Metal supply broker for local fabricators and makers

Small fabrication shops, welders, makers, farm and trailer builders, and small contractors who find it hard to buy small quantities from big suppliers.

You add a mark-up to the supplier's price, plus a delivery or cutting fee. Repeat customers who order every week or month make income steadier.

• Knowing metal types, grades and sizes
• Quoting accurately and quickly
• Building trusting supplier and customer relationships

• Metal prices can change quickly, so check how long you can hold a quote
• Check whether customers need mill test certificates or traceability for structural or pressure work
• Trade accounts may need credit checks, and late-paying customers can strain your cash
• Check provincial rules and any home-based business licence requirement with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance and GST/HST registration once you pass the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your setup, insurance and how much working capital you want available. You hold little or no stock, so the money mostly goes on tools, insurance and cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many customers you serve and the size of their orders. That is revenue, not profit, so supplier costs and late-paying customers also affect what you keep.

Check provincial rules and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence. Also check whether customers need mill test certificates or traceability, how long you can hold a quote, credit checks, insurance, and GST/HST registration once you pass the threshold.