Wax supplier for makers and workshops

Stock candle, car and craft waxes in a small unit and supply local makers, detailers and workshops.

Startup costC$10k to C$45k
Monthly revenueC$3k to C$15k
Time needed30+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • C$10k-45k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

A small unit or storefront holding bulk wax and related supplies, selling to local trade customers and walk-in buyers, with online orders and local delivery added on.

Your first three steps

  1. Talk to local candle makers and detailers about what they buy and what they struggle to get
  2. Find a unit with loading access and get quotes from wholesalers for your first stock order
  3. Visit local markets, studios and detailing shops with samples and a trade price list
Who pays

Small candle makers, car detailers, craft studios, soap and cosmetic makers, and hobbyists.

How it makes money

Buying pallets or large lots from wholesalers and reselling by the kilo or case, with regular trade customers giving repeat orders.

Skills that help
  • Sourcing and negotiating with wholesalers
  • Stock control
  • Product knowledge across wax types
  • Handling heavy goods safely
Watch out for
  • Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
  • Check zoning and licence requirements for your municipality and unit
  • Fire safety when storing large amounts of wax, check with your insurer and local fire department
  • Cash tied up in stock, so start with fast-selling lines
  • WCB/WSIB coverage rules if you hire staff, which vary by province

Deep research report · Canada

Everything you need to start: wax supplier for makers and workshops

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a wax supply business in Canada?

Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on your unit, opening stock and fit-out. Cash gets tied up in stock, so these estimates are best used to plan fast-selling lines first.

How much can a wax supplier earn per month?

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your customer mix, product range and delivery area. Estimates start from about 30 hours a week, and trade customers plus online orders can both contribute.

What rules and insurance should I check before selling wax?

Check commercial general liability and product liability insurance, zoning and licence requirements for your municipality and unit, and fire safety when storing large amounts of wax with your insurer and fire department. Also check WCB/WSIB rules if you hire staff.

Other ways to run this business

Similar retail ideas

More ideas →