Local Welding Supply Shop

Tradespeople, fabrication and repair shops, farmers, auto and trailer workshops, and hobbyists building projects at home.

Margin on products sold at the counter, regular accounts with local workshops, and add-ons such as cylinder exchange, equipment repair referrals and bulk consumable orders.

• Knowing welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick)
• Customer service and advice
• Stock control and buying
• Building trade accounts

• Stock ties up a lot of cash, so plan your starting inventory carefully
• Storing and handling compressed gas cylinders: check fire code, TDG and provincial rules
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Supplier or gas company agreements, which may limit what you can sell or exchange
• Large suppliers and online stores compete on price, so service and local stock matter
• GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, and WHMIS labelling and training for hazardous products

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and especially your starting inventory, since stock ties up a lot of cash. Plan your opening stock carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your stock range, location and how many trade accounts you build. Larger suppliers and online stores compete on price, so service matters.

Check fire code, TDG and provincial rules for storing and handling compressed gas cylinders, and any supplier or gas company agreements that limit what you can sell. Also check insurance, GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, and WHMIS labelling and training.