Online essential oil and aromatherapy shop

Home users interested in wellness, massage therapists, aromatherapists, spa owners and people who make their own candles and skincare.

Profit on each product sold, usually buying wholesale and selling at retail. Bundles, starter kits and bulk prices for therapists raise the average order value.

• Knowledge of essential oils and safe use
• Online selling and basic product photography
• Order packing and customer service

• Health Canada rules on labelling and health claims: check which products count as natural health products or cosmetics before making any claims
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence if you store stock at home
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Some oils are unsafe for pets, children or pregnancy, so give clear safety information
• Shipping glass bottles and flammable oils may have carrier restrictions, so check packaging rules
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance

Estimated startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the stock you hold, your website and the supplies you buy. This is an estimate, so build your own budget from supplier prices.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on your niche, product range and how many customers you reach. This is revenue before stock, shipping and other costs.

Check Health Canada rules on labelling and health claims, and whether products count as natural health products or cosmetics. Also check shipping restrictions for glass and flammable oils, home business licensing, GST/HST, safety information and product liability insurance.