Local Fence Supply Yard

DIY homeowners, landscapers, small fencing contractors and property managers.

You buy from manufacturers and wholesalers and sell at a markup. Contractors often buy in bulk on account, while homeowners buy smaller orders at higher margins.

• Knowing fence types, wood and materials
• Quoting quantities for a job
• Stock control and ordering
• Customer service

• Zoning and municipal business licence rules for retail or yard use, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for stock stored outdoors
• Tying up cash in inventory, and lumber price swings
• Winter slowdown in many provinces, so plan cash flow for the quiet months
• Safe handling and storage of heavy materials, and WCB/WSIB rules once you hire staff

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, how much stock you hold and your insurance. Inventory ties up cash, and lumber prices can swing, so plan your buying carefully.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, product range and number of trade and homeowner customers. This is revenue, not profit. Expect at least about 40 hours a week.

Check zoning and municipal business licence rules for retail or yard use with your municipality. Also check commercial general liability and property insurance, including cover for stock stored outdoors, safe handling of heavy materials, and WCB/WSIB rules once you hire staff.