Garden machinery shop with service workshop

Homeowners buying or repairing equipment, and landscapers and grounds maintenance firms needing machines, parts and fast repairs.

Margin on machine and parts sales, workshop labour, and seasonal servicing packages. Switching from mowers in summer to snowblowers in winter helps spread the year.

• Small engine repair
• Retail and customer service
• Stock buying and cash flow planning
• Supplier negotiation

• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for stock and workshop risks
• Municipal business licence and zoning for the unit, check with your municipality
• Handling and disposal of fuel, oil and batteries, check provincial environmental rules
• Stock and rent costs through the slow winter months
• Dealer agreement terms, such as exclusivity, minimum orders and warranty claims
• WCB/WSIB coverage and workplace safety rules once you hire, which vary by province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, opening stock, workshop equipment and insurance. Stock and rent costs through the slow winter months can also affect how much cash you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, stock range, repair work and season. The estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week. Winter can be slower, so plan your cash flow.

Check your municipal business licence and zoning for the unit, and provincial environmental rules for handling and disposing of fuel, oil and batteries. Also check dealer agreement terms, commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire.