Online yarn and knitting supplies store

Hobby knitters across Canada who want choice they can't find locally, including people in smaller towns and remote areas.

Markup on yarn, tools and patterns bought wholesale, plus higher-margin items like project kits and gift sets. Shipping fees or free-shipping thresholds help cover postage.

• Knowledge of yarn and knitting
• Basic product photography
• Organised stock and order handling
• Customer service by email and social media

• Collecting and remitting GST/HST or provincial sales tax once you pass the small supplier threshold, check with the CRA and your province
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether stock storage at home is allowed
• Shipping costs and parcel damage, test packaging and compare Canada Post and courier rates
• Tying up cash in stock, start with a small range and reorder what sells
• Quebec has French-language requirements for websites and labelling, check if you sell there or are based there

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000 CAD, depending on how much yarn stock you buy, your website setup and packaging. Starting with a small range and reordering what sells helps limit cash tied up in stock.

Check with the CRA and your province about collecting GST/HST or provincial sales tax once you pass the small supplier threshold. Also check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and Quebec's French-language website and labelling rules if relevant.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000 CAD, depending on your niche, range and marketing. The estimates assume at least about 10 hours a week, and shipping costs affect your margins.