Handmade metalware from a home studio

Gift shoppers, home decor buyers, craft fair visitors and online customers looking for handmade, locally made pieces.

Direct sales through your own website, online marketplaces and seasonal craft markets. Custom orders, such as house numbers or engraved gifts, can earn a higher price per piece.

• Basic metalworking, such as cutting, bending, finishing or welding
• Product design and consistent quality
• Photography and online selling
• Pricing for materials and time

• Check your municipality's rules on home-based businesses, including noise, zoning and whether a licence is needed
• Check your home insurance, as it may not cover tools, stock or business activity, and consider commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Welding, grinding and cutting need proper ventilation, fire safety and protective gear
• Items used with food should use food-safe metals and finishes, so check the requirements before selling them
• Register your business name with your province and check whether you need to register for GST/HST once revenue grows

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the tools, equipment and materials you buy. These are estimates, so your own figure will vary with your setup, the products you make and how much stock you build up at the start.

Check your municipality's rules on home-based businesses, including noise, zoning and whether a licence is needed. Also check your home insurance, food-safe requirements for kitchen items, and whether to register your business name and for GST/HST as revenue grows.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on what you make, your prices and where you sell. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for materials and your time. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week.