Neighbourhood Call and Calling-Card Shop

Newcomers, international students, temporary workers and travellers who want cheap or simple calls home. Some customers have no home internet, or are not comfortable with calling apps.

Per-minute call fees, plus a margin on calling cards, SIM cards and top-ups you resell. Add-ons like photocopying, printing or small accessories can bring in extra income.

• Friendly, patient customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and cash handling
• Languages spoken in your neighbourhood
• Basic phone and VoIP setup

• Demand has fallen as free calling apps have spread, so test the local market before signing a long lease
• Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for your unit
• Check whether reselling calling services brings any federal telecom (CRTC) or provincial rules
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Commercial general liability insurance, and a plan for theft and cash handling
• Supplier reliability: poor call quality or a supplier that disappears can cost you customers fast

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your premises, number of booths and stock of cards and SIMs. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on location and customer base.

Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for your unit. Also check whether reselling calling services brings any federal telecom (CRTC) or provincial rules, and how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply. Arrange commercial general liability insurance and a plan for theft and cash handling.

Demand has fallen as free calling apps have spread, so test your local market before signing a long lease. The idea suits areas with many newcomers and international students. Check supplier reliability too, as poor call quality can cost you customers fast.