Online fibreglass and resin supplier

Boat repairers and small builders, DIY boat and canoe owners, autobody and RV repair shops, and renovation trades.

You buy in bulk at wholesale and sell at a markup, often as repair kits or bundles. Trade accounts and repeat orders add steady income. Shipping charges and add-ons such as gloves, brushes and rollers lift the average order.

• Product knowledge of mat, cloth and resin types
• Order handling and stock tracking
• Customer service and clear advice
• Basic online selling

• Resins, hardeners and catalysts are hazardous. Check Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) rules for storing and shipping them, and which couriers accept them
• Check WHMIS requirements for labels and safety data sheets for what you sell
• Check your municipality's zoning and fire rules before storing resin at home, and what your home insurance covers
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, since customers use your materials on boats and buildings
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Sales are seasonal: boat repair demand peaks in spring and early summer in many regions

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on your stock and set-up. Also check commercial general liability and product liability insurance, since customers use your materials on boats and buildings.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500 CAD, depending on your product range and order volume. Sales are seasonal, as boat repair demand peaks in spring and early summer in many regions.

Resins, hardeners and catalysts are hazardous, so check Transportation of Dangerous Goods rules for storing and shipping them, and which couriers accept them. Also check WHMIS labels and safety data sheets, and municipal zoning and fire rules for home storage.