Made-to-Order handmade furniture, online

Households, cottage owners and renovators who prefer to order custom furniture and don't need to see every piece in person.

A margin on each piece over the maker's price, usually with a deposit at order and the balance before delivery. Delivery and white-glove setup can be charged separately.

• Customer service and clear written communication
• Basic photography and website skills
• Organising orders and makers' schedules
• Sales

• Commercial general liability insurance and product liability cover
• Register for GST/HST and check provincial sales tax rules for online and delivered sales
• Only describe pieces as handmade or Amish-made if that is accurate
• Be clear about lead times, deposits and returns on custom pieces, and check provincial consumer protection rules
• Damage in transit and large-item delivery costs, so check freight and delivery insurance
• If you source across the border, check import duties and customs rules
• Check whether running from home needs a home-based business licence from your municipality

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your website, photography and how many sample pieces you commission. Treat this as an estimate and check your own costs before listing products.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many orders you pass to craftspeople. Revenue is not profit, so allow for maker payments, delivery and website costs.

Check GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules for online and delivered sales. Only describe pieces as handmade or Amish-made if accurate. Also check provincial consumer protection rules on deposits and returns, freight insurance, import rules if sourcing across the border, and any home-based business licence.