Online furnace parts and filters store

Homeowners doing simple maintenance, landlords, property managers and small HVAC contractors who want a quick source of parts.

Margin on each part sold, with repeat orders from filter subscriptions and regular installer customers. Sales are busiest in fall and winter.

• Matching parts to furnace makes and models
• Online store setup and listings
• Customer service and returns handling

• Gas-related parts should be fitted by a certified gas fitter, so check your provincial rules and make that clear on your listings
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance
• Wrong-part returns can eat into margins, so double-check compatibility
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold and check provincial sales tax rules
• A home-based business licence may be needed, so check with your municipality
• Shipping bulky or heavy parts across Canada can be costly

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your stock, store setup and storage space. Your total will vary with how many parts and brands you carry from the start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on range, pricing and how many customers you reach. Wrong-part returns and shipping bulky items can reduce your margins.

Check that gas-related parts should be fitted by a certified gas fitter under your provincial rules, and say so on listings. Also look at product liability insurance, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, and any home-based business licence.