Collectables shop with a community corner

Local collectors, gamers, parents and gift buyers, plus people selling their own collections.

Retail sales at a markup, buying and reselling collections, and events or table fees. Online sales can fill quiet weeks in the shop.

• Deep knowledge of your collecting niches
• Buying stock and pricing it fairly
• Customer service and community building
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Commercial lease terms, rent increases and how long you are tied in
• Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules for your unit
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Register for GST/HST or provincial sales tax as required, and check WCB/WSIB rules if you hire staff
• Slow winter months and trend-driven stock that may not sell, so avoid over-ordering

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the unit you rent, the stock you buy and how you fit out the space. Get lease terms and stock quotes before you decide on a budget.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on location, stock range, pricing and community events. Winter months can be slow and trend-driven stock may not sell, so avoid over-ordering.

Check your municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules for the unit, plus lease terms and rent increases. Also check GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration, commercial insurance, and WCB or WSIB rules if you hire staff.