Local stationery and office supply shop

Local small businesses, home offices, schools and parents, students, and walk-in customers who need something today.

Mark-up on products bought from wholesalers, plus extras such as printing, laminating or binding. Regular accounts with nearby businesses give steadier sales.

• Stock buying and inventory control
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and pricing

• Strong competition from big chains and online sellers, so work out what you can offer that they do not
• Lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, so read any commercial lease carefully before signing
• Registering for GST/HST, and PST or QST where your province applies it, once you pass the threshold. Check with the CRA and your province
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Municipal business licence and signage rules. In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signs and displays
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving items

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $100,000, depending on premises, fit-out and opening stock. Lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs matter, so read any commercial lease carefully before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, product range and customer mix. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for rent, stock and other running costs when planning.

Check GST/HST registration, plus PST or QST where your province applies it, with the CRA and your province. Also check your municipal business licence, signage rules and insurance. In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signs and displays.