How to Start a Furniture Delivery Business in Ontario

Furniture delivery is one of the most in-demand delivery services in Ontario. With e-commerce furniture sales growing rapidly and consumers increasingly buying from Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji, the demand for professional furniture delivery has never been higher. This guide covers everything you need to start a furniture delivery business in Ontario — from vehicle selection and licensing to finding customers and scaling your business.

Why Furniture Delivery Is a Strong Business Opportunity

Growing Demand

- Online furniture sales in Canada are growing at 15–20% annually - Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji generate millions of furniture transactions in Ontario each year - Furniture retailers increasingly outsource delivery to independent operators - Consumer expectations for same-day and next-day delivery are rising

Strong Revenue Potential

- Average furniture delivery rate: $100–$300 per delivery - Experienced operators complete 3–6 deliveries per day - Daily revenue potential: $300–$1,800 - Annual revenue potential (solo operator): $75,000–$200,000

Low Barrier to Entry

- Can start with a cargo van or box truck - No AZ licence required for most furniture delivery - Can start part-time and scale to full-time - GoGedit provides immediate access to customers

Step 1: Choose Your Vehicle

Cargo Van

**Best for**: Smaller furniture items, apartment deliveries, urban areas **Pros**: Lower cost, easier to park, no DZ licence required **Cons**: Limited capacity, can't handle very large items **Recommended models**: Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster **Purchase cost**: $25,000–$50,000 (used); $45,000–$75,000 (new)

Box Truck (16–24 ft)

**Best for**: Full furniture sets, appliances, multiple items per delivery **Pros**: High capacity, professional appearance, can handle large items **Cons**: Higher cost, DZ licence required for vehicles over 11,000 kg GVW, harder to park **Purchase cost**: $35,000–$80,000 (used); $60,000–$120,000 (new)

Step 2: Get the Right Licence

**Cargo van (under 11,000 kg GVW)**: Standard G licence is sufficient. **Box truck (over 11,000 kg GVW)**: DZ licence required. Complete DZ MELT training ($3,000–$6,000) and pass the road test.

Step 3: Get Commercial Insurance

Personal auto insurance does not cover commercial delivery work. You need: - **Commercial vehicle insurance**: $4,000–$15,000/year depending on vehicle type - **Cargo insurance**: Covers furniture and items you're transporting - **General liability insurance**: Covers property damage during delivery

Step 4: Register Your Business

- Register your business name with the Ontario government - Get an HST number if your annual revenue will exceed $30,000 - Open a business bank account - Consider incorporating for liability protection

Step 5: Get the Right Equipment

Professional furniture delivery requires proper equipment: - **Appliance dolly**: For heavy items (fridges, washers, dryers) - **Furniture dolly**: For large, flat items (sofas, mattresses) - **Moving straps**: For securing items in the truck - **Moving blankets**: For protecting furniture surfaces - **Stretch wrap**: For protecting upholstered items - **Stair climber**: For multi-floor deliveries **Equipment cost**: $500–$2,000 for a complete set

Step 6: Find Customers

GoGedit: Immediate Customer Access

The fastest way to find furniture delivery customers in Ontario is through GoGedit. As a GoGedit driver, you receive delivery requests from customers who need furniture, appliances, and large items delivered. **GoGedit advantages**: - Immediate access to customers — no marketing required - Consistent delivery volume - App-based dispatch and payment - No minimum commitment [Apply to Drive With GoGedit](/be-a-driver)

Direct Furniture Retailer Relationships

Approach local furniture retailers and offer your delivery services. Many small and medium retailers outsource delivery to independent operators. **Target retailers**: Independent furniture stores, consignment shops, estate sale companies, online furniture sellers

Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji

Post your delivery services on Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji. Many buyers need help transporting large items they've purchased.

Google Business Profile

Create a Google Business Profile for your furniture delivery business. Customers searching for "furniture delivery [city]" will find your business.

Revenue and Profitability

Year 1 Projections (Solo Operator, Cargo Van)

| Metric | Monthly | Annual | |---|---|---| | Deliveries | 60–80 | 720–960 | | Average rate | $150 | — | | Gross revenue | $9,000–$12,000 | $108,000–$144,000 | | Expenses | $4,500–$6,000 | $54,000–$72,000 | | Net income | $4,500–$6,000 | $54,000–$72,000 |

Scaling to a 3-Van Operation

| Metric | Monthly | Annual | |---|---|---| | Deliveries | 180–240 | 2,160–2,880 | | Gross revenue | $27,000–$36,000 | $324,000–$432,000 | | Expenses | $18,000–$24,000 | $216,000–$288,000 | | Net income | $9,000–$12,000 | $108,000–$144,000 |

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I earn from a furniture delivery business in Ontario?

A solo furniture delivery operator in Ontario can earn $54,000–$72,000 net income annually. A 3-van operation can generate $108,000–$144,000 in annual net income.

Do I need a special licence for furniture delivery in Ontario?

For cargo vans under 11,000 kg GVW, a standard G licence is sufficient. For box trucks over 11,000 kg GVW, a DZ licence is required.

How do I find furniture delivery customers in Ontario?

GoGedit is the fastest way to find customers — you receive delivery requests immediately after registration. You can also approach local furniture retailers, post on Facebook Marketplace, and create a Google Business Profile.