Online gift wrap and packaging store

Gift givers, wedding and party planners, and small businesses such as Etsy sellers and boutiques that need packaging for orders.

Margin on each product sold, plus higher-value bundles and bulk packs for small businesses. Orders usually peak in the holiday season.

• Choosing products that sell
• Organising stock and orders
• Basic online selling and photography
• Customer service

• Check whether you need a home-based business licence from your municipality, and whether home storage of stock is allowed
• Check when you must register for GST/HST and how provincial sales tax (PST or QST) applies to you
• Bulky, light items can cost a lot to ship, so test your pricing before you promise free shipping
• Seasonal demand means stock bought for the holidays can sit unsold, so order cautiously
• If you sell in Quebec, check the French-language requirements for your website and products

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy in bulk, your website setup and packing supplies. Order cautiously, since seasonal stock can sit unsold.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your product range, pricing and customers. It can start at around 8 hours a week. Demand is seasonal, and bulky, light items can cost a lot to ship.

Check whether you need a home-based business licence and whether home storage of stock is allowed. Check when to register for GST/HST and how PST or QST applies. If you sell in Quebec, check French-language requirements for your website and products.