Online miniatures and dollhouse shop

Hobbyists, collectors, tabletop gamers, model makers and gift buyers looking for items that are hard to find locally.

You buy at wholesale or from makers and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from bundles, starter kits and paint or tool add-ons.

• Knowledge of the miniatures hobby
• Basic online shop setup
• Careful packing and order handling
• Customer service

• Check whether you need to register for GST/HST with the Canada Revenue Agency and how provincial sales tax applies to your sales
• Check municipal rules on running a business and storing stock at home
• Shipping costs, duties on imported stock and fragile items that arrive damaged
• Some small parts and toys have safety labelling rules, so check Health Canada requirements for products aimed at children
• Cash tied up in stock that does not sell

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your opening stock, shop setup and packing supplies. Cash can get tied up in stock that does not sell, so start with a focused range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your niche, range, hours and how well you reach hobbyists. Shipping costs and damaged fragile items can reduce what you keep. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check whether you need to register for GST/HST with the Canada Revenue Agency and how provincial sales tax applies. Also check municipal rules on running a business and storing stock at home, and Health Canada requirements for products aimed at children.