Jet ski dealership with service shop

Leisure riders, cottage and lakeside owners, families, and people upgrading from older machines.

Margin on machine sales, plus income from servicing, parts, accessories, storage and winterizing, which helps carry the business through the off-season.

• Sales and customer service
• Marine engine repair or a reliable mechanic
• Stock and cash flow management
• Local marketing

• Manufacturer dealer agreements often have set requirements for premises, stock, training and brand standards, so check these before committing
• Inventory financing (floor plan) can be costly if units don't sell
• Check your provincial rules for selling and registering boats or engines, and your municipality's zoning and business licence rules
• Commercial general liability, garage or property cover and stock insurance are likely needed, so confirm with a broker
• WCB/WSIB coverage rules apply once you hire staff, and vary by province
• Quebec businesses should check French-language requirements for signage and documents
• Strong seasonality means cash flow planning for winter months is essential
• Environmental rules for fuel, oil and waste at a workshop vary, so check with local authorities

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on your showroom or yard, service bay and stock. Inventory financing can be costly if units don't sell, so check the terms carefully before committing.

Manufacturer dealer agreements often set requirements for premises, stock, training and brand standards, so check these before committing. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the brands, season and services you offer.

Check provincial rules for selling and registering boats or engines, municipal zoning and business licensing, and French-language rules in Quebec. Confirm commercial general liability, garage or property and stock cover with a broker, plus WCB or WSIB and environmental waste rules.