Used store fixtures warehouse and showroom
Rent a small unit, stock second-hand shelving and counters, and supply local retailers with delivery.
- C$12k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small warehouse or industrial unit where customers can browse used shelving, counters, racks and display units. You buy stock in bulk from store closures and refits, and offer delivery and basic installation.
Your first three steps
- Visit local retailers, shopfitters and landlords to learn what they need and where used fixtures come from
- Price units in industrial areas near your target customers, checking zoning, loading access and lease terms
- Secure a first bulk lot from a store closure or refit and build a simple catalogue to show to buyers
Who pays
Retail start-ups, franchisees fitting out new stores, shopfitters, landlords and small businesses on a tight budget.
How it makes money
You sell fixtures at a markup on what you paid, and add charges for delivery, installation and larger fit-out packages.
Skills that help
- Buying stock at the right price
- Sales and quoting for fit-out jobs
- Organising stock and logistics
- Basic assembly and safe handling of heavy items
Watch out for
- Check zoning and the business licence your municipality requires for a retail or warehouse unit
- Commercial general liability and property insurance for the unit and the stock
- Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration and how to charge tax on delivery and installation
- Stock can sit unsold for months, so watch cash tied up in inventory
- Workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB) rules by province once you hire help
- Heavy items and vehicles, plan for safe lifting, a suitable truck or a delivery partner
- In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signage and documents
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: used store fixtures warehouse and showroom
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 used store fixtures showroom?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on your unit rental, how much stock you buy, delivery vehicle access and insurance. Stock can sit unsold for months, so watch cash tied up.
How much can a used fixtures warehouse business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on stock turnover, order sizes and whether you add delivery and installation. Plan for at least about 30 hours a week.
What licences or rules should I check for a fixtures showroom?
Check zoning and the business licence your municipality requires for a retail or warehouse unit, GST/HST and provincial sales tax on delivery and installation, insurance for the unit and stock, WCB/WSIB when you hire, and in Quebec French-language rules.
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