Model railway shop with a small store

Local hobbyists, collectors, families buying starter sets, and club members who want to see items before buying.

Retail margin on stock, plus sales of accessories, repair or track-laying advice, special orders, and optional online sales. Busy periods often come before the holidays and in colder months.

• Strong model railway knowledge
• Customer service and sales
• Stock buying and inventory control

• Rent and utilities are fixed costs, so check that your likely sales can cover them through slower months
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Register for GST/HST when required, and check provincial sales tax rules where you are
• Stock tied up in slow-selling items can strain cash flow, so start with a focused range
• WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules if you hire staff, which vary by province

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000 CAD, depending on your premises, stock and fit-out. Starting with a focused range helps avoid cash tied up in slow-selling items. These are estimates.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000 CAD, depending on location, range and customers. Rent and utilities are fixed costs, so check that likely sales can cover them through slower months.

Check commercial general liability and contents insurance, when to register for GST/HST and how provincial sales tax applies. If you hire staff, check WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules, which vary by province.