Playground equipment dealer (home office)

Schools and school councils, municipalities and parks departments, daycares, nurseries and community groups, often through quotes, tenders or fundraising budgets.

A margin or commission on each equipment package, plus a charge for installation, safety surfacing and project management. Projects are large but infrequent, so income comes in lumps.

• Sales and relationship building
• Reading plans and quotes
• Project coordination
• Patience with committees and tenders

• Playground equipment and surfacing are usually expected to meet the CSA Z614 standard, so check what your customers require
• Commercial general liability insurance, and often proof of WCB or WSIB coverage for subcontractors, are commonly required for bids
• Long sales cycles: school and council budgets often run on annual or fundraising timelines
• Check dealer agreements for exclusive territories, minimum orders and warranty responsibilities
• Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence is needed

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your home office setup, insurance and the manufacturers you work with. You can use subcontracted installers at first, which may keep upfront costs lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the number of schools, councils and daycares you win. Sales cycles can be long because budgets often run on annual or fundraising timelines.

Check which standards customers require, as playground equipment and surfacing are usually expected to meet CSA Z614. Also check insurance and WCB/WSIB proof often needed for bids, dealer agreement terms on territory and warranty, and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence.