Local paper bag and packaging distributor

Restaurants, takeaway shops, retailers, grocers, florists, market vendors and event organizers who want fast delivery, small runs and local service.

Margin on stock sold in cases or part-cases, and higher margin on custom printed runs. Repeat orders from regular customers are the core of the business.

• Sales and account management
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic design and artwork checking

• Check zoning and business licence rules with your municipality for a warehouse or unit
• Stock ties up cash, so order carefully and avoid too many sizes at first
• Importing means duties, customs paperwork and shipping delays, ask about using a customs broker
• Food-contact bags may need supporting documentation from the supplier, check Health Canada guidance
• In Quebec, check French-language rules for labelling and printed materials
• Commercial general liability and property insurance for stock, plus WCB/WSIB once you hire, check your province
• Large packaging distributors can undercut on price, so compete on speed, small quantities and service

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your unit and whether you offer custom printing. Stock ties up cash, so order carefully and avoid too many sizes at first.

Check zoning and business licence rules with your municipality for a unit. If importing, ask about duties, customs paperwork, shipping delays and using a customs broker. For food-contact bags, ask suppliers for documentation and check Health Canada guidance. In Quebec, check French-language rules.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your customers and order sizes, with at least 25 hours a week of work. Large distributors can undercut on price, so compete on speed, small quantities and service.