Local exercise equipment shop

People kitting out a home gym, small gyms, physiotherapy clinics, schools and community sports clubs.

Mark-up on equipment and accessories, plus delivery, assembly and servicing fees. Bulk orders from gyms and clubs add larger sales.

• Product knowledge and honest advice
• Sales and customer service
• Stock and supplier management

• Check with your city or municipality whether you need a business licence and whether the unit's zoning allows retail use; requirements vary by location, and signage may have its own rules (Quebec has French-language requirements to check)
• Ask your insurer about commercial general liability cover, plus cover for stock and for any delivery or assembly work
• Heavy stock ties up cash, so check supplier payment terms and storage space
• Sales are often strongest in winter and in January, so plan cash flow for slower summer months
• Check Health Canada and Competition Bureau guidance on product safety and labelling, and what warranty you must honour
• Check with the Canada Revenue Agency whether you must register for GST/HST (and with your province for any provincial sales tax)

Estimated startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on premises, stock levels, showroom fit-out and delivery arrangements. Heavy stock ties up cash, so check supplier payment terms.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on range, location and pricing. Sales are often strongest in winter and January, so plan cash flow for slower summer months. Expect around 40 hours a week.

Check whether you need a municipal business licence and whether zoning allows retail use, including signage rules and Quebec French-language requirements. Also check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, insurance cover, and Health Canada and Competition Bureau guidance on product safety and labelling.