Specialty paper supplier with a small warehouse

Independent printers, sign and design shops, packaging makers, craft and stationery resellers and larger offices.

Markup on products you buy in volume and sell in smaller lots. Holding the right stock and fast delivery lets you charge more than a general supplier.

• Selling to businesses
• Stock and inventory control
• Product knowledge of paper types
• Managing cash flow

• Stock ties up cash, so start with a small range and check what sells
• Check zoning and fire code rules for storing paper at your unit with your municipality
• Commercial general liability, property and stock insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, rules vary by province
• Register for GST/HST when required and check any provincial sales tax rules
• Damp, damage and forklift or lifting safety in the warehouse
• Demand for some paper products can change, so don't depend on one customer

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your unit, the range of papers you carry and your opening stock. Stock ties up cash, so starting with a small range and checking what sells is sensible.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your customers, product range and how much stock you carry. That is revenue rather than profit, so costs such as stock and rent come out of it.

Check zoning and fire code rules for storing paper at your unit with your municipality. Also check insurance such as commercial general liability and stock cover, and GST/HST registration when required. Rules vary by province.