Online medical textbook store

Medical, nursing and pharmacy students, residents, practising clinicians, and researchers or libraries.

Margin on each book sold. Used books carry a higher margin, new books sell in larger volumes. Buying back used copies from students can build a steady supply of stock.

• Basic online store setup
• Knowing editions and which ones courses require
• Careful packing and shipping
• Customer service

• Editions go out of date quickly, so avoid overstocking older titles
• Check the rules on selling international or reprint editions and never sell counterfeit copies
• Check whether you need a Business Number and to register for GST/HST, and your municipality's rules for home-based businesses
• Shipping costs on heavy books can eat the margin, so check your rates before setting prices
• Digital textbooks and rental options compete for the same buyers

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how much new and used stock you buy, and how you set up your online store and packing supplies.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range, pricing and customer reach. Heavy books can mean high shipping costs, so check rates before setting prices.

Check whether you need a Business Number and GST/HST registration, and your municipality's rules for home-based businesses. Also check the rules on international or reprint editions, never sell counterfeit copies, and avoid overstocking older editions.