Online car accessories store

Everyday drivers, car enthusiasts and small garages or detailers who want to order in small batches.

You buy from wholesalers or suppliers and sell at a mark-up. Extra income can come from bundles, such as a winter kit with mats and an ice scraper, and from repeat orders of cleaning products.

• Basic online shop setup
• Product knowledge and fitment checks
• Customer service
• Simple bookkeeping and stock tracking

• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and provincial sales tax rules that vary
• Product safety and legality: check provincial rules on aftermarket lights, tinted covers and anything that changes how a vehicle is lit
• Shipping costs on bulky items like mats, and return handling for wrong fitments
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance
• Home-based business rules from your municipality if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you hold and how you set up your shop. These figures are estimates, and suppliers shipping direct can reduce what you hold.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many orders you get. These are estimates of revenue, and shipping costs on bulky items like mats can reduce your margin.

Check GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules, and provincial rules on aftermarket lights and tinted covers. Also check product liability and commercial general liability insurance, and municipal home-based business rules if you store stock at home.