Tailoring and Bespoke Studio

Wedding parties, professionals, grads, and people who want clothes that fit properly. Local dry cleaners and bridal shops may also send work your way.

Alterations bring steady everyday income. Bespoke garments are priced per piece, with a deposit upfront, and bring higher revenue per customer.

• Pattern cutting and garment construction
• Fitting and tailoring techniques
• Pricing and quoting custom work
• Managing customer orders and deadlines

• Commercial lease terms and the cost of rent, so check your break-even before signing
• Commercial general liability insurance, and insurance for customers' garments while in your care
• Check your municipality for a business licence and any signage or zoning rules
• Weddings and graduations are seasonal, so plan for quieter months
• WCB/WSIB registration may be needed if you hire staff, check your province's rules

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your premises and lease, equipment, fabrics and fit-out. Check your break-even against rent before you sign a commercial lease.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your mix of alterations and made-to-measure work, your prices and the season. Weddings and graduations are seasonal, so quieter months are likely. Revenue is not profit.

Check commercial lease terms, your municipality's business licence, and any signage or zoning rules. Also check commercial general liability insurance and cover for customers' garments in your care, plus WCB/WSIB registration if you hire staff in your province.