Online maternity and nursing clothing shop

Expectant and new mothers, plus friends and family buying gifts.

You buy stock from wholesalers or small brands and sell it at a markup. Some stores also offer gift cards and bundles such as a hospital-bag set.

• Choosing stock that fits real needs
• Online selling and basic photography
• Friendly, patient customer service

• Registering for GST/HST and checking provincial sales tax rules once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Clothing labelling rules in Canada, including fibre content and care labels, so check the requirements before importing or reselling
• If you sell to Quebec customers, check French-language requirements for your website and product information
• Returns and sizing problems, which can eat into profit, so write a clear returns policy
• Seasonal stock: winter coats and summer clothing sell at different times, so avoid over-ordering

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on how much opening stock you buy, how you build your website and photography, and the range of sizes and styles you carry.

Check GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules once you pass the small supplier threshold. Also check Canadian clothing labelling requirements, including fibre content and care labels, and French-language requirements if you sell to Quebec customers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500 CAD, depending on your stock range, marketing and seasonal demand. Returns and sizing problems can eat into profit, so a clear returns policy is worth writing early.