Small fitness equipment supplier for studios

Yoga and pilates studios, small gyms, personal trainers, physio and chiropractic clinics, recreation centres and independent sports shops.

You buy at a trade price and sell at a wholesale price with a margin. Repeat orders from regular customers and bundles for new studios bring steady sales.

• Selling to businesses
• Organising stock and orders
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Basic bookkeeping

• Import duties, customs brokerage and GST/HST on imported goods, and how exchange rates and tariffs affect your margins
• Product safety and labelling rules for items you resell, including bilingual labelling, so check with Health Canada and the Competition Bureau
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Cash tied up in stock and slow-paying customers, so start with small orders
• Whether your municipality allows stock storage and deliveries from a home-based business

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how much stock you buy, such as bands, mats and weights, and whether you need a storage unit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range, order sizes and how many studios, clinics and shops you supply.

Check import duties, customs brokerage and GST/HST on imported goods. Also check product safety and labelling rules with Health Canada and the Competition Bureau, including bilingual labelling, plus insurance and whether your municipality allows home stock storage.