Rain barrel and garden tank seller-installer
Sell and set up rain barrels and small tanks for home gardens, linked to downspouts.
- C$2k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You supply and install rain barrels and small to mid-size tanks (about 200 to 5,000 litres) that collect roof water for gardens, lawns and washing. Setup includes a stand or base, downspout diverter, overflow and a tap or hose connection, with seasonal winterizing visits.
Your first three steps
- Contact two or three tank and barrel wholesalers to compare prices, sizes and delivery terms
- Check your municipality and province for rainwater collection rules, and for any rebates you can tell customers about
- Set up a simple price list and offer installs to neighbours, garden centres and landscapers
Who pays
Homeowners with gardens, community gardens, small hobby farms and landscapers who want water-saving options.
How it makes money
Margin on the tank and fittings, plus a fixed installation fee. Seasonal winterizing and spring start-up visits bring repeat work.
Skills that help
- Basic plumbing and carpentry
- Measuring and site planning
- Customer service
- Safe lifting and handling
Watch out for
- Rules on rainwater use vary by province and municipality, so check what is allowed, especially for anything beyond garden watering
- Connecting to plumbing or underground drains may need a licensed plumber or a permit, so check before offering it
- Commercial general liability insurance and cover for your vehicle and stock
- Freezing winters: tanks must be drained or built for cold, and sales are strongest in spring and summer
- Mosquito control: tanks need screens and sealed lids
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: rain barrel and garden tank seller-installer
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a rain barrel installation business?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on the stock of barrels, tanks and fittings you carry, your tools and vehicle needs, and your insurance. Sales are strongest in spring and summer.
How much can a rain barrel and tank installer earn?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many installs you complete, the size of tanks you sell and the season. Freezing winters can slow sales. Revenue is not profit.
What rules should I check before installing rain barrels and tanks?
Check rainwater use rules in your province and municipality, especially for anything beyond garden watering. Check whether connecting to plumbing or underground drains needs a licensed plumber or permit. Also check commercial general liability insurance, winter drain-down needs, and mosquito screens and sealed lids.
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