Independent hi-fi and speaker shop

Music lovers, home cinema buyers, and households upgrading from basic speakers who want advice rather than a big-box shelf.

Margin on equipment and cables, plus paid delivery, installation and setup. Some shops add trade-ins or service work.

• Strong product knowledge of audio gear
• Patient, advice-led selling
• Stock buying and cash flow control

• Brand dealer agreements may set minimum orders, pricing rules or territory limits, so read them carefully
• Stock ties up a lot of cash, and big retailers and online sellers can undercut prices
• Check municipal business licence and zoning rules, plus commercial general liability and stock insurance
• Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, and any electronics recycling fees in your province
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signage, packaging and your website

Estimates are typically around $30,000 to $150,000 to start, depending on your premises, demo area and how much stock you carry. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so plan cash flow carefully before you buy.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your range, location and how well you compete on advice. Estimates assume at least about 35 hours a week. Big retailers and online sellers can undercut prices.

Things to check: brand dealer agreements, which may set minimum orders, pricing rules or territory limits; municipal business licence and zoning; liability and stock insurance; GST/HST and provincial sales tax; electronics recycling fees; and French-language rules in Quebec.