Home-Based lingerie wholesaler for small shops

Independent lingerie and clothing boutiques, bridal and gift shops, spas, and small online sellers who want a range without buying direct from overseas makers.

You buy at a factory or wholesale price and sell at a higher wholesale price, with minimum order sizes. Your margin has to cover shipping, storage, returns and any payment fees.

• Spotting styles and sizes that sell
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Inventory tracking and basic bookkeeping
• Building relationships with shop owners

• Check Canadian textile labelling rules (fibre content, care and dealer identification) with the Competition Bureau before you sell
• If you import, check customs duties, import rules and whether you need a CBSA business number import/export account
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules for resale
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and whether stock stored at home is covered by your home insurance
• Unsold stock and size or style returns can tie up your cash, so start with small orders

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your catalogue or platform setup, and shipping supplies. Starting with small orders helps limit the cash tied up in unsold stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range, how many shops you supply and how often they reorder. The estimate assumes at least 10 hours a week.

Check Canadian textile labelling rules with the Competition Bureau, and customs duties and a CBSA import/export account if you import. Also check GST/HST, provincial sales tax for resale, home-based business licensing and your home insurance.