Online shed and garden building dealer

Homeowners wanting storage or a backyard studio, plus small contractors, landlords and cottage owners buying for a property.

You earn the margin between the dealer price and your retail price. Delivery, assembly referrals and extras like floors, shelving and anchor kits add to each order.

• Customer service and clear product advice
• Basic website and online ordering skills
• Organising orders and suppliers

• Check whether buildings above a certain size need a building permit or must meet setback rules in your customers' municipalities, and tell buyers clearly
• Check supplier terms on damaged deliveries, returns and warranties before you promise anything to customers
• Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration and how delivery charges are taxed
• Sales are seasonal, with spring and summer usually busiest, so plan cash flow for winter
• If you sell in Quebec, check French-language requirements for your website and documents
• Check commercial general liability insurance, especially if you recommend installers

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your website, supplier arrangements and marketing. Because the supplier ships or delivers, you typically need no stock or yard.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range and how many orders you win. Sales are seasonal, with spring and summer usually busiest, so plan cash flow for winter.

Check whether larger buildings need a building permit or must meet setback rules in your customers' municipalities, and tell buyers clearly. Also check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, supplier terms on damage and returns, and French-language rules in Quebec.