Online insulation supplier for trades

Electricians, HVAC and plumbing contractors, mechanical firms, renovators and small industrial maintenance teams.

You buy at wholesale or trade prices and sell at a markup. Repeat orders from regular contractors and bundled job packs lift the average order size.

• Knowing products and their uses
• Sales and account follow-up
• Organised with orders and suppliers

• Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence is needed and whether you can store stock at home
• Check product standards and listings (for example CSA or ULC) that contractors and local building codes expect
• Some materials need safety data sheets under WHMIS, check what applies to what you sell
• Never sell or handle old materials that may contain asbestos
• Register for GST/HST when you pass the small supplier threshold and check provincial sales tax rules
• Bulky items are costly to ship, so check freight rates before setting prices
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for your website and labelling

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you hold and how you build your website. Most items ship direct from wholesalers, which can keep your own stock needs lower.

Check product standards and listings such as CSA or ULC that contractors and local building codes expect, and WHMIS safety data sheets where they apply. Never sell or handle old materials that may contain asbestos. Also check GST/HST registration and freight costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many contractor customers you win. Bulky items are costly to ship, so check freight rates before setting prices. Plan for at least 10 hours a week.