Online batik clothing store

Shoppers who like patterned or ethnic-style clothing, including people connecting with Indonesian, African or other heritage styles, and buyers of gifts and event outfits.

You buy stock at wholesale or direct from makers and sell at a markup through your own site or a marketplace, with shipping charged or built into the price.

• Spotting quality fabric and sewing
• Product photography and listing writing
• Customer service and handling returns

• Check import duties, taxes and customs paperwork if you buy from overseas suppliers
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Check that clothing labelling (fibre content, care, bilingual requirements) meets Canadian rules, especially in Quebec
• Be clear about whether items are handmade or printed batik-style, to avoid misleading claims
• Sizing differences can cause returns, so list measurements clearly

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000 CAD, depending on how much stock you buy, your website setup and photography. Your range will vary with your suppliers and the size of your first order.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,500, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you reach. Sizing differences can cause returns, so list measurements clearly.

Check import duties, taxes and customs paperwork if you buy from overseas, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules. Also check clothing labelling requirements, including bilingual rules in Quebec, and be clear whether items are handmade or batik-style prints.