Online art dealer for private collectors

Private collectors, first-time buyers decorating a home, and people looking for gifts or investment-minded purchases.

A commission on consigned work (often a share of the sale price, agreed in writing) or the margin between what you pay and what you sell for.

• Eye for quality and an understanding of an art niche
• Negotiating with artists and buyers
• Photography and writing good listings
• Building trust with buyers

• Authenticity and provenance: check the origin of any piece, and avoid selling anything you cannot verify
• Rules on Indigenous art and cultural property, and on exporting or importing art, so check with the relevant federal and provincial bodies
• Insurance for artwork in your care, such as inventory cover, plus commercial general liability
• GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, so check with the Canada Revenue Agency
• Cash tied up in stock if you buy outright, and slow sales

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on whether you sell on consignment or buy pieces outright, and on your website, photography and insurance. Buying stock ties up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on the pieces you sell and your prices. Sales can be slow, and cash is tied up in stock if you buy outright.

Check the authenticity and provenance of every piece, and rules on Indigenous art, cultural property and exporting or importing art. Also check inventory and liability insurance, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration with the Canada Revenue Agency.