Start a point-of-sale display business from home

Small local brands, craft producers, independent retailers and market sellers who want their products to stand out on shelves and counters.

A price per display or per batch, with a design fee for custom work. Repeat orders come as brands restock stores.

• Woodworking or craft fabrication
• Simple design and sketching
• Costing and quoting small runs

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or allows workshop use at your address
• Noise, dust and fumes affecting neighbours, and storage of paint or finishes
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance covers business use
• Winter garage temperatures affecting glue, paint and your own comfort
• Large orders may outgrow a home space

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000 CAD, depending on the tools, materials and workshop setup you need. Large orders may outgrow a home space, so keep that in mind as you plan.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000 CAD, depending on how many local brands and retailers you serve and the size of each run. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or allows workshop use at your address. Also check noise, dust and fumes affecting neighbours, paint storage, and whether your home insurance covers business use alongside liability insurance.