Online glassware and gift shop

Households furnishing a kitchen or dining space, gift shoppers, wedding and housewarming buyers, and small cafés or bars buying in small quantities.

You buy at wholesale and sell at a retail markup. Gift sets, engraved or personalized pieces and bundles raise the average order value.

• Choosing products that sell
• Product photography and listing writing
• Careful packing and order handling
• Customer service

• Breakage in transit: use strong packaging and check carrier insurance and claims rules
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check how provincial sales taxes apply to online sales
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence if you store stock at home
• Product liability insurance is worth checking, especially for items used for drinking
• Imported goods may involve duties and import rules, so check with the Canada Border Services Agency
• Gift buying peaks in the fall and winter, so plan stock and cash flow around that

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,000 CAD, depending on how much stock you buy, your website setup and packaging supplies. Treat this as an estimate and plan your own budget.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $4,000 CAD, depending on your range, pricing, marketing and how well you handle the fall and winter gift season. These are estimates only, and revenue is not profit.

Check GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, and how provincial sales tax applies. Also check whether your municipality needs a home-based business licence, product liability insurance, and import duties through the Canada Border Services Agency.