Stage lighting shop and hire warehouse
Run a small unit that sells and hires stage lighting and installs it for theatres, churches and event companies.
- C$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small showroom and warehouse stocking lighting fixtures, controllers and accessories to sell, plus a larger hire fleet. You also supply and install systems for venues and churches.
Your first three steps
- Contact lighting distributors and ask about dealer accounts, minimum orders and payment terms
- Visit local theatres, churches and event companies to learn what they buy and hire, and find a gap
- Look at industrial unit rents in your area and work out how many hires and sales you need each month to cover them
Who pays
Theatres, schools, churches, bands, DJs, event and production companies, and venues upgrading their lighting.
How it makes money
Equipment sales, hire fees, installation and service work, and ongoing supply of accessories and replacement lamps.
Skills that help
- Technical knowledge of lighting and controls
- Sales and quoting for larger projects
- Stock control and bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Stock and cash flow, buying equipment before orders arrive is a real risk
- Commercial general liability, property and equipment insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
- Installation and rigging work may need qualified people and provincial or electrical authority approval, check which rules apply
- Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for your unit, and register for GST/HST when required
- Fast-changing LED technology can make older stock lose value
- Hire demand shifts with the season, so plan for quieter months
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: stage lighting shop and hire warehouse
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 open a stage lighting shop?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the size of your unit, how much sale stock and hire fleet you buy, and your showroom fit-out. Cash flow matters because stock is bought before orders arrive.
What should I check before selling and installing stage lighting?
Check insurance for liability, property and equipment, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire. Installation and rigging may need qualified people and provincial or electrical authority approval. Also check municipal zoning, business licence rules and when to register for GST/HST.
How much can a stage lighting shop earn?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on sales, hire and installation work. Plan for at least about 35 hours a week, and for quieter months as hire demand shifts with the season.
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