Online ladder and access equipment shop

Tradespeople, small contractors, property managers and homeowners who want to buy online and compare prices.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail price, plus extras like accessories, stabilizers and safety gear. Bulk orders from contractors can lift order size.

• Product knowledge and honest advice
• Online selling and basic website skills
• Organizing orders and supplier relationships

• Ladders are bulky and shipping can be costly or damage-prone, so check freight quotes before pricing
• Check that the ladders you sell meet the relevant Canadian standards (such as CSA) and workplace rules in each province
• Product liability insurance, since a faulty ladder can lead to serious injury claims
• Check sales tax rules for selling across provinces, and whether you need a home-based business licence from your municipality
• Check return and warranty terms with suppliers before promising customers anything

Estimates typically run around $2,000 to $10,000 to start, depending on whether you hold stock or have suppliers ship direct, plus your website. Ladders are bulky, so check freight quotes before setting prices.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range, pricing and how well you reach tradespeople and homeowners. Revenue is not profit, so allow for shipping costs and returns.

Check that the ladders you sell meet relevant Canadian standards such as CSA and workplace rules in each province. Also check product liability insurance, sales tax rules across provinces, home-based business licensing with your municipality, and supplier return and warranty terms.