Stationery wholesale unit with local delivery

Schools and school suppliers, offices, municipalities, retailers, print shops and community organizations that reorder on a regular schedule.

Margin on bulk goods sold at wholesale prices, boosted by volume discounts from suppliers, regular standing orders and back-to-school and year-end peaks.

• Business-to-business sales
• Stock control and purchasing
• Managing cash flow and credit terms
• Basic logistics and delivery planning

• Check zoning and licence rules for a warehouse or commercial unit with your municipality
• Check commercial general liability, product liability, stock and vehicle insurance
• If you hire staff, check WCB/WSIB registration in your province
• Imported goods may involve customs duties and product labelling rules, so check with the Canada Border Services Agency
• Back-to-school demand is seasonal, so plan cash flow for slow months
• Public bodies often buy through tenders or approved supplier lists, so check requirements early

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $60,000, depending on the unit, stock range and delivery vehicle or courier setup. These are estimates, so get quotes for rent, stock and insurance before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your customer base and how regularly they reorder. Demand can be seasonal, so plan cash flow for slower months.

Check zoning and licence rules for a warehouse unit with your municipality, plus insurance, WCB/WSIB registration if you hire, and customs duties and labelling rules for imported goods. Public bodies may also require tenders or approved supplier lists.