Home-Based equipment importer (order to demand)

Small businesses in your niche, such as restaurants, workshops, farms, salons and clinics, that want good equipment at a better price or with better choice.

You buy at the supplier's price and sell at a markup that covers shipping, duties, taxes, broker fees and your margin. Larger or repeat orders and service add-ons increase income.

• Researching and vetting suppliers
• Negotiating and quoting
• Organising shipments and paperwork
• Clear customer communication

• Customs duties, import taxes and any trade measures on your product type change, so check the current rates with a customs broker or the CBSA before quoting
• Electrical or gas equipment often needs certification such as CSA or cUL, and provincial safety rules vary, so check your provincial regulator
• Quebec has French-language requirements for labelling and manuals, so check if you sell there
• Supplier quality, late shipments and currency swings can eat your margin, so use deposits and written terms carefully
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus a plan for warranties and returns

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your equipment niche and the size of your first orders. Insurance, including product liability, and a plan for warranties and returns also need budgeting.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your niche, your margins and how many orders you win. Supplier quality, late shipments and currency swings can eat into margin.

Check current customs duties and import taxes with a customs broker or the CBSA before quoting. Electrical or gas equipment often needs certification such as CSA or cUL, provincial safety rules vary, and Quebec has French-language requirements.