Online paddle gear shop with demo days

Paddlers who want expert advice and local pickup, beginners buying their first kit, and clubs or camps ordering gear.

Retail margin on gear sold online and at events, with delivery or pickup fees on larger items. Sales are concentrated in spring and summer.

• Paddling knowledge and product advice
• Online selling and basic website upkeep
• Organising stock, orders and shipping

• Shipping long boats is costly and awkward; consider local pickup or delivery for kayaks and canoes
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance, including for demo days on the water
• Check Transport Canada requirements for lifejackets and safety equipment before you advise or sell
• Home storage and home-based business rules: check with your municipality
• GST/HST registration and sales tax on online sales across provinces: check with the Canada Revenue Agency

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you buy, how many boats you hold or order in, and whether you rent storage. Treat this as a rough guide and build your own budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your product range, how many demo days and events you run, and how many customers you reach. Revenue is not profit, so factor in stock and shipping costs.

Check Transport Canada requirements for lifejackets and safety equipment, product liability and commercial general liability insurance (including demo days on the water), municipal home-based business rules, and GST/HST registration with the Canada Revenue Agency. Also plan how you will ship or deliver long boats.