Lawn mower and garden machine shop with repairs

Homeowners, landscapers and gardeners, plus small property managers and acreage owners who need machines kept running.

Margin on machine, part and accessory sales, plus paid servicing, blade sharpening, seasonal tune-ups and repairs. Service work often brings repeat customers.

• Small engine repair
• Customer service
• Stock buying and pricing
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for stock and tools
• Zoning and municipal business licence for retail premises, check with your municipality
• Safe storage and handling of fuel, oil and batteries, check local fire code rules
• Highly seasonal sales: plan cash flow for slow winter months and consider snow equipment
• Collect and remit GST/HST or PST where required, check with the CRA and your province
• Holding stock ties up money, so start with fast-selling models

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on premises, tools and how much stock you buy. Holding stock ties up money, so starting with fast-selling models may help.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock and repair volume. Plan for at least about 40 hours a week. Sales are highly seasonal, so plan cash flow for winter and consider snow equipment.

Check zoning and the municipal business licence for retail premises, insurance for stock and tools, and local fire code rules for storing fuel, oil and batteries. Also check with the CRA and your province about collecting and remitting GST/HST or PST.