Online DJ gear shop

Beginner and hobby DJs, working wedding and party DJs, and parents buying a first setup for a teenager.

The margin between what you pay suppliers and your retail price. Accessories and bundles usually give better margins than big-ticket items. Add-ons such as setup advice and starter bundles can help you stand out.

• Knowing DJ gear well enough to advise
• Online selling and basic website skills
• Customer service and order handling

• Brands may require an approved dealer application or minimum order, so check before you promise products
• Sales tax: check GST/HST registration and any provincial sales tax rules for online sales to different provinces
• Shipping heavy, fragile items and handling returns can eat into thin margins
• Competition from large online retailers, so don't plan to win on price alone
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and follow Canada's anti-spam law (CASL) for email marketing

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy and whether you keep it at home or use supplier-shipped items. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $2,000 to $10,000.

Check whether brands require an approved dealer application or minimum order, how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply to sales across provinces, whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and CASL rules for email marketing.

Large online retailers are a real challenge, so you shouldn't plan to win on price alone. Also check how shipping heavy, fragile items and handling returns could eat into thin margins before you commit to a product range.