Online welding supplies shop

Hobbyists, small workshops, farms and mobile welders who want fair prices and delivery without driving to an industrial supplier.

Margin on each order, higher-value bundles such as starter kits, and repeat orders of consumables from regular customers.

• Product knowledge of welding gear
• Online selling and basic marketing
• Order and shipping management
• Customer support

• Shipping rules for hazardous goods, since compressed gas and some products are restricted, so check with carriers and TDG rules
• Product safety standards for PPE such as CSA-approved helmets and eyewear
• GST/HST and provincial sales tax on online sales across provinces
• Home-based business licence and zoning if you keep stock at home
• Thin margins against large retailers, plus returns and shipping damage on heavy items
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your starting stock, website setup, insurance and supplier arrangements. Shipping bulky items direct from suppliers can keep your home stock small.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your product range, pricing and marketing. Margins can be thin against large retailers, with returns and shipping damage on heavy items.

Check carrier and TDG rules for shipping hazardous goods, since compressed gas and some products are restricted. Also check safety standards for PPE such as CSA-approved helmets and eyewear, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, home-based licence and zoning, and insurance.