Local tack and feed shop

Local horse owners, boarding barns, riding schools, 4-H and pony club families, and hobby riders.

Retail margin on products, with feed and consumables bringing regular repeat sales. Extras include saddle fitting, repairs, special orders and used tack consignment.

• Strong horse and tack knowledge
• Buying and stock management
• Customer service and fitting
• Bookkeeping and managing a lease

• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for stock
• Check zoning and any business licence your municipality requires
• Register for GST/HST (and provincial sales tax where it applies) and check your province's rules
• Feed and supplement sales may have labelling and safety rules, so check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Check WCB/WSIB requirements if you hire staff
• Winter slowdowns and high stock costs tie up cash

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, shop fit-out, how much stock you carry and insurance. Stock costs can tie up cash, so plan your opening range carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and how many local riders and barns you serve. Plan for about 40 hours a week or more.

Check zoning and any business licence your municipality requires, GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, and commercial general liability, property and stock insurance. If you sell feed or supplements, check labelling rules with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and WCB or WSIB if you hire.