Online drone and accessories store

Hobbyists, aspiring filmmakers, real estate photographers, farmers and small businesses that use drones for inspection or mapping.

Margin on each product sold, with the best repeat sales coming from accessories and consumables. Bundles, such as a drone plus a case and spare batteries, raise the order value.

• Product knowledge and honest advice
• Online selling and basic marketing
• Inventory and order management
• Customer service

• Transport Canada drone rules: check how pilot certificates and registration apply, and explain them clearly to customers
• Shipping lithium batteries has special packaging and carrier rules, check with your carriers
• Import duties, tariffs and any restrictions on brands or models, check with the CBSA and your supplier
• GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, check the rules for online sales to each province
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, and warranty handling with suppliers

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website setup and whether a supplier ships for you. Compare your own stock plan against that range.

Check Transport Canada drone rules, including how pilot certificates and registration apply. Also check carrier rules for shipping lithium batteries, CBSA import duties and restrictions, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration for online sales to each province.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your niche, product range and marketing. The estimate assumes roughly 15 hours a week or more, and warranty handling with suppliers also needs time.