Fibre optic trade supplier with a small unit

Network installers, telecoms and electrical contractors, regional internet providers and facilities teams working in your area.

Markup on products sold, with trade accounts for regular customers. Extras such as custom-length patch cords, tool rental or kit bundles can add margin.

• Product knowledge of fibre and installation tools
• Sales and account management
• Stock control and purchasing
• Customer service for tradespeople

• Rent, stock and insurance are fixed costs, so check you can cover them in slow months
• Check zoning and any business licence requirements with your municipality before leasing
• Get commercial general liability, property and stock insurance, and check WCB/WSIB rules if you hire
• Expensive tools and stock can tie up a lot of cash, so grow the range based on real orders
• Check customs, certification and labelling rules for imported products, including French-language rules in Quebec

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on unit size, the range of stock and the tools you hold. Stock can tie up a lot of cash, so grow the range based on real orders.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your local customer base and range. Rent, stock and insurance are fixed costs, so check you can cover them in slow months.

Check zoning and business licence requirements with your municipality before leasing. Also check insurance (commercial general liability, property and stock), WCB/WSIB rules if you hire, and customs, certification and labelling rules for imports, including French-language rules in Quebec.