Small handmade gift and craft shop

Local shoppers, tourists, and gift buyers looking for something unique, plus people buying for holidays, weddings and corporate gifts.

You buy items wholesale and mark them up, or keep a share of the sale price on consignment. Workshops, custom gift sets and online orders can add extra income.

• Choosing products that sell
• Building relationships with makers
• Retail display and customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Check the commercial lease terms carefully, including length, deposits and who pays for repairs
• Check your municipality for business licence, signage and zoning rules
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance are worth getting quotes for
• Register for GST/HST when required and check your province's rules on provincial sales tax
• Write clear consignment agreements with makers about pricing, payment dates and damaged or unsold items
• Winter and the post-holiday months can be slow, so plan your cash flow
• Check WCB/WSIB rules in your province if you hire staff

Estimated startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the premises, how much fit-out and display you need, and how much stock you buy or take on consignment.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, stock and season. Winter and the post-holiday months can be slow, so plan your cash flow. The idea assumes at least about 35 hours a week.

Check the commercial lease terms, including length, deposits and repairs. Check municipal business licence, signage and zoning rules, insurance quotes, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, written consignment agreements with makers, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire staff.