Cutlery and knife shop with sharpening service

Home cooks, keen hobbyists, gift shoppers and local restaurants or caterers.

Mark-up on products, paid sharpening, and gift sets, especially around the holiday season and wedding gift periods.

• Deep knowledge of knives and steel
• Retail and stock control
• Friendly, expert customer advice

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and rent increases, get advice before signing
• Municipal business licence and zoning rules for your location, check with your municipality
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold and check provincial sales tax rules
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB) if you hire
• Rules on selling certain blades or to minors, check with your province or municipality
• Slow winter weeks and heavy reliance on the holiday season

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the unit, stock range and fit-out. Check commercial lease terms, deposits and rent increases, and get advice before signing anything.

Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, range and how many sharpening customers return. Expect slow winter weeks and a heavy reliance on the holiday season.

Check your municipal business licence and zoning, GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, provincial sales tax rules, and insurance. Also check rules on selling certain blades or selling to minors with your province or municipality.