Online locks and fittings trade supplier
Sell locks, cylinders and door hardware to locksmiths and property managers from a home base, shipping from a small stock.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small trade supply business selling door locks, cylinders, padlocks, hinges, closers and fittings online and by phone. You hold a modest stock of fast sellers at home and have the rest shipped direct from wholesalers or manufacturers.
Your first three steps
- Pick a niche (for example rental property hardware or locksmith consumables) and contact Canadian wholesalers and manufacturers about dealer accounts and minimum orders
- Set up a simple online shop with a trade price list, and register for GST/HST and any provincial sales tax once needed
- Visit or call local locksmiths and property managers to offer sample pricing and a first-order discount
Who pays
Independent locksmiths, small builders and renovators, property managers, landlords and small hardware shops.
How it makes money
You buy at trade prices and sell at a markup, often with repeat orders from regular customers. Bundles, rekeying kits and fast shipping let you earn more per order.
Skills that help
- Knowing lock types, grades and standards
- Sales and building trade relationships
- Organised stock and order handling
- Basic website or marketplace selling
Watch out for
- Some manufacturers restrict who can buy restricted key systems or key blanks, so check dealer agreements
- Check whether your province or municipality has rules on selling locksmith tools or keeping stock at home
- Home-based business licence and zoning rules for storing inventory, check with your municipality
- Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
- Money tied up in stock, so start with fast-moving items
- If you sell in Quebec, check French-language requirements for your website and labelling
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: online locks and fittings trade supplier
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online locks supply business?
Estimates put startup costs at typically around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on how much stock you hold and how much ships direct from wholesalers. Starting with fast-moving items helps limit the money tied up in stock.
How much revenue can a locks trade supplier make?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range, customers and how much you sell. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week for orders, stock handling and selling.
What rules should I check before selling locks to the trade?
Check manufacturer dealer agreements, since some restrict who can buy restricted key systems or key blanks. Also check provincial and municipal rules on selling locksmith tools or keeping stock at home, home business licence and zoning, insurance, and Quebec French-language rules.
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