Online handbag store

Individual shoppers across Canada, often women and gift buyers, who find you through social media, search or word of mouth.

You buy bags at wholesale and sell at retail, keeping the difference after shipping, platform fees and returns. Bundles and gift sets can raise the average order.

• An eye for style and trends
• Social media and product photography
• Order handling and customer service

• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check how provincial sales tax applies to online sales
• Check supplier authenticity: selling counterfeit or look-alike designer bags can lead to legal trouble
• Factor in shipping costs, duties on imported stock and returns when setting prices
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence if you store stock at home

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on whether you hold stock or use a dropship supplier, and how much you spend on your website and photography. Shipping, duties and returns also affect pricing.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $4,000, depending on your range, pricing and how well you reach shoppers through social media and search. Shipping costs, duties on imported stock and returns can reduce what you keep.

Check when to register for GST/HST and how provincial sales tax applies to online sales. Check your suppliers are authentic, since counterfeit or look-alike designer bags can cause legal trouble, and check for a home-based business licence if you store stock at home.