Start a wholesale craft exporter to overseas shops
Source handmade Canadian products in bulk and sell them to gift shops, boutiques and importers abroad.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You build a catalogue of handmade goods from several Canadian artisans and sell in larger orders to retailers and importers in other countries. You coordinate production, quality checks, packing, export paperwork and freight.
Your first three steps
- Build a small line sheet with photos, wholesale prices and minimum orders, using products from artisans you have agreed terms with
- Contact shops and importers in one target country, and try a B2B marketplace or a trade show visit before paying for a booth
- Speak to a freight forwarder or customs broker about shipping small commercial consignments and the paperwork needed
Who pays
Independent shops, museum and gift stores, online retailers and importers in the US, Europe, the UK or Asia.
How it makes money
You buy at artisan wholesale prices and sell at export wholesale prices. Your margin is the difference after freight, packaging and any agent or trade-show costs.
Skills that help
- Negotiating and relationship building
- Order tracking and organisation
- Understanding export paperwork
- Quality control
Watch out for
- Export reporting, customs documents and tariffs differ by destination, check with the Canada Border Services Agency and the importing country
- Products using wildlife materials may need CITES or other permits
- Payment risk with new overseas buyers, consider deposits or payment before shipping
- Artisans may not be able to scale up quickly, agree lead times and quality in writing
- Check how GST/HST applies to exports and whether you need a Business Number account
- Insurance for goods in transit and commercial general liability cover
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: wholesale craft exporter to overseas shops
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a craft export wholesale business?
Estimates typically put startup costs at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on samples, catalogue and website work, opening stock, packing supplies and your first export shipments.
How much revenue can a craft wholesale exporter make?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many overseas retailers you win, order sizes and what your artisans can produce. Treat these figures as estimates only.
What rules should I check before exporting crafts wholesale?
Check export reporting, customs documents and tariffs with the Canada Border Services Agency and the importing country. Also check CITES or other permits for wildlife materials, how GST/HST applies to exports, and insurance for goods in transit.
Other ways to run this business
Similar creative ideas
Home longarm quilting studio
Machine-quilt finished quilt tops for local quilters and sewers from a spare room or garage studio.
- C$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- From home
Small branding agency with a studio
Run a small team offering brand strategy, identity and rollout for growing businesses, from a shared or rented studio.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Full-time sculptor for galleries and public art
Run a rented studio, show with galleries and apply for public and corporate art commissions.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Sandblast glass etching studio
Run a small workshop etching signage, privacy glass and decor for businesses and homeowners.
- C$6k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Jewellery maker selling to shops
Produce a repeatable line from a rented studio and sell wholesale to boutiques and gift shops.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Full-time wedding photography business
Run a full-time wedding photography brand with set packages, albums and a second shooter.
- C$6k-25k
- Full-time
- Out and about