Home-Based food equipment dealer

Start-up food producers, bakeries, restaurants, commercial kitchens and small processors upgrading their equipment.

A commission from the manufacturer or a mark-up on each machine, plus extras like accessories, spare parts and delivery arrangements.

• Sales and relationship building
• Learning how food machines work
• Following up with customers and suppliers

• Check that machines carry the electrical certification your province requires (often CSA or similar)
• Imported machines can mean duties, shipping costs and exchange-rate risk
• Be clear on who handles warranty claims and repairs before you sell
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Sales can be slow because customers buy machines rarely, so plan for gaps in income

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on whether you represent makers or buy machines to resell, plus your website, samples and travel. Check supplier terms before committing to stock.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the machines you sell and how many customers you reach. Customers buy machines rarely, so income can come in gaps and needs planning.

Check that machines carry the electrical certification your province requires (often CSA or similar). Also look at duties, shipping and exchange-rate risk on imports, who handles warranty claims, home-based licence rules, and GST/HST registration.