Online party supplies store

Parents and event organizers who want themed supplies delivered, and shoppers in towns without a local party shop.

Retail margin on products sold through your website or marketplaces, plus bundled party packs that raise the average order value.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Photography and product listings
• Organizing stock and shipping
• Customer service

• Shipping costs on bulky, light items like balloons and decorations, which can eat into margin
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether you can store stock at home
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for stock
• Check Health Canada product safety rules for items sold to children
• Sales tax rules by province, including where you must charge GST/HST or PST
• Seasonality around Halloween and the holidays, and competition from big retailers

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website set-up and your storage needs. These are estimates, and a narrow niche can help you keep your first order of stock smaller.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your niche, range and how much time you put in. Shipping costs on bulky, light items can eat into margin, and sales are seasonal around Halloween and the holidays. These are estimates.

Things to check: whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and allows stock storage at home, Health Canada product safety rules for items sold to children, sales tax rules by province (GST/HST or PST), and insurance for liability and stock.