Glass cutting and supply shop
Run a small shop that cuts glass and mirrors to size for glaziers, builders and homeowners.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small unit with a cutting table and racking where you buy glass sheets from a wholesaler, cut them to order and supply them over the counter or by delivery. Typical jobs are window panes, mirrors, picture glass, shelves and tabletops.
Your first three steps
- Visit local glaziers and contractors to find out what they buy, what they struggle to get cut quickly, and what they pay now
- Get quotes from glass wholesalers and compare rented units with a cutting table, racking and loading access
- Price a starter set of cutting equipment and stock, then arrange insurance quotes before signing a lease
Who pays
Local glaziers, renovators and builders, property managers, and homeowners who need a replacement pane or a custom mirror.
How it makes money
You mark up glass bought in bulk and charge for cutting, edge finishing and delivery. Regular trade accounts bring steady orders, and walk-in repairs and mirrors bring higher-margin work.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and cutting
- Safe handling of heavy sheets
- Customer service and quoting
- Stock control
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
- Check zoning and business licence rules with your municipality for the unit
- Safety glazing and building code requirements for certain locations, since tempered glass cannot be cut after it is made
- Injury risk from heavy sheets and sharp edges: arrange training, protective gear and proper lifting equipment
- Breakage losses and winter delivery conditions
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: glass cutting and supply shop
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a glass cutting shop in Canada?
Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your unit, cutting table and racking, stock, lifting equipment, safety gear and insurance. Breakage losses are also worth budgeting for.
How much can a glass cutting and supply shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your mix of trade and homeowner customers and how many jobs you take on. The estimate assumes at least 35 hours a week.
What rules should I check before opening a glass shop?
Check zoning and business licence rules with your municipality, insurance such as commercial general and product liability, and WCB/WSIB once you hire. Also check safety glazing and building code requirements, since tempered glass cannot be cut after it is made.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Water heater trade counter and warehouse
Stock popular water heaters and parts so local plumbers and heating contractors can pick up or get same-day delivery.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Stone countertop workshop
Template, cut and install quartz and stone countertops from a small workshop for renovators and homeowners.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local plywood and sheet goods shop
Stock plywood, OSB and panels from a small unit for builders, joiners and DIY customers.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Ceiling materials trade counter and delivery
Stock ceiling tiles, boards and grid in a small unit and serve local contractors with same-day pickup or delivery.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Generator sales, install and repair shop
Run a small shop selling portable and standby generators, with a repair bench and an install service.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Garden and laneway suite builder
Design-and-build small bespoke homes on existing lots, a smaller and quicker way into custom building.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Out and about