Online airbrush supplies store

Scale modellers, miniature and wargame painters, illustrators, nail and cake decorators, and custom painters of helmets, bikes and models.

You buy at wholesale and sell at retail, with a margin on each item. Starter kits and repeat purchases of paint, filters and cleaner bring customers back.

• Knowing airbrush kit well enough to advise beginners
• Basic online shop setup and product photos
• Stock and order management
• Clear, friendly customer service

• Sales tax: check when you must register for GST/HST and how provincial taxes (PST or QST) apply to online sales
• Shipping paints, solvents and some cleaners may fall under dangerous goods rules, so check with your carrier and Transport Canada
• Check that compressors and electrical items carry recognised Canadian safety certification before selling them
• Check WHMIS and labelling rules for solvent-based products, and French-language requirements if you sell in Quebec
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether you can store stock at home
• Stock ties up cash, so start with a small range and avoid slow-moving items

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your opening stock range, website setup and photography. Starting with a small range helps avoid tying up cash in slow-moving items.

Check GST/HST registration and how PST or QST applies, plus dangerous goods rules for shipping paints and solvents. Also check Canadian safety certification for compressors, WHMIS and labelling, French-language rules for Quebec, and home-based business licensing.

As an estimate, monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your range, marketing and customer base. The estimate assumes about 10 hours a week or more for orders, stock and customer service.