Online hat store with fitting guidance

Individual shoppers buying for everyday wear, winter, travel, weddings and other events, plus gift buyers.

You mark up the hats you buy wholesale and sell them at retail price. Shipping fees and add-ons such as gift wrapping or hat boxes can add a little more per order.

• Choosing stock that sells
• Product photography and listings
• Customer service and handling returns

• Register for GST/HST with the Canada Revenue Agency once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check how provincial sales tax applies to your sales
• Hats vary in size, so returns can be frequent; plan your returns policy and costs
• Check import duties and fees if buying from outside Canada, and clothing labelling rules, including bilingual labelling
• Seasonal demand: winter hats peak in autumn, sun hats in spring, so plan your cash flow and stock

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your website and product photos. Work out your stock budget first, then build the rest around it.

Check when to register for GST/HST with the Canada Revenue Agency once you pass the small supplier threshold, and how provincial sales tax applies to your sales. Also check import duties if you buy from outside Canada, and clothing labelling rules, including bilingual labelling.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your range, marketing and the season. Winter hats peak in autumn and sun hats in spring, so plan cash flow around that. You can start with roughly 8 hours a week.