Local drywall and finishing supply shop

Drywall finishers, renovators, small builders and homeowners doing their own projects.

Mark-up on the products you buy from manufacturers or distributors, plus delivery fees. Repeat trade accounts with set payment terms are the steady base.

• Knowing drywall products and which job needs what
• Stock control and ordering
• Building trade relationships
• Handling heavy materials safely

• Commercial general liability and property insurance, including cover for stock and customer loading
• Zoning and municipal business licence for the premises, check with your municipality
• Fire code and storage rules for stacked board and compound, check with your local fire department
• WHMIS training and workplace safety coverage (WCB/WSIB) once you hire, rules differ by province
• Tied-up cash in stock and customer credit accounts, and board damaged by damp or handling
• Competition from big-box stores and larger supply yards, so you need a clear local edge

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, how much stock you carry and your delivery set-up. Cash tied up in stock and customer credit accounts is worth planning for.

Check zoning and the municipal business licence for your premises, and fire code and storage rules for stacked board and compound with your local fire department. Also check WHMIS training, WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire, and insurance for stock and customer loading.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on your location, range and contractor accounts. Plan for about 40 hours a week at the minimum. Competition from big-box stores means you need a clear local edge.