Local truck parts counter and delivery

Local fleets, owner-operators, independent truck repair garages, and drivers who break down nearby and need a part fast.

Margin on parts sold over the counter, on delivery and on special orders. Account customers with monthly invoicing can bring steady repeat sales.

• Parts knowledge or trucking and mechanical background
• Stock control and ordering
• Sales and relationship building with fleet managers
• Basic bookkeeping

• Stock is the main cost and risk, so start with fast-moving items and avoid overbuying
• Fleet customers often expect 30-day credit terms, so plan your cash flow
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus coverage for stock and delivery vehicles
• Municipal business licence and zoning for your premises
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff, as rules differ by province
• Rules for storing and disposing of batteries, oils and fluids, so check with your provincial environment ministry
• Winter can slow or spike demand depending on your area, so check seasonality with local customers

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on your premises, how much stock you hold and whether you add delivery vehicles. These are estimates, and starting with fast-moving items can help avoid overbuying.

Check your municipal business licence and zoning, commercial general liability and product liability insurance, and cover for stock and delivery vehicles. Also check rules for storing and disposing of batteries, oils and fluids, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your stock, location and fleet customers. That is revenue, not profit. Fleet customers often expect 30-day credit terms, so plan cash flow. Expect at least about 40 hours a week.