Launch Your Paint and Wallpaper Retailer in Burnaby Today
This page gives a practical blueprint for starting a Paint and Wallpaper Retailer in Burnaby (NAICS 444120). You’ll get a clear overview of the five essential startup requirements, plus what permits and registrations you’ll need, typical costs, and a realistic timeline. It’s designed to move you from idea to storefront with confidence, covering space planning, supplier setup, and the basics of inventory and branding.
What you’ll learn: the five requirements you’ll need to meet (business registration, tax IDs, municipal licenses, zoning for a retail storefront, and safety/OH&S compliance), plus the permits and approvals to secure. We break down typical startup costs—from inventory and leasehold improvements to insurance and marketing—and lay out a practical timeline from planning to grand opening. You’ll get actionable steps, checklists, and tips to lock in vendors and stock your shelves quickly.
Why Burnaby works: With steady demand for home improvement and easy access to suppliers and customers across Metro Vancouver, Burnaby offers a supportive setting for a paint and wallpaper retailer.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a paint and wallpaper retailer in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration. This federal identifier is what you’ll use to handle taxes, payroll, and other government programs. Without a BN, you cannot legally register for GST/HST or payroll deductions, so this step is non-negotiable and must be in place before you open your doors.
Next come mandatory operational requirements focused on health and safety. In British Columbia, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration if you have employees. This protects your staff and keeps your business compliant with provincial rules. It’s a key legal obligation for any employer, and starting with coverage from day one helps you build a safe, stable workplace.
For registration and tax, you’ll need to sort out a BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration to collect and remit sales tax on eligible goods, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you hire staff. These registrations are all connected to your BN, so plan them together to keep your finances in good order and your filings on time.
Ready to move forward? Start by securing your BN, then register your BC business name if applicable, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as soon as you have employees. Arrange WorkSafeBC coverage early as well to protect your team and stay compliant. If you’d like, I can give you a simple, concrete 2-week action plan with the exact steps and where to apply.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a paint and wallpaper retailers in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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