Dancewear pop-up at dance studios

Parents and dancers who want a fitting close to class, and studios that want a uniform supplier without running a shop.

Retail margin on items sold at pop-ups and online, plus studio uniform orders. Some studios may agree a commission or a discount for their students.

• Shoe and leotard fitting
• Friendly selling to parents and teachers
• Organising stock and a simple schedule

• Stock tied up in sizes that do not sell, so start with core styles
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check what venues or events require
• Check whether you need a municipal business licence or a vendor permit for events and competitions
• Registering for GST/HST and collecting the right provincial sales tax, which varies by province
• Winter weather and seasonal quiet spells in summer, when many studios close

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how much stock, racks and fitting equipment you buy. Starting with core styles can help you avoid money tied up in sizes that do not sell.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many studios and events you visit and how much stock you carry. Expect quieter spells in summer, when many studios close.

Check whether you need a municipal business licence or a vendor permit for events and competitions. Also check commercial general liability insurance and venue requirements, plus GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax, which varies by province.