs and underlay add extra sales per customer.

• Customer service and selling
• Measuring and quoting accurately
• Managing suppliers and installers
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for stock, theft and fire
• Municipal business licence and zoning for retail use, check with your municipality
• Check whether installers are insured, covered by WCB/WSIB or other workers' compensation in your province, and whether they need trade certification
• Lease terms and rent, as premises are the biggest fixed cost
• Quoting errors and fitting disputes, put terms in writing
• Quebec has French-language rules for signage and customer materials

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, sample stock and set-up. Premises are the biggest fixed cost, so check lease terms and rent carefully before you commit.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and how many fitting jobs you book. Treat this as an estimate and test it against your rent and stock costs.

Check commercial general liability insurance and cover for stock, theft and fire. Also check your municipal business licence and zoning for retail use, whether installers are insured, covered by workers' compensation and need trade certification, and Quebec's French-language signage rules.