Online teacher and homeschool supplies store

Teachers buying with their own money, parents, homeschooling families, tutors and small daycares or private schools.

The mark-up between wholesale and retail price on each item, plus higher-value bundles such as themed kits or back-to-school boxes.

• Choosing useful products for a clear audience
• Basic online store setup and photography
• Organizing stock and shipping orders
• Customer service

• Check whether you need to register for GST/HST once sales pass the small supplier threshold, and how provincial sales tax applies to your sales
• Check any product safety rules for items aimed at children, such as toys and craft materials
• Shipping costs within Canada can eat margins, so test prices before you promise free shipping
• Demand is seasonal, with peaks around back-to-school in late summer, so plan your cash flow
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether you use a direct-shipping supplier, and how you set up your store and product photography.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, product range and marketing. Demand is seasonal, with peaks around back-to-school in late summer, so plan your cash flow.

Check whether you need to register for GST/HST once sales pass the small supplier threshold, and how provincial sales tax applies. Also check product safety rules for children's items, and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence if you store stock at home.