Online boat accessories shop

Recreational boat owners, fishing and cottage-country boaters, small marinas and boat clubs.

Mark-up on each product sold, plus shipping charges. Repeat orders for consumables such as cleaners, rope and spare parts help steady income.

• Knowing boats and common gear
• Online selling and basic photography
• Customer service and returns handling
• Organising stock and orders

• Check whether you need to register for GST/HST, and how provincial sales tax applies to your sales (rules differ by province)
• Safety equipment such as lifejackets and flares must meet Transport Canada requirements, so check what you can legally sell
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Shipping heavy or bulky items can eat your margin, so price it in
• Boating is seasonal in most of Canada, so plan for quiet winter months and cash flow
• Check whether a home-based business licence is needed if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy and whether suppliers ship direct to customers. These are estimates, so start with the items you expect to sell fastest.

Check whether you need GST/HST registration and how provincial sales tax applies. Safety gear such as lifejackets and flares must meet Transport Canada requirements, so check what you can legally sell. Also check liability insurance and any home-based business licence.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, pricing and shipping costs. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week. Boating is seasonal, so expect quieter winter months.