Local shelving and storage shop

Homeowners sorting garages and basements, renters, small shops, offices, workshops and contractors fitting out spaces.

Mark-up on shelving and fittings, plus fees for delivery, assembly, custom cutting and larger orders for local businesses.

• Selling and giving practical advice
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic measuring and product knowledge
• Customer service

• Municipal business licence and zoning for retail premises, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and lease terms before you sign
• Stock tied up in bulky items, so start with a tight range
• Heavy lifting and safe handling of long, heavy items
• Product safety rules for items such as children's furniture or tip-over risks, check Health Canada guidance
• GST/HST or PST registration, which varies by province, and French-language signage rules if in Quebec

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Starting with a tight range of products can help keep early stock costs down.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and whether you add extras like cut-to-size options, delivery or assembly. That is revenue, so stock and premises costs come out of it.

Check your municipality's business licence and zoning for retail premises, insurance and lease terms, GST/HST or PST registration for your province, and Health Canada guidance on product safety. In Quebec, also check French-language signage rules.