Local chemical and cleaning supply shop

Cleaners and janitorial contractors, restaurants and small businesses, pool owners, hobbyists and makers, and local households.

Retail margin on products, plus refills sold by volume, regular accounts for local businesses, and delivery or bulk orders.

• Product knowledge and safe handling
• Stock control and ordering
• Friendly customer advice

• Check WHMIS labelling and safety data sheet rules for the products you sell, which vary by product and province
• Check fire code, storage and ventilation rules with your municipality and fire department before signing a lease
• Check which products need special handling or transport under Transportation of Dangerous Goods rules, and which you should not stock
• Commercial general liability insurance, and ask your insurer about product liability for chemicals
• Business licence, and GST/HST registration once past the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on your premises, the range of products you stock, shelving and storage, and your first inventory.

Check WHMIS labelling and safety data sheet rules, plus fire code, storage and ventilation rules with your municipality and fire department. Also check Transportation of Dangerous Goods rules, liability insurance including product liability, business licence and GST/HST registration.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your product range, location and mix of trade and household customers. The estimated minimum time is about 30 hours a week.