Online furniture accessories shop

Homeowners updating tired furniture, DIYers, renters and small interior or upholstery trade buyers.

You buy from wholesalers or manufacturers and sell at a markup per item. Bundles, sets and trade pricing help raise the average order value.

• Product sourcing and pricing
• Basic online shop setup and photos
• Packing and customer service

• Check if your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check how provincial sales tax applies to you
• Imported goods may involve duties and longer lead times, so check costs before pricing
• Cushions and soft furnishings may have labelling rules, check Canadian requirements before selling
• Shipping costs for bulky items can eat your margin, and returns need a clear policy

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your stock, shop setup and photos. Imported goods may involve duties and longer lead times, so check costs before pricing your products.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your niche, product range and prices. This is before costs. Shipping bulky items can eat your margin, so expect at least about 8 hours a week to run it.

Things to check: whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence; GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, and how provincial sales tax applies; import duties; and Canadian labelling requirements for cushions and soft furnishings.