Home-Based custom stamp maker

Small businesses, schools and teachers, accountants and law offices, community groups, crafters and individuals who want personalised stamps.

You charge per stamp, with extra for self-inking models, custom artwork and rush orders. Repeat orders for ink refills and replacement pads add steady income, and bulk orders from schools or offices bring larger sales.

• Basic graphic design and layout
• Attention to detail and proofreading
• Customer service by email or phone
• Comfort learning production equipment

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether zoning allows light production at home
• Laser engravers need good ventilation and fume extraction, so check equipment safety guidance and your home insurance
• Professional seals (for engineers, architects or notaries) may have rules set by the provincial regulator, so check before offering them
• Quebec customers may expect French-language service and artwork, so check provincial language requirements
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Get commercial general liability insurance and proof every customer approved their artwork before production

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on whether you buy a laser engraver or use a supplier's stamp-making kit, and on your setup and software. Compare equipment options before you buy.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many orders you win from businesses, schools and individuals, and your pricing. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week to handle orders and production.

Things to check: whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and allows light production at home; laser engraver ventilation and your home insurance; provincial regulator rules for professional seals; and French-language requirements in Quebec.