Online hobby and model kit store

Hobbyists, collectors, parents buying gifts and crafters who cannot find a good selection in their town.

Retail markup on products you buy wholesale. Extra income can come from bundles, starter sets, pre-orders for new releases and repeat customers.

• Deep knowledge of your hobby niche
• Organizing stock and orders
• Customer service by email and chat
• Basic photography and product listings

• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check how provincial sales tax applies to your sales
• Wholesalers may require minimum orders or proof of a business, so check terms before committing
• Shipping costs, damaged parcels and returns can eat into thin margins, so price carefully
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether your home insurance covers stock
• Some items such as hobby knives, paints, glues and toy-like products may have labelling or safety rules, so check with Health Canada and your suppliers

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your opening stock, website setup and shipping supplies. These are estimates, so check wholesaler minimum orders and terms before you commit to buying stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, range and how much time you spend on listings and marketing. These are estimates, not guarantees, and shipping and returns can eat into thin margins.

Check GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold and how provincial sales tax applies. Also check wholesaler requirements, home-based licence and insurance cover for stock, and labelling or safety rules for items like hobby knives, paints, glues and toy-like products.