Local electrical trade counter

Electricians, electrical and general contractors, builders, maintenance teams and small retailers who want quick local access to stock.

Margin on products sold at trade prices, with contractor accounts, volume pricing and a delivery charge for larger or urgent orders.

• Strong product knowledge or a willingness to learn quickly
• Stock control and purchasing
• Customer service with busy tradespeople
• Basic bookkeeping and credit control

• Large stock investment; heavy competition from established national wholesalers on price
• Products should carry recognised Canadian certification marks; check what applies to each line
• Commercial general liability, product liability and property and stock insurance
• Municipal business licence and zoning for the premises; check with your municipality
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff; rules differ by province
• Late-paying accounts can strain cash flow, so check customers' credit before offering terms

Estimates put startup costs typically around $40,000 to $150,000 CAD, depending on the size of your opening stock, premises, fit-out and insurance. Stock is a large investment, so the range depends heavily on what you carry.

Check which Canadian certification marks apply to each product line. Also check your municipal business licence and zoning for the premises, insurance cover, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff, as rules differ by province.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $15,000 to $70,000 CAD, depending on your stock range, location and customer base. Competition from national wholesalers on price can affect this. Time needed is estimated at 35 hours a week or more.