Online fibre optic supplies shop for installers

Independent network installers, telecoms and electrical contractors, small internet providers and IT service firms.

You buy at trade or wholesale prices and sell at a markup. Repeat orders from contractors, bundles such as installer starter kits and volume pricing help lift order size.

• Understanding fibre products and what installers need
• Sales and building trade relationships
• Inventory and order management
• Basic online shop setup

• Check customs duties, brokerage fees and lead times if you import from outside Canada
• Check whether products need any certification or labelling to be sold in your province, including French-language rules in Quebec
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Stock you cannot sell ties up cash, so start small and track which items move
• Get commercial general liability and product liability insurance and check supplier warranty and returns terms

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your starting range, how much stock you hold and whether you use supplier drop-shipping. Starting small helps, since unsold stock ties up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your catalogue, customer base and stock levels. Track which items sell so you can grow your range based on what installers actually ask for.

Check customs duties, brokerage fees and lead times if you import. Check whether products need certification or labelling in your province, including French-language rules in Quebec, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.