Wood stove and fireplace showroom

Homeowners in cottage country, rural and small-town areas, plus renovators and builders who need heating for a project.

Margin on stoves, chimney and venting parts and accessories, plus a referral fee or markup on coordinated installs. Sales peak in late summer and fall.

• Product knowledge and clear advice
• Sales and customer service
• Managing stock and suppliers
• Building trust with local installers

• Installation usually needs a qualified installer, and insurers often ask for a WETT inspection. Check the rules in your province
• Some municipalities and regions restrict wood burning or require emissions-certified appliances. Check your local bylaws
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus product liability if you sell fuel or chemicals
• Heavy seasonality, so plan cash flow for slow summer and spring months
• Stock and display stoves tie up cash, so start with a small range

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, how many display stoves you buy and the stock of accessories you carry. Starting with a small range can keep cash tied up in stock lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, range and installation partnerships. The idea assumes about 35 hours a week at minimum, and sales are heavily seasonal, so plan cash flow for slow months.

Installation usually needs a qualified installer, and insurers often ask for a WETT inspection, so check the rules in your province. Also check local bylaws on wood burning and emissions-certified appliances, and your liability and property insurance.