Online linoleum and vinyl flooring store

DIY homeowners, small renovators, landlords and contractors who want flooring delivered to their door or job site.

You earn a markup on each order. Extras such as adhesive, trims and cutting-to-size services can add to the basket, and contractor accounts can bring repeat orders.

• Product knowledge of flooring types
• Online selling and basic website management
• Clear customer communication
• Organising orders and suppliers

• Heavy rolls are costly to ship, so check freight prices before you set your prices
• Returns, damage in transit and dye lot differences, so set clear policies
• Commercial general liability insurance and product liability cover, and check supplier terms
• Registering for GST/HST and provincial sales tax, with rules that differ by province
• A home-based business licence may be needed, so check with your municipality
• Quebec customers: check French-language rules for your website and materials

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your website, sample stock, any small rented storage space and how you arrange supplier delivery.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range, pricing after freight costs and how well you reach DIY homeowners, renovators and contractors. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Things to check: freight prices for heavy rolls, return and damage policies, dye lot differences, liability and product cover, GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules, any home-based licence, and Quebec French-language rules for your website.