Small pallet storage and handling warehouse

Local wholesalers, contractors, importers, seasonal retailers and small manufacturers who have outgrown their garage or shop but don't need a full warehouse.

Monthly fee per pallet position or per square foot, plus handling fees for unloading, loading and moving goods. Optional extras include labelling and short-term holding.

• Organised and detail-focused
• Careful stock records
• Safe lifting and equipment use
• Customer service

• Check the lease terms, zoning and permitted use with your municipality before signing
• Ask an insurance broker about commercial general liability and warehouse legal liability cover for other people's goods
• Forklift use usually requires operator training, so check your provincial workplace safety rules
• Check fire code, sprinkler and storage limits, and ask before storing food, chemicals or other dangerous goods
• Heating, snow removal and utilities can add to winter costs
• Register for GST/HST when required and check WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your unit, racking and equipment. Check the lease terms, zoning and permitted use with your municipality before you sign anything.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your unit size, how full your space is and what you charge. Heating, snow removal and utilities can add to winter costs.

Check zoning, fire code, sprinkler and storage limits, and ask before storing food, chemicals or dangerous goods. Ask a broker about liability cover for others' goods, and check forklift training rules and WCB/WSIB if you hire.