Horse trailer dealership with a small sales lot

Horse owners, riding clubs, stables, breeders, outfitters and small farms, often travelling from a wide area for a larger selection.

Margin on each trailer sold, commission on consignment sales, plus extras such as hitches, tack boxes, accessories and basic servicing.

• Sales and customer service
• Knowledge of trailers (sizes, weights, towing needs)
• Managing stock and cash flow
• Handling contracts and paperwork

• Check whether your province requires a vehicle or trailer dealer licence, bonding or registration (rules vary widely)
• Check zoning and permits for a sales lot with your municipality
• Check lien searches, VIN checks and ownership transfer on every trailer, including consignment stock
• Check GST/HST and any provincial sales tax, and what you must tell buyers about used trailers
• Garage or dealer liability and stock insurance are likely needed, so get quotes early
• Stock ties up a lot of money, and financing it with a loan or line of credit adds risk if sales are slow
• Winter is usually quiet, so plan cash flow for the off-season
• Check WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff

As an estimate, startup typically costs around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your stock, lot setup and insurance. Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on sales volume. Stock ties up a lot of money, so plan cash flow.

Check whether your province requires a vehicle or trailer dealer licence, bonding or registration, as rules vary widely. Also check zoning and permits for a sales lot with your municipality, and lien searches, VIN checks and ownership transfer on every trailer.

The estimate is at least about 30 hours a week, depending on stock and customer visits. Winter is usually quiet, so plan your cash flow for the off-season. Check WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire staff.