Local irrigation supply shop and trade counter

Farmers, orchards and vineyards, irrigation installers, landscapers, golf and sports field crews, and homeowners.

Retail and trade sales with a margin on each product. Regular contractors often get volume pricing, and you can add spring start-up kits and fall winterization supplies.

• Strong product knowledge or willingness to learn fast
• Sales and customer service
• Inventory and supplier management
• Basic bookkeeping

• Stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with fast-moving items and avoid over-ordering
• Demand peaks in spring and summer in most regions, so plan for slow winters
• Check zoning, a municipal business licence and any signage rules for your premises
• Commercial general liability, property and stock insurance are worth checking, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• If you sell fertilizers or other agricultural inputs, check federal and provincial rules first
• Existing distributors may already serve your area, so confirm your supplier terms and any territory rules
• Quebec businesses face French-language requirements for signage and documents, so check before you open

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, the range of stock you carry and your supplier terms. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so starting with fast-moving items can help.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on your location, customer mix and stock range. Demand peaks in spring and summer in most regions, so plan for slower winters.

Check zoning, a municipal business licence and signage rules for your premises. Also look into commercial general liability, property and stock insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, fertilizer rules if relevant, and French-language requirements in Quebec.