Packing and moving supplies shop

Households moving, students, landlords and property managers, and local removal firms buying in bulk.

Retail margin on supplies sold in the shop, plus trade accounts with removal firms and regular bulk orders from property managers.

• Retail and customer service
• Stock buying and control
• Pricing and negotiating with suppliers
• Local marketing

• Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for retail use
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• Moving demand is seasonal, often busiest in summer and around the end of the month, so plan cash flow for slower winter months
• Boxes are bulky, so storage space and lease costs can eat margins
• Register for GST/HST (QST in Quebec) once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check French-language signage rules in Quebec

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, lease terms, fit-out and opening stock. Bulky stock means storage space and lease costs can take a large share.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on location, trade customers and season. Moving demand is often busiest in summer and slower in winter, so plan your cash flow accordingly.

Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for retail use, plus commercial general liability and contents insurance. If you hire, check WCB/WSIB coverage in your province, GST/HST (QST in Quebec) registration, and French-language signage rules in Quebec.