Online footwear store

Online shoppers across Canada who want a wider range or hard-to-find sizes than local stores carry.

You sell at a mark-up over wholesale cost, either from stock you hold or through suppliers who ship for you. Add-ons like insoles and care products raise the order value.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Product photos and descriptions
• Customer service, especially on sizing and returns
• Stock and order tracking

• Returns for wrong sizes can eat into profit, so set a clear policy and size help
• Shipping costs across large distances and to remote areas
• Check brand rules on online selling and whether they allow marketplaces
• Check whether you need a home-based business licence from your municipality
• GST/HST or provincial sales tax on online sales, which varies by province
• In Quebec, a French-language version of your site and receipts may be required, so check the rules
• Commercial general liability and stock insurance

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your opening stock, website setup, photography and storage. Focusing on a niche, such as hiking or work boots, can keep stock manageable.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your range, marketing and return rates. Returns for wrong sizes can cut into profit. The estimates assume about 10 hours a week or more.

Check brand rules on online selling and marketplaces, and any home-based business licence from your municipality. Check GST/HST or provincial sales tax on online sales, French-language requirements if selling in Quebec, shipping costs and insurance.