Local educational supplies shop

Teachers, school staff, parents, tutors, daycares and local schools placing bulk orders.

Retail mark-up on products, plus larger school and daycare orders and seasonal sales such as back-to-school.

• Retail and stock management
• Knowing what teachers and parents need
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check municipal zoning, business licence and signage rules for your location
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance are worth checking before you open
• Rent and stock tie up cash, and sales can be uneven outside back-to-school season
• Check how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply to your sales
• Check WCB or WSIB rules in your province before hiring staff
• Check product safety rules for items made for children

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, premises, opening stock and setup. Rent and stock tie up cash, so it helps to plan a buffer for slower months.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, product range and school orders. Sales can be uneven outside the back-to-school season, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Check municipal zoning, business licence and signage rules for your location, and how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply. Also check product safety rules for children's items, insurance cover, and WCB or WSIB rules before hiring staff.