Drum Shop with a Small Storefront

Local drummers, students and their parents, music teachers, schools, churches and gigging bands.

Retail margin on new gear, accessories and consignment or used kits, plus extras like head changes, kit set-up and sticks sold to local teachers and students.

• Strong drum and gear knowledge
• Stock buying and cash flow management
• Customer service and sales

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, so get advice before signing
• Municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and stock insurance
• GST/HST or PST registration and collection, check by province
• Tied-up cash in stock, and competition from big chains and online sellers
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff, rules vary by province

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000 CAD, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Stock ties up cash, so plan for that alongside the lease deposit.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000 CAD, depending on location, stock and whether you add an online shop. That is revenue, not profit, so rent and stock costs come out of it.

Check your municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules, and your commercial lease terms. Also look at commercial general liability and stock insurance, GST/HST or PST registration by province, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff.