Online hardware and fixings shop

DIYers, small contractors and renovators who want a better range or clearer advice than a general store offers.

Margin on products sold, often with bundles and kits (for example a complete deck hardware pack) that raise the average order value.

• Product knowledge in your chosen niche
• Online shop setup and basic marketing
• Packing, shipping and customer service

• Shipping paint, aerosols, fuels and similar items may fall under dangerous goods rules, so check Transport Canada and carrier restrictions
• Heavy items and metal fasteners can make shipping costs eat your margin
• Sales tax rules vary by province, so check GST/HST, PST and QST once you pass the small supplier threshold
• A home-based business licence may be needed from your municipality, and stock storage at home may have limits
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, especially for safety-related items
• Bilingual product information may be required if you sell into Quebec, so check the rules

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your niche, the stock you hold and how you set up your web shop. Heavy items and metal fasteners can make shipping costs eat into your margin.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your niche, range and how many orders you ship. Shipping costs on heavy items can reduce what you keep, so factor them into your pricing.

Shipping paint, aerosols, fuels and similar items may fall under dangerous goods rules, so check Transport Canada and carrier restrictions. Also check sales tax rules by province, home-based business licences, stock storage limits, insurance, and bilingual product information if you sell into Quebec.