Small-Unit storage and fulfilment service
Rent a small unit to store, pick, pack and ship goods for online sellers and local makers.
- C$30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You rent a small industrial unit and store stock for other businesses. You pick, pack and ship their orders, and arrange pallet deliveries and returns through subcontracted carriers.
Your first three steps
- Look at small industrial units in your area and cost the rent, utilities, deposits and shelving
- Talk to local online sellers and makers to learn what they need and what they pay now
- Set up a simple inventory system and get rates from courier and freight carriers
Who pays
Online sellers, local food and craft producers, and small importers who have outgrown their garage or spare room.
How it makes money
Monthly storage fees per pallet or shelf, plus a fee per order picked and packed, plus a margin on shipping.
Skills that help
- Organizing stock and layout
- Accuracy with orders
- Basic inventory software
- Physical work and lifting
- Dealing with clients and carriers
Watch out for
- Check zoning with your municipality, since not every industrial unit allows public or client access or storage of certain goods
- Check warehouse legal liability and property insurance, as client stock is your responsibility while it is stored
- Check fire code rules and safe storage for items like food or batteries
- Check WCB or WSIB rules in your province once you hire help
- Commercial leases can be long, so check terms and exit options before signing
- Food storage may need a permit from your local public health unit
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: small-unit storage and fulfilment service
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 small fulfilment warehouse in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the unit you lease, shelving and equipment, and insurance. These are estimates, so check lease terms and exit options before signing anything.
What rules should I check before storing other businesses' stock?
Check zoning with your municipality, fire code rules, and safe storage for items like food or batteries. Food storage may need a permit from your local public health unit. Also check warehouse legal liability and property insurance, since client stock is your responsibility.
How much revenue can a small fulfilment service make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many clients you store and ship for. That is revenue before rent, insurance, packaging and labour costs, so work out your margins first.
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