Online hydraulic parts reseller (home-based)

Machine shops, farms, small manufacturers, logging and construction operators, and repair garages that need parts quickly.

A markup on each part sold, often with repeat orders from regular accounts. Quotes for replacement or hard-to-find parts can carry better margins.

• Reading part numbers and specifications
• Sales and quoting
• Building supplier relationships
• Organised order and stock tracking

• Check supplier terms: some distributors restrict who can resell or require minimum purchases
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance, since a wrong part can cause serious failures
• Registering for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and checking provincial sales tax rules
• Check with your municipality about home-based business rules if you store stock at home
• Slow-paying business customers, so consider credit checks and clear payment terms

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you hold and how you set up your catalogue and ordering. Shipping direct from suppliers can help keep costs down.

Check supplier terms, as some distributors restrict who can resell or require minimum purchases. Check product liability and commercial general liability insurance, GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, provincial sales tax rules, and municipal home-based business rules if you store stock at home.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your customer base and order sizes. Plan for at least about 15 hours a week. Slow-paying business customers are a risk, so set clear payment terms.