Jewellery maker selling to shops
Produce a repeatable line from a rented studio and sell wholesale to boutiques and gift shops.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A full-time jewellery line made in a small rented studio or shared workshop, with consistent designs, batch production and line sheets for retailers.
Your first three steps
- Build a tight collection of 15 to 25 pieces with wholesale and retail prices worked out
- Create a simple line sheet and lookbook, then pitch ten local shops
- Look at renting a shared studio or bench space before committing to your own unit
Who pays
Independent boutiques, gift shops, galleries and museum shops, plus some direct customers online or by commission.
How it makes money
Wholesale orders are usually priced at about half of retail. Reorders from shops build steady income, topped up by direct sales and custom work at full retail price.
Skills that help
- Solid metalworking and finishing skills
- Batch production and costing
- Pitching to shops and managing orders
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for tools and precious metals stock
- Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for a studio or workshop
- Metal prices can change quickly, so review your pricing regularly
- Shops may pay late or order on consignment, so set clear payment terms
- Register for GST/HST when required, and check provincial sales tax rules for your province
- Check provincial WCB/WSIB rules before you hire any help
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: jewellery maker selling to shops
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a wholesale jewellery studio?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000 CAD, depending on studio rent, tools, precious metal stock and insurance. Shops may order on consignment, so allow for cash tied up in stock.
What insurance and rules should I check for a jewellery studio?
Check commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for tools and metal stock. Also check municipal zoning and business licence rules for a studio, GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules, and WCB/WSIB rules before hiring help.
How much can a jewellery maker earn selling wholesale?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $2,000 to $10,000 CAD, depending on how many shops stock your line and your pricing. Metal prices can change quickly and shops may pay late, so set clear payment terms.
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