Vacuum shop with repair counter

Households, pet owners, allergy sufferers, landlords and small offices who want advice, a good fit and local support.

Margin on vacuum and accessory sales, plus fees for repairs and servicing. Bags, filters and parts bring in repeat visits.

• Product knowledge and friendly advice
• Basic repair and troubleshooting
• Stock buying and inventory control

• Big-box stores and online sellers compete hard on price, so you need a clear edge such as service and repairs
• Dealer agreements may set minimum orders or restrict how you advertise, so read them carefully
• Check your municipality for a business licence and zoning, and your province for sales tax (GST/HST/PST) registration
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• Old vacuums and lithium batteries may fall under provincial recycling rules, so check how to dispose of them
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signs and customer service
• Cash is tied up in stock, and winter can slow foot traffic

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, the amount of stock you buy and any repair equipment. Cash is tied up in stock, so check dealer agreements for minimum orders.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on your location, range, pricing and how much repair work you win. Winter can slow foot traffic. Revenue is not profit, as stock and rent come out of it.

Check your municipal business licence and zoning, and your sales tax (GST/HST/PST) registration. Also check dealer agreement terms, commercial general liability and property insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, provincial recycling rules for old vacuums and batteries, and French-language rules in Quebec.