Online furniture hardware shop

Homeowners doing renovations, cabinet refacers, hobby woodworkers, upcyclers and small furniture makers.

Markup on each item, often with bundle deals (for example a full set of kitchen handles) and shipping fees on small orders.

• Knowing hardware types and sizes
• Basic online shop setup
• Product photos and listings
• Customer service

• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check how provincial sales tax applies to your sales
• Check wholesalers' minimum order sizes and whether they sell to new businesses
• Returns for wrong sizes, so give exact measurements and hole spacings
• Shipping costs on heavy items, and imported goods may carry duties
• Check whether a home-based business licence is needed from your municipality if you store stock at home

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your shop platform and photography. Starting with dropshipping or a small stock of fast-moving lines can keep costs toward the lower end.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how well you reach renovators and makers. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold and how provincial sales tax applies. Also check wholesalers' minimum orders, shipping costs and duties on imports, and whether you need a home-based business licence if you store stock at home.