Neighbourhood paint and decorating shop

Homeowners doing renovations, professional painters and contractors, landlords and property managers, and small local businesses.

Margin on paint and supplies. Trade accounts bring repeat orders, while colour matching and advice bring in homeowners. Higher-margin sundries can add to the mix.

• Knowledge of paints, finishes and surface prep
• Customer service and clear advice
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic retail bookkeeping

• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for stock
• Municipal business licence and zoning for retail, check with your municipality
• Safe storage and handling of paint products, including fire code and WHMIS training for staff, check requirements in your province
• Rules on disposal of leftover paint, which vary by province and may involve a stewardship program
• Big chains and home improvement stores compete on price, so decide how you will stand out
• GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, and provincial sales tax where it applies

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on premises, stock and equipment such as a tinting machine. Check insurance for the property and stock, and think about how you will stand out from big chains.

Check fire code and WHMIS training requirements for staff, safe storage and handling of paint, and rules on leftover paint disposal, which vary by province and may involve a stewardship program. Also check municipal business licence and zoning.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, product range and trade customers. Big chains and home improvement stores compete on price, so decide how you will stand out.