Online niche lab supplies reseller

School science departments, colleges, small testing labs, clinics, breweries, cosmetics makers and hobby researchers.

You buy at trade price and sell at a markup. Larger quotes, repeat consumable orders and bundled kits add up over time. Some customers pay by purchase order after a quote.

• Sales and quoting
• Organising orders and suppliers
• Basic product knowledge of lab supplies
• Clear customer communication

• Check whether chemicals need WHMIS labelling and safety data sheets, and keep to Transportation of Dangerous Goods rules when shipping them
• Check municipal rules for a home-based business licence and for storing stock at home
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance
• Many schools and public bodies buy through approved vendor lists or tenders, check how to get listed
• Register for GST/HST when required, and check provincial sales tax rules. In Quebec, check French-language requirements for your website and labels
• Thin margins when large distributors sell at similar prices, so a niche and good service matter

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your website, insurance and whether you ship from a distributor or keep a small stock at home.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your niche and customers. Margins can be thin when large distributors sell at similar prices, so a niche and good service matter.

Check whether chemicals need WHMIS labelling and safety data sheets, and Transportation of Dangerous Goods rules for shipping. Also check home-based business and storage rules, insurance, approved vendor lists, GST/HST, provincial sales tax and Quebec French-language requirements.