Online cut-to-size acrylic store

Hobbyists, crafters, small display and sign makers, photographers, DIY homeowners and small businesses that need a few pieces.

You charge a per-piece price based on size and thickness, including the supplier's cost, packaging and shipping, with your margin on top.

• Setting up an online store
• Clear product descriptions and photos
• Customer service by email or chat
• Organised order and supplier handling

• Shipping damage and scratches: test packaging and check carrier rules for large or fragile items
• Rely on a supplier's cutting accuracy and turnaround, since your reputation depends on it
• Commercial general liability or product liability insurance
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Check GST/HST, and PST or QST where it applies, for sales across provinces
• If you cut or store material at home, check ventilation, fire safety, zoning and workplace safety rules
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for your website

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your website, supplier arrangements and packaging. Test your packaging, since shipping damage and scratches are a common concern.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range, marketing and customers. Your reputation depends on your supplier's cutting accuracy and turnaround, so check them carefully.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and look into GST/HST, PST or QST for sales across provinces. Also check liability insurance, Quebec's French-language website requirements, and ventilation, fire safety and zoning if you cut or store material at home.