Small glass shop and cutting workshop
Run a small unit that cuts glass and mirrors to size, repairs windows and sells fittings to locals and trades.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop with a counter and a cutting area. You cut glass and mirrors to order, make up replacement panes and sealed units, and sell fittings. You can also send out a fitter for on-site jobs.
Your first three steps
- Visit local contractors and property managers to see what they need and who currently supplies them
- Price a small unit with loading access, and compare the costs of a cutting table, tools and a starting stock of glass
- Set up a supply account with a glass wholesaler and ask about delivery schedules and minimum orders
Who pays
Homeowners, contractors, renovators, property managers and small businesses.
How it makes money
Cut-to-size glass and mirror sales, window and door glass replacement, fitting labour, and regular trade accounts with local contractors.
Skills that help
- Glass cutting and finishing
- Quoting and measuring
- Basic stock control and bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and property insurance for stock, tools and the premises
- Provincial trade certification rules for glaziers, so check your provincial regulator
- Zoning and business licence requirements from your municipality
- Tempered glass cannot be cut after toughening, so order it to size and follow safety glazing rules
- Breakage, waste and stock tied up in sheets, which affect cash flow
- WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff, with rules that vary by province
- Slow winter months for outdoor and renovation work
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a small glass shop in Canada?
Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on your premises, cutting equipment and how much glass stock you hold. Stock tied up in sheets affects cash flow. These figures are estimates, not quotes.
How much can a small glass shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your mix of walk-in customers, trade work and on-site jobs. Breakage and waste can affect results, and winter can be slow for renovation work. These are estimates.
What rules should I check before opening a glass cutting shop?
Things to check: provincial trade certification rules for glaziers with your provincial regulator, zoning and business licence requirements from your municipality, safety glazing rules (tempered glass cannot be cut after toughening), insurance, and WCB/WSIB once you hire.
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