Local kitchen supply shop

Home cooks and bakers, gift shoppers, newlyweds, and local cafés, caterers and home-based food businesses.

You buy from wholesalers or distributors and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from bulk orders for food businesses, gift sets and special orders.

• Choosing products and managing stock
• Customer service and product knowledge
• Basic bookkeeping and cash flow planning

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, and have someone review the lease before you sign
• Municipal business licence and zoning, plus sales tax registration (GST/HST, and PST or QST in some provinces), so check what applies in yours
• Quebec has French-language requirements for signs and products, so check them if you open there
• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• Check Health Canada rules for food-contact items such as glassware and ceramics when importing or choosing suppliers
• Stock tied up in slow sellers and slow winter months, so keep early orders modest

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the size of your unit, lease deposits, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Keeping early orders modest can help manage costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on location, product range, and the mix of home cooks and food businesses you serve. Expect to work at least about 40 hours a week.

Check your commercial lease terms, municipal business licence and zoning, sales tax registration (GST/HST, and PST or QST in some provinces), and commercial general liability and property insurance. Also check Quebec French-language rules and Health Canada rules for food-contact items.