Glazing units and fittings trade counter
Stock windows, sealed glazing units and fittings from a small unit for local glaziers and builders to collect.
- C$30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small warehouse or unit holding popular window sizes, replacement sealed glass units, hardware and fittings. Trade customers can order ahead or collect the same day, and you take special orders from manufacturers.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local glaziers and builders about what they struggle to get quickly, and list the sizes and parts they buy most
- Agree trade accounts with a few manufacturers and distributors, and get quotes for a small unit in an industrial area
- Start with a limited stock range and a delivery run, and offer trade accounts to a handful of regular customers
Who pays
Glaziers, window installers, builders, property managers and some homeowners and landlords.
How it makes money
You buy in volume and sell at a margin. You earn from quick availability, delivery fees and repeat trade accounts.
Skills that help
- Knowledge of window and glazing products
- Stock control and ordering
- Trade sales and account management
- Safe handling of glass
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and property or stock insurance, plus WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
- Check zoning, a municipal business licence and fire rules for the unit
- Stock tied up in cash, especially slow-moving sizes, so start small and track what sells
- Glass is heavy and breakable, so plan safe storage, lifting equipment and staff training
- Check that products meet Canadian standards and energy ratings for your region
- Winter delivery conditions and seasonal swings in building work
- Credit risk when giving trade accounts, so set clear payment terms
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: glazing units and fittings trade counter
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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a window and glazing trade counter?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the unit, the stock you carry, handling equipment and insurance. Stock ties up cash, so many owners start small and track what sells.
How much revenue can a glazing trade counter make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your stock range, trade accounts and local building activity. It is a full-time commitment, with about 40 hours a week estimated at minimum.
What do I need to check before opening a glazing supply business?
Check zoning, a municipal business licence and fire rules for the unit, plus commercial general liability and stock insurance, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire. Also check products meet Canadian standards and energy ratings, and set clear credit terms.
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