Online copper sheet and offcut shop

Jewellers, metalworkers, craft makers, brewers and distillers, home renovators and small workshops that find trade suppliers too big or too far away.

You mark up copper bought in bulk or from distributors, and charge for cutting and shipping. Offcut bundles and starter packs for makers can add margin.

• Setting up and running an online shop
• Packing and shipping heavy items
• Product knowledge and clear listings
• Customer service by email

• Shipping heavy metal can eat your margin, so work out freight costs before setting prices
• Copper prices change, so check how often you need to update your listings
• If you take in used or scrap copper, check provincial and municipal scrap metal dealer rules
• Home-based business licence or zoning rules if you store stock at home, check with your municipality and your home insurer
• Commercial general liability and product insurance, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you hold and what packing and shipping supplies you need. These are estimates, so work out freight costs before you set your prices.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how many customers you reach. Treat these as estimates, and remember that shipping heavy metal can eat into your margin.

If you take in used or scrap copper, check provincial and municipal scrap metal dealer rules. Also check home-business licence or zoning rules if you store stock at home, your insurance, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.