Antique dealer selling online and at markets

Collectors, decorators, people furnishing a home with character, and casual shoppers at markets and online.

The margin between what you pay for an item and what you sell it for, after fees, travel and table costs. Specializing in one category such as pottery, vintage tools or small furniture helps you price with confidence.

• Researching and valuing items
• Spotting quality and condition
• Photography and clear listings
• Negotiating

• Fakes, reproductions and misdescribed items, so research before buying and describe honestly
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check your provincial sales tax rules
• Rules on selling some items, such as items with ivory or other protected wildlife materials, firearms or restricted goods, so check federal and provincial rules
• Insurance for stock and for market stalls, as some fairs ask for liability cover
• Stock tying up cash, and markets slowing down in winter

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, market table fees and your photography and listing set-up. Stock can tie up cash, so your own figure will vary.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on the quality of your stock, how often you sell and where. Markets can slow down in winter, so plan your cash flow.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and when to register for GST/HST and provincial sales tax. Also check federal and provincial rules on items such as ivory, protected wildlife materials or firearms, and insurance for stock and market stalls.