Home-based light bulb and lamp supplier

Electricians, small contractors, property managers, landlords, shop owners and small offices that want reliable stock at a fair price.

You buy in bulk and sell at a markup. Repeat orders from property managers and contractors bring steady income, and you can add delivery fees or bundle prices for larger jobs.

• Selling to businesses
• Stock and order tracking
• Basic knowledge of bulb types, fittings and wattage

• Electrical products usually need to be certified for Canada (such as CSA or cUL marks), so check with your provincial electrical safety authority
• Check municipal rules on home-based businesses and storing stock at home
• Commercial general liability insurance, ideally with product liability cover
• Money tied up in stock that doesn't sell, so start with fast-moving lines
• If you import, check duties and customs rules, and in Quebec the French labelling requirements
• Register for GST/HST when you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the range you stock and your insurance. Starting with fast-moving lines helps avoid money tied up in stock that doesn't sell.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your product range, trade customers and delivery area. These are revenue figures, so wholesale stock costs come out of them.

Check that electrical products carry the certification Canada requires, such as CSA or cUL marks, with your provincial electrical safety authority. Also check home-based business rules, insurance, import duties, Quebec French labelling and GST/HST registration.