Local electrical supply trade counter

Electricians, contractors, renovators, maintenance teams and small businesses that need parts quickly and close to the job.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a markup. Repeat contractor accounts, fast availability and special orders bring steady sales.

• Knowing electrical products and brands
• Stock control and ordering
• Building trade relationships

• Check that products are certified for sale in Canada (for example CSA or cUL marks) and what your province's electrical safety authority expects
• Stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with fast-moving lines
• Trade customers often expect credit terms, so check how you will handle late payment
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB when you hire (rules vary by province)
• Check zoning, your municipal business licence and GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $35,000 to $150,000, depending on unit size and how much stock you carry. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so starting with fast-moving lines is worth considering.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your location, product range and how many trade customers you win. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and the work is typically at least 40 hours a week.

Check that products are certified for sale in Canada, such as CSA or cUL marks, and what your province's electrical safety authority expects. Also check zoning, your municipal business licence, GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration, and insurance.