Online futon and sofa bed store

Renters, students, families furnishing a spare room, and cottage or short-term rental owners who prefer to order online.

Markup on products plus add-ons like covers and bedding. Shipping is either built into prices or charged separately.

• Setting up and running an online store
• Product photos and clear descriptions
• Customer service by email and chat

• Bulky shipping costs can wipe out margins, check quotes before setting prices
• Check how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply to online sales across provinces
• Return and damage policies, since large items are costly to send back
• Product liability insurance, and check labelling rules for mattresses and upholstered items
• Quebec customers may expect French-language information, check your obligations if you sell there

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $15,000, depending on your website, stock arrangements and storage space. Bulky shipping costs can wipe out margins, so check quotes before setting prices.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you reach. Return and damage costs on large items can reduce what you keep.

Check how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply to online sales across provinces. Also check mattress and upholstered item labelling rules, product liability insurance, return and damage policies, and French-language obligations if you sell in Quebec.