Online needlework and stitching shop

Hobby stitchers, gift buyers, crafters new to embroidery and people who want kits and supplies not stocked in big craft stores.

Profit on each item sold, usually the difference between wholesale and retail price. Curated kits, bundles and repeat orders for thread and fabric lift the average order.

• Knowledge of stitching and materials
• Product photography and listings
• Stock tracking and packing orders
• Social media or email marketing

• Check whether you need to register for GST/HST once sales pass the small supplier threshold, and how provincial sales tax applies to your sales
• Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence is needed, and whether stock storage at home is allowed
• Shipping costs and cross-border duties can eat into margins, so test your pricing
• Copyright: sell only kits and patterns you have the right to resell, and do not copy others' designs
• Tying up money in slow-selling stock, so start with a small range

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much wholesale stock you buy, your website and packing supplies. Starting with a small range avoids tying up money in slow-selling stock.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your niche, range and how many customers you reach. Shipping costs and duties can eat into margins, so test your pricing.

Check when to register for GST/HST and how provincial sales tax applies, and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence. Also check copyright: sell only kits and patterns you have the right to resell.