Marble showroom and slab yard

Countertop fabricators, kitchen and bath renovators, masons, builders, designers and homeowners.

You sell stock at a markup per slab, tile or square foot. Extra income comes from delivery, offcuts, sealers and cleaning products, and trade accounts that order regularly.

• Sales and customer service
• Knowledge of natural stone and its care
• Stock control and buying
• Safe handling of heavy materials

• Commercial general liability and property or stock insurance, since slabs are heavy, valuable and breakable
• Safe lifting: forklift, crane or A-frame training and equipment standards, and workplace safety coverage when you hire (WCB/WSIB rules differ by province)
• If you cut or polish stone on site, check provincial occupational health rules on silica dust and ventilation
• Zoning, business licence and signage rules from your municipality
• Large stock can tie up a lot of cash, so start with a focused range and keep an eye on slow-moving slabs
• Check GST/HST, provincial sales tax or QST registration, and French-language rules if you are in Quebec

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your unit, display area and how much stock you hold. Large stock can tie up cash, so consider starting with a focused range of slabs and tiles.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your stock, location and the fabricators, renovators and homeowners you attract. Estimates suggest a full-time commitment of at least about 40 hours a week.

Check commercial general liability and stock insurance, safe lifting training and equipment standards, and WCB or WSIB rules when you hire. If you cut or polish stone on site, check silica dust and ventilation rules, plus zoning, licence and signage requirements.