Handmade wooden toy maker

Parents, grandparents and gift buyers at craft fairs and online, plus a few independent toy and gift shops.

Direct sales at retail prices through markets and an online shop, with some wholesale orders at a lower price per item to local stores.

• Woodworking and finishing
• Product design with children in mind
• Photographing and listing products
• Basic bookkeeping

• Toys sold in Canada must meet federal product safety rules (check Health Canada's Consumer Product Safety information, including limits on small parts and on chemicals and finishes)
• Product liability insurance, as many markets and retailers ask for proof of cover
• Home-based business licence and zoning, plus noise and dust rules for workshops (check with your municipality)
• Highly seasonal sales, with a big rush before the winter holidays and quieter months after
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the tools, materials and workshop setup you need. Product liability insurance is another cost to plan for, as many markets and retailers ask for proof of cover.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many toys you make and sell at markets and online. Sales are highly seasonal, with a big rush before the winter holidays.

Check Health Canada's Consumer Product Safety information, including limits on small parts and on chemicals and finishes. Also check your home-based business licence, zoning, and noise and dust rules with your municipality, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.