Local foam supply for trades and hobbyists

Local upholsterers, small furniture workshops, RV and marine repairers, cushion makers, schools, theatre groups and DIY customers.

You sell cut pieces at a markup over wholesale prices and add a fee for custom cuts and local delivery. Regular upholsterers can become repeat customers.

• Measuring and cutting
• Building relationships with local trades
• Basic bookkeeping
• Organising stock

• Check whether your municipality allows a home-based business and customer pickups at your address
• Foam burns easily, so check fire safety, storage limits and that your home insurance covers stock
• Commercial general liability insurance
• Winter driving and delivery limits, and cold storage that may affect handling
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much foam stock you buy, your cutting tools and how you handle delivery. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,000.

It is worth checking whether your municipality allows a home-based business and customer pickups at your address. Foam burns easily, so also check fire safety, storage limits and that your home insurance covers your stock.

Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week, depending on how many customers you serve and how much cutting and delivery you do. Useful skills include measuring and cutting, basic bookkeeping and organising stock.