Online garage door parts supplier for installers

Garage door installers, repair technicians, small builders and renovators, plus some property managers who fix doors themselves.

You buy at trade or wholesale prices and sell at a markup. Trade accounts, repeat orders and fast turnaround bring steady orders. Delivery or same-day pickup can earn a small extra fee.

• Product knowledge of garage door parts and sizes
• Organising stock and orders
• Customer service for trade clients
• Basic online shop setup

• Check dealer or distributor terms, as some manufacturers limit who you can sell to and at what price
• Commercial general liability insurance, and ask whether you need product liability cover, especially for springs and openers
• Torsion springs and cables are dangerous, so consider selling to trade customers only and giving clear safety information
• Check whether you must register for GST/HST and how provincial sales tax applies in your province
• If you store stock at home, check municipal zoning, any home-based business licence and your home insurance
• Shipping costs and returns on heavy items can eat into margins, especially across winter roads

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much fast-moving stock you hold and your online shop setup. Shipping and returns on heavy items can eat into margins.

Things to check: dealer or distributor terms from manufacturers, commercial general liability and product liability cover, safety for torsion springs and cables, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, and home storage zoning, licences and home insurance if you keep stock at home.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range and trade accounts. It is estimated at a minimum of about 12 hours a week, so it can start alongside other work.