Vinyl window and door showroom with trade counter

Homeowners doing renovations, renovation contractors, small builders and window installers who want a local supplier.

Markup on the products you sell, with deposits on custom orders. You can add measuring, delivery, installation referrals and accessories such as trim, sealants and hardware.

• Customer service and advising on options
• Quoting and sales
• Managing orders and supplier relationships
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Lease terms, deposit and fit-out costs. Check these before you sign
• Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for a showroom or retail unit
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Make sure products meet the Canadian standard (CSA A440) and local energy-efficiency requirements
• Cash tied up in deposits and stock, and slower winter months in much of Canada
• Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $25,000 to $90,000 CAD, depending on the unit, lease deposit and fit-out. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on how many homeowners and contractors you serve.

Check lease terms, deposit and fit-out costs before signing, plus municipal zoning and business licence rules for a retail unit. Also check that products meet CSA A440 and local energy-efficiency requirements, insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration.

The estimate is at least about 35 hours a week. Cash can be tied up in deposits and stock, and winter months are slower in much of Canada, so plan your cash flow carefully before you open.