Drywall and plaster supply with delivery

Drywall finishers, plasterers, renovation contractors, small builders and some serious DIY homeowners.

You buy from a manufacturer or distributor and sell at a markup, adding delivery fees and charges for placing boards inside the building. Repeat accounts with local trades bring steady orders.

• Reliable ordering and stock control
• Safe lifting and driving a loaded truck
• Building relationships with trades

• Commercial general liability and commercial vehicle insurance, plus cargo cover
• Check your municipality for zoning and business licence rules for storing and selling materials from a unit
• Gypsum board must be kept dry, so check storage conditions, especially in winter and wet seasons
• Heavy loads: check provincial commercial vehicle rules, safe loading, and training for any forklift or boom equipment
• Offering credit to contractors risks late payment, so set clear terms
• WCB/WSIB coverage rules once you hire drivers or yard staff, which vary by province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $45,000 to $150,000, depending on your unit, opening stock and delivery truck. Insurance for the business, vehicle and cargo is also part of your budget.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your stock range, delivery area and contractor customers. That is revenue, not profit. Offering credit to contractors risks late payment, so set clear terms.

Check your municipality's zoning and business licence rules for storing and selling materials from a unit. Also check provincial commercial vehicle rules, safe loading and any forklift training, storage conditions to keep board dry, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire.