Granite slab broker for fabricators and builders

Countertop fabricators, kitchen and bath renovators, small builders and designers who want more choice than their usual yard offers.

You buy slabs at a trade price and sell at a markup, or earn a commission from the supplier. Delivery can be charged separately.

• Sales and negotiation
• Knowing stone types, finishes and grades
• Organising orders and deliveries
• Building trade relationships

• Who is responsible for slabs cracked or damaged in transit, so agree it in writing and check cargo insurance
• Commercial general liability insurance and any product coverage you need
• Import duties, tariffs and shipping costs on imported stone, which can change your margin, so check with your supplier or a customs broker
• Registering for GST/HST once you pass the threshold, and provincial sales tax rules where they apply
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• In Quebec, French-language requirements may apply to your catalogue and invoices

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your sample set, catalogue, insurance and marketing. Because slabs ship from the supplier to the customer, you don't need to hold stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your supplier relationships, customer base and order sizes. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week. Duties and shipping costs can change your margin.

Things to check: who is responsible for slabs damaged in transit, agreed in writing, plus cargo and commercial general liability insurance. Also check import duties and tariffs, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, home-based licensing, and Quebec French-language requirements.