Cement and masonry supply yard

Small builders, landscapers, masons, concrete finishers and DIY homeowners doing patios, footings and repairs.

You mark up the materials you resell and charge a delivery fee. Regular accounts with contractors bring steady repeat orders, and walk-in customers add smaller sales.

• Sales and customer service
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic knowledge of cement, mortar and concrete products
• Safe lifting and loading

• Zoning, business licence and any outdoor storage rules from your municipality
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Cement dust and wet cement can harm skin, eyes and lungs, so check workplace safety rules, safety data sheets and protective equipment requirements
• Bagged cement spoils if it gets damp, so plan dry storage
• Demand drops in winter in many regions, so plan your cash flow for the slow months
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold and check provincial sales tax rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on the size of your yard or unit, how much stock you carry and whether you offer delivery. Quotes from suppliers and landlords will give you a firmer figure.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, stock range and customer mix. That is revenue, not profit, and demand often drops in winter, so plan your cash flow for the slow months.

Check zoning, business licence and outdoor storage rules with your municipality. Also check insurance such as commercial general liability and product liability, workplace safety rules for cement dust, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.