Home cinema advisor and reseller

Homeowners and condo owners building a media room, replacing a TV and sound system, or wanting someone to sort the setup for them.

Margin on equipment ordered for each customer, plus fees for consultation, setup, mounting and calibration.

• Knowledge of TVs, audio and home networking
• Clear, patient explaining
• Basic installation and cable management

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Commercial general liability insurance, including cover for work in customers' homes
• In-wall wiring or new power outlets may need a licensed electrician, so check your provincial rules
• Dealer accounts may require a business registration and a minimum purchase, so check requirements before applying
• Check provincial electronics recycling fees and GST/HST or PST registration
• Winter driving and heavy TV deliveries can limit when you can work

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, demo equipment and supplier accounts. Dealer accounts may require a business registration and a minimum purchase, so check requirements before applying.

Things to check include whether in-wall wiring or new power outlets need a licensed electrician under your provincial rules, commercial general liability cover for work in customers' homes, provincial electronics recycling fees, GST/HST or PST registration and any home-based licence.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of customers, equipment sold and setup work. The minimum time is about 10 hours a week. Winter driving and heavy TV deliveries can limit when you work.