Airbrush and hobby paint shop

Local hobbyists, art students, professional illustrators, custom paint and auto-detailing painters, and tattoo, makeup and cake decorators.

Retail margin on products, with higher-value sales on airbrushes and compressors and steady repeat sales of paint and consumables. Paid workshops can add extra income.

• Hands-on airbrush knowledge to advise customers
• Retail stock buying and display
• Basic bookkeeping
• Friendly, patient customer service

• Check zoning, business licence and signage rules with your municipality, and your lease terms before signing
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for stock, theft and fire
• Sales tax: check GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules for your province
• Check safe storage and handling rules for solvents and flammable products, including WHMIS and fire code requirements
• Check compressor and electrical safety certification, and French-language rules if you are in Quebec
• Rent and stock costs are fixed, so seasonal slow periods can be hard, especially in winter. Keep an online option going

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, stock levels and shop fit-out. Rent and stock are fixed costs, so read your lease terms carefully before signing.

Check zoning, business licence and signage rules with your municipality. Also check insurance for stock, theft and fire, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, safe storage of solvents under WHMIS and fire code, and compressor safety certification.

As an estimate, monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, stock range and online sales. The estimate assumes about 35 hours a week or more. Seasonal slow periods can be hard, so keep an online option going.