Online lighting store

Homeowners, renters, decorators and small businesses who prefer to browse and buy lighting online.

You earn the margin between wholesale (or dropship) cost and your retail price. Bundles, bulbs and accessories can raise the average order value.

• Product photography and clear descriptions
• Online store setup and basic marketing
• Customer service by email or chat
• Handling fragile shipments and returns

• Check that every electrical product is certified for the Canadian market (for example CSA or cUL), especially if you import
• Fragile items mean breakage and returns, so check packaging and carrier insurance
• Register for GST/HST and check PST or QST rules for online sales into each province
• If you sell to Quebec, check the French-language requirements for your site and product information
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence if you store stock at home
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance, since faulty fixtures can cause harm
• Shipping cost and long distances can cut into margin, so test your prices

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your website, product photography, how much stock you hold, and whether items ship from a supplier or from your home.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your niche, pricing, marketing and how many orders you handle. Shipping costs can cut into margin, so test your prices.

Check that every electrical product is certified for the Canadian market, such as CSA or cUL, especially if you import. Also check GST/HST, PST and QST rules, French-language requirements for Quebec, shipping insurance, and product liability cover.