Local industrial blade stockist with a small unit

Factories, print and packaging firms, and maintenance managers who lose money when a machine stops and need blades the same or next day.

You sell stocked blades at a mark-up and charge for rush orders and delivery. You can also arrange supply of custom-made blades from your manufacturers for less common machines.

• Technical knowledge of blades and machines
• Stock control and purchasing
• Selling to maintenance and purchasing staff

• Tied-up cash in stock that may sell slowly, so start with a small range of fast movers
• Revenue usually builds slowly as you win trade accounts, so expect low sales in the first months and plan cash to cover rent and stock
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock and premises
• Check municipal zoning, business licence and fire code rules for the unit
• Sharp goods need safe storage and handling, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Check GST/HST registration, and duties and currency costs if you import blades
• If you plan to offer sharpening or regrinding, check equipment, safety and training needs separately

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on unit rent, how much blade stock you hold and insurance. Stock can sell slowly, so consider starting with a small range of fast movers.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many trade accounts you win. Revenue usually builds slowly, so expect low sales early and plan cash to cover rent and stock.

Check municipal zoning, business licence and fire code rules for the unit, plus liability and product liability insurance. Also check safe storage of sharp goods, WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire, and GST/HST and import duties. Check sharpening needs separately.