Drafting Kits for Design Students

First- and second-year students, plus parents, and sometimes instructors or schools buying class sets.

You sell kits at a bundle price above your wholesale cost, with extra sales of single tools and replacement items. Most sales come in the weeks around the start of each term.

• Working with schools and student groups
• Planning stock around a seasonal calendar
• Sales and friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Campuses often limit outside vendors, so check permission, fees and rules before you plan a pop-up
• Sales are very seasonal, with busy periods at the start of terms, so plan cash flow and storage
• Unsold stock ties up money if course requirements change, so confirm lists each year
• Check how GST/HST and any provincial sales tax apply to your sales
• Commercial general liability insurance may be needed for events and vending, so check with your insurer

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on how many kits you stock, your pop-up gear and storage. Treat this as an estimate and confirm course supply lists each year before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the number of kits sold and pricing. Sales are very seasonal, with busy periods at the start of terms, so plan your cash flow.

Campuses often limit outside vendors, so check permission, fees and rules before planning a pop-up. Also check how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply, whether you need commercial general liability insurance, and the risk of unsold stock.