Local flooring showroom

Homeowners renovating, landlords and property managers, builders and small contractors buying at trade prices.

You buy from suppliers and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from measuring, installation referrals or margins, underlay and trims, and repeat trade accounts.

• Product knowledge of flooring types
• Accurate measuring and quoting
• Customer service and sales
• Managing suppliers and stock

• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules differ by province)
• Whether installers you use are certified or insured, and who is responsible if an installation goes wrong
• Check with your municipality about a business licence, zoning and signage rules before opening; a retail premises usually needs one. In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signs and materials
• Lease terms and the cash tied up in stock and samples
• Demand tied to housing and renovation activity, which can slow down

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, lease terms, and how much stock and how many samples you carry. Cash tied up in stock and samples is worth planning for early.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, product mix and whether you add installation. Demand is tied to housing and renovation activity, which can slow down, so plan for quieter periods.

Check with your municipality about a business licence, zoning and signage rules. Also look at commercial general liability and property insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, and whether your installers are certified or insured. In Quebec, check French-language requirements.