Online novelty and gag gift shop

Online shoppers hunting for unusual gifts, such as secret Santa and birthday presents, and people buying for office or party jokes.

You sell products at a markup through a web shop or marketplace, and may add gift bundles or themed boxes. Shipping charges can offset part of your postage costs.

• Product sourcing
• Basic photography and listings
• Social media marketing
• Packing and order handling

• Check whether your municipality needs a home-based business licence
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check how provincial sales tax applies to online sales
• Check product safety and labelling rules for toys and gadgets, including French labelling if you sell in Quebec
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check what your home insurance covers
• Shipping costs and returns can eat into margins, so price carefully
• Avoid selling items that infringe trademarks or copyright, such as unlicensed character merchandise

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your opening stock, website set-up and packing supplies. Stock is kept at home, which helps avoid premises costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your product range, marketing and order volume. Shipping costs and returns can eat into margins, so price carefully.

Check for a home-based business licence, GST/HST and how provincial sales tax applies to online sales, product safety and labelling rules including French labelling for Quebec, insurance, and avoid items that infringe trademarks or copyright.