Natural stone export trader

Overseas stonemasons, builders, importers and distributors who want Canadian stone and prefer one reliable supplier.

You buy from the quarry at one price and sell at a higher price to the buyer, or earn an agreed commission per shipment. The margin has to cover freight, paperwork and any payment-risk costs.

• Negotiating with suppliers and buyers
• Organising shipping and paperwork
• Clear written communication with overseas customers
• Learning about stone types and quality

• Payment risk: check safer terms such as letters of credit or deposits, and look at export credit insurance (for example through Export Development Canada)
• Export reporting, customs classification and documents: check current requirements with the Canada Border Services Agency and your freight forwarder
• Import rules, tariffs and any trade restrictions in the destination country
• Stone is heavy and can be damaged or vary in quality, so check packing, cargo insurance and written specifications
• Business registration, GST/HST treatment of exports and commercial general liability insurance: check with your province and the Canada Revenue Agency
• You will probably need working capital to pay quarries before you are paid, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your setup, samples and freight arrangements. These are estimates. You will probably also need working capital to pay quarries before your buyers pay you.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the stone you trade, your buyers and order sizes. Plan your cash flow carefully, as quarries may need paying before overseas customers pay you.

Check current export reporting, customs classification and documents with the Canada Border Services Agency and your freight forwarder. Also check import rules and tariffs in the destination country, and GST/HST treatment of exports with the CRA.