Online insulation supplier with local delivery

Contractors who want materials delivered to site, and homeowners who prefer ordering online to hauling bulky products.

Markup on products plus a delivery charge. Trade customers can set up accounts for repeat orders, which makes income steadier.

• Basic online store setup
• Organising orders and deliveries
• Product knowledge and customer advice by phone or email
• Supplier negotiation

• Bulky items are costly to ship, so check delivery costs before setting prices
• You need a suitable vehicle or a reliable courier or freight partner
• Check municipal rules on running a business from home or storing stock at a unit
• Collect and remit GST/HST or provincial sales tax as required, and check online sales rules in each province
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check any storage and handling rules for foam products
• Winter weather can delay deliveries, and demand tends to follow the building and renovation seasons

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on whether you rent a storage unit, your vehicle or freight arrangements, and website setup. Bulky items are costly to ship, so check delivery costs before setting prices.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your range, delivery area and customer mix. Demand tends to follow the building and renovation seasons, and winter weather can delay deliveries.

Check municipal rules on running a business from home or storing stock at a unit. Also check GST/HST or provincial sales tax and online sales rules in each province, storage and handling rules for foam products, and your insurance.