Neighbourhood baby boutique

Expecting parents and new families in your area, plus gift buyers for baby showers and newborns.

You sell products at a mark-up over wholesale cost. Larger items bring bigger sales, while accessories and gifts add steady smaller ones. Optional extras like gift registries or a car seat fitting service can add income.

• Product knowledge and friendly advice
• Stock buying and managing cash flow
• Merchandising and shop-keeping

• Health Canada rules for car seats, cribs, strollers and other children's products, and the need to avoid selling recalled or non-compliant items
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus a municipal business licence and zoning check for your premises
• Large upfront stock and rent costs, and slow sales if you pick a poor location
• Competition from big retailers and online sellers on price, so think about what your shop offers that they do not
• Collecting the right GST/HST and provincial sales tax, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, rent and fit-out, and how much stock you buy. Large upfront stock and rent costs are a risk, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, product range and pricing. Competition from big retailers and online sellers can affect sales. These are revenue estimates, not profit.

Check Health Canada rules for car seats, cribs, strollers and other children's products, and avoid selling recalled or non-compliant items. Also check insurance, your municipal business licence and zoning, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, and WCB/WSIB if you hire staff.