Packaging bag wholesaler with a small warehouse

Restaurants, food processors, retail chains with local buying, janitorial suppliers, farms, markets and e-commerce sellers.

You buy by the pallet or container and sell by the case or carton at a markup. Having stock on hand and delivering fast lets you win regular accounts and charge for convenience.

• Sales and account management
• Inventory and ordering
• Driving and delivery
• Managing cash flow

• Federal single-use plastics rules restrict some bags, so check which products are still allowed to be sold
• Check provincial and municipal plastic bag rules where you sell
• Check zoning and fire code rules for storing packaging in your unit
• Imported goods may involve customs, duties and labelling requirements, so check before ordering
• Commercial general liability, property and vehicle insurance
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, as rules differ by province
• Large stock purchases and slow-paying customers can strain cash

Startup costs are typically estimated around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your unit, stock levels and delivery vehicle. Large stock purchases and slow-paying customers can strain cash, so plan your working capital.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your customer base, product lines and delivery area. It is usually a full-time effort, starting at around 30 hours a week.

Federal single-use plastics rules restrict some bags, so check which products you can still sell. Also check provincial and municipal bag rules, zoning and fire code for storing packaging, and customs, duties and labelling rules for imports.