Janitorial supply shop with a small warehouse
Open a small unit where cleaners and building managers can pick up equipment, see machines and get advice.
- C$20k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop or warehouse unit stocking mops, vacuums, floor machines and parts, with a counter for trade customers and a delivery service for larger orders.
Your first three steps
- Research local demand by visiting cleaning firms and building managers and asking what they struggle to source quickly
- Apply for dealer accounts with distributors and get quotes for a first range of stock
- Look at small industrial units near business areas and check rent, zoning and loading access
Who pays
Cleaning companies, property managers, schools, restaurants, offices and tradespeople who want equipment quickly without waiting on shipping.
How it makes money
Markup on equipment and parts, plus trade accounts with regular orders, delivery charges and possibly basic machine repair or rental.
Skills that help
- Product knowledge
- Stock control and purchasing
- Managing a trade counter
- Handling accounts and invoicing
Watch out for
- Zoning and a municipal business licence for retail or warehouse use, check with your municipality
- Commercial property insurance and commercial general liability insurance
- Lease commitments and rent, which can be a big fixed cost in slower months
- Large stock investment, start with fast-moving items and expand gradually
- WCB/WSIB registration once you hire staff, rules differ by province
- Register for GST/HST (and PST or QST where it applies) and collect it correctly on sales
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: janitorial supply shop with a small warehouse
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a janitorial supply shop in Canada?
Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on the unit, fit-out and how much stock you buy. These are estimates, and starting with fast-moving items before expanding can keep stock spending lower.
What should I check before opening a janitorial supply shop?
Check zoning and municipal business licence rules for retail or warehouse use, commercial property and general liability insurance, and lease commitments. Also check WCB/WSIB registration once you hire staff and how to collect GST/HST, PST or QST correctly.
How much can a janitorial supply shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your stock range, trade customers and delivery service. A starting point is about 35 hours a week or more. Rent is a fixed cost in slower months.
Other ways to run this business
Online janitorial supplies with local delivery
Sell mops, vacuums and cleaning machines to local cleaning firms and building managers from a simple online shop.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile janitorial equipment supplier
Visit cleaning firms and building managers with a van of equipment, take orders and restock them on a regular route.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
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