Metal detecting and outdoor hobby shop

Local and regional detectorists, beginners looking for a first machine, outdoor enthusiasts and gift buyers.

Margin on detectors and accessories, plus income from beginner workshops, repairs or servicing, and online orders shipped from the shop.

• Strong product knowledge and teaching beginners
• Retail basics: stock control, pricing, till work
• Building a local community of hobbyists

• Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules for your location
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Stock is expensive to hold, and a few high-priced detectors can tie up a lot of cash
• Check dealer agreements, duties and sales tax registration (GST/HST or provincial)
• Metal detecting rules vary by province and municipality, and it is banned in places like national parks, so advise customers to check local rules
• Demand is seasonal, with winter likely to be quiet outside the gift season, so plan for that
• Quebec has French-language requirements for signage and products

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on the premises, how much stock you hold and your demo area. A few high-priced detectors can tie up a lot of cash, so budget for stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on location, range and customer base. The estimate assumes at least about 30 hours a week. Winter is likely to be quiet outside the gift season.

Check your municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules, plus insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire. Also check dealer agreements, sales tax registration, Quebec French-language requirements, and tell customers to check local metal detecting rules.