Neighbourhood bazaar shop

Local residents, newcomers looking for familiar imported products, and shoppers wanting low-cost household basics or gifts.

You buy from wholesalers, importers or trade shows and sell at a markup. Money comes from steady everyday sales plus seasonal peaks such as the holidays and back to school.

• Choosing products that sell
• Basic stock control and bookkeeping
• Friendly customer service
• Negotiating with suppliers

• Municipal business licence and zoning for retail, check with your city or town
• Product safety rules for items like children's goods, electrical products and cosmetics, check Health Canada requirements before importing or selling
• Labelling rules for packaged goods, including English and French requirements, and Quebec's own language rules
• Customs duties and import paperwork if you buy directly from overseas suppliers
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Lease commitments and unsold stock tying up cash, start with a modest range

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $7,000 to $28,000. Starting with a modest range helps limit cash tied up in unsold stock.

Check your city or town for a municipal business licence and retail zoning. Also check Health Canada product safety requirements, labelling rules (English and French, plus Quebec's language rules), customs paperwork for direct imports, insurance, and lease commitments before signing.

Estimates start at around 35 hours a week. Useful skills include choosing products that sell, basic stock control and bookkeeping, friendly customer service and negotiating with suppliers. Treat lease commitments carefully and keep your starting range modest.