Trade counter for paints and finishes

Painting and decorating contractors, joiners, cabinet makers, renovators and property maintenance teams, plus some keen DIYers.

You buy from manufacturers or distributors and sell at a margin. Repeat trade accounts, colour matching and tinting, and add-on sales of brushes, rollers and tape bring in steady income.

• Product knowledge of coatings and finishes
• Customer service and building trade relationships
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Zoning and a municipal business licence for retail premises, check with your municipality
• Fire code rules for storing flammable liquids and solvents, check with your local fire department
• WHMIS training and safety data sheets for hazardous products, plus any provincial paint recycling or stewardship fees
• Quebec has French-language labelling and signage requirements, check before opening there
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and the cash tied up in stock and trade credit

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your trade customers and range. Cash can be tied up in stock and trade credit.

Check zoning and a municipal business licence for retail premises with your municipality, and fire code rules for storing flammable liquids and solvents with your local fire department. Quebec has French-language labelling and signage requirements, so check before opening there.

Check WHMIS training and safety data sheets for hazardous products, plus any provincial paint recycling or stewardship fees. Also check commercial general liability and property insurance. The estimates suggest at least around 40 hours a week.