Online specialist metalware and fittings shop

Hobbyists, small workshops, farms, builders and homeowners who can't find the right item locally, including customers in rural and remote areas.

Markup on each product sold, plus shipping charges. Bundles, kits and trade pricing for repeat buyers help raise order values.

• Product knowledge in your niche
• Online selling and basic photography
• Order handling and shipping

• Heavy items can make shipping costly, so check courier rates before pricing
• Check sales tax registration and how GST/HST, PST or QST apply to online sales
• Product liability insurance, and check if your home insurance covers stock
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Certified products may be required for some fittings, so check before listing them
• In Quebec, check French-language rules for your website and labelling

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you hold stock at home or have a distributor ship orders, and on your website. Heavy items can make shipping costly, so check courier rates first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your niche, product range and pricing. The estimate is for at least about 10 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.

Check sales tax registration and how GST/HST, PST or QST apply to online sales, plus product liability insurance and whether home insurance covers stock. Also check home-based business licence rules, whether some fittings must be certified, and French-language rules in Quebec.