Marine accessories shop near the water

Boat owners and boaters, marinas, yacht clubs, charter and fishing operators and local repair workshops.

Retail mark-up on items sold over the counter, plus trade accounts with marinas and boat repairers. Special orders and seasonal sales such as spring launch and fall haul-out add to income.

• Good knowledge of boats and marine gear
• Stock buying and inventory control
• Customer service and advice
• Basic bookkeeping

• Strong seasonality in most provinces, so plan cash for the winter months or add winter products
• Stock costs tie up a lot of cash, so start with fast-moving items
• Safety equipment such as lifejackets, flares and fire extinguishers must meet Transport Canada standards, so check before stocking
• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• Check business licence, zoning and signage rules with your municipality
• GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules vary by province, so check with the CRA and your province

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises and how much stock you buy. These are estimates. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so consider starting with fast-moving items.

Check business licence, zoning and signage rules with your municipality. Safety equipment such as lifejackets, flares and fire extinguishers must meet Transport Canada standards, so check before stocking. Also check insurance and GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules with the CRA and your province.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, stock range and season. Plan for at least about 30 hours a week. Strong seasonality means planning cash for the winter months.