Online scale model kit shop

Scale modelling hobbyists, collectors, gift buyers and members of local modelling clubs who can't find a good range nearby.

You buy at wholesale and sell at retail, earning a margin on each kit and accessory. Paints and tools bring repeat orders, and shipping is charged on top.

• Knowledge of scale modelling brands and scales
• Basic online store setup
• Organized stock and order handling
• Friendly, knowledgeable customer service

• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check how provincial sales taxes apply to online sales
• Check cross-border duties, customs and shipping costs if you import stock from US or overseas suppliers
• Some distributors require a business number and proof of a retail operation before opening an account
• Check the home-based business rules with your municipality if you store stock at home
• Shipping paints and glues can involve restrictions on flammable goods, so check carrier rules
• Large brands may restrict discounting or marketplace selling, so read supplier agreements

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you hold at home, how you set up your website and whether you add a supplier drop-ship range later.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, whether you sell on your own site and marketplaces, and how many hours you put in. A starting point is about 8 hours a week.

Check when to register for GST/HST and how provincial sales taxes apply to online sales. Also check import duties and customs, carrier rules on shipping flammable paints and glues, home-based business rules, and supplier agreements.