Start a fireplace and stove showroom in Canada

Homeowners renovating or building, builders and contractors, and renovators replacing old units before winter.

Margin on appliances, venting and accessories, plus installation charges and yearly service and chimney-related work. Sales are strongest in autumn and early winter.

• Product knowledge and honest advice
• Sales and quoting
• Managing stock and suppliers
• Working with builders and installers

• Gas appliance installation usually needs a licensed gas fitter, and requirements differ by province, so check your provincial safety regulator
• Wood-burning installs are often expected to meet WETT or similar standards, and insurers may ask for proof, so check what applies locally
• Building permits and local codes for venting and clearances, so check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus coverage for installation work and WCB/WSIB once you hire
• Stock tied up in display units and seasonal sales, so plan your cash flow for the slow summer months
• Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements for signage and sales

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, how many working display units you buy and your opening stock. Plan cash flow for the slower summer months.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, product range, installation work and the season. Sales can be seasonal, so plan for quieter months.

Check whether gas installation needs a licensed gas fitter with your provincial safety regulator, and what WETT or similar standards apply to wood-burning units. Also check building permits, venting codes, insurance and Quebec's French-language rules.