Online equestrian supply store

Riders and horse owners in rural areas or smaller towns far from a physical tack shop, plus gift buyers.

Retail margin on each order, plus shipping charges and optional consignment of used tack. Repeat customers on consumables help steady income.

• Knowledge of horses and riding
• Basic website and product photography skills
• Order handling and customer service
• Simple bookkeeping

• Register for GST/HST (and provincial sales tax where it applies) once you pass the threshold, and check your province's rules
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Returns on sized items like boots and apparel can eat margin, so set a clear returns policy
• Shipping heavy items such as saddles or feed is costly, so check carrier rates before listing them
• Feed and supplements may have labelling rules, so check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before selling them
• Seasonal dips in winter in many regions

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether suppliers dropship, and your website and photography. Starting with a narrow niche can keep stock costs down.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, range and marketing. You could start with about 8 hours a week, and winter may be slower in many regions.

Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration once you pass the threshold, and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence. If you sell feed or supplements, check labelling rules with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and set a clear returns policy.