Online baseball gear store

Players and parents who shop online, plus coaches and clubs placing bulk or team orders.

Markup on products sold through your website, plus larger margins on team and club orders and on bundles such as starter kits.

• Basic online shop setup
• Product knowledge and sizing advice
• Social media or local marketing
• Packing and shipping organization

• Shipping costs and returns for items like gloves and helmets where fit matters
• Strong seasonality, with the busiest months in spring and early summer
• Check whether you need a home-based business licence from your municipality
• GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules for online sales
• Check supplier rules on online pricing and selling, and safety standards for helmets and protective gear
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your website setup, and whether suppliers ship for you. A narrow niche, such as youth gear, can help you stay within your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your niche, marketing, and any team or club orders. The busiest months are spring and early summer, so expect sales to vary through the year.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence. Also check GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, provincial sales tax rules for online sales, supplier rules on online pricing, safety standards for helmets, and insurance.