Local electrical supply shop and trade counter

Electricians, renovation contractors, property managers, maintenance teams and DIY homeowners nearby.

You buy from distributors and manufacturers and sell at a markup. Trade accounts bring repeat orders, and walk-in customers usually pay full price. Special orders and delivery to job sites can add income.

• Knowing electrical products and what they are for
• Stock control and ordering
• Customer service and building trade relationships
• Basic bookkeeping

• Stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with fast-moving items and check supplier credit terms
• Check that products are certified for use in Canada (for example CSA or another recognized certification body) before you sell them
• Check with your municipality about a business licence, zoning and signage rules for the unit
• Register for GST/HST and check your province's sales tax rules, including Quebec's own requirements
• Selling parts is different from giving installation advice, so be careful about telling customers how to do electrical work and check what liability insurance you need
• Competition from big box stores and large wholesalers on price, so service and availability matter

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the unit and how much stock you carry. Monthly revenue is typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on your range and trade customers.

Check that products are certified for use in Canada (for example CSA or another recognized body), and check your municipality for business licence, zoning and signage rules. Also register for GST/HST and check provincial sales tax rules, including Quebec's.

The idea calls for knowing electrical products and their uses, stock control and ordering, customer service and building trade relationships, and basic bookkeeping. Typical hours are at least 40 per week.