Online costume and props store

Parents, party hosts, adults dressing up for events, school drama teachers and community theatre groups.

Profit on each item sold, plus larger orders from schools and theatre groups. Sales peak around Halloween, so a year-round niche helps.

• Choosing products that sell
• Basic online shop setup and photos
• Customer service and handling returns

• Register your business name with your province and check whether you need a Business Number and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Check children's product safety rules (for example flammability and small parts) with Health Canada before selling kids' costumes
• Licensed characters and brands: selling unlicensed copies may breach copyright or trademark, so check your suppliers
• Plan for Halloween peaks, slow months and unsold stock
• Check shipping costs and customs duties if importing from overseas suppliers

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether you hold it at home or use a supplier who ships for you, and how you set up your shop.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $400 to $4,000, depending on your niche, product range and marketing. Plan for Halloween peaks and slow months, as sales may not be even through the year.

Check your provincial business name registration, and whether you need a Business Number and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold. Check Health Canada's children's product safety rules, and check your suppliers aren't selling unlicensed copies of characters or brands.