Online east asian herbal tea and remedy store

Customers across Canada who live far from a specialist shop, plus tea lovers and people who prefer to order online.

Online sales of products at a markup over wholesale prices, plus shipping fees. Subscription tea boxes and bundles can raise the average order value.

• Setting up and running an online shop
• Product photography and clear product descriptions
• Packing, shipping and stock tracking
• Customer service by email or chat

• Natural health products generally need a Health Canada licence number, so check each product and supplier before listing
• Health claims on your website and social media are tightly regulated, so check the advertising rules
• Importing products yourself brings extra licensing and border rules, so check with Health Canada and the CBSA before you do
• Home-based business rules and storage limits vary by municipality
• Commercial general liability or product liability insurance, and GST/HST registration once you pass the threshold
• Shipping costs, delays in winter and parcels damaged in transit can cut into margins

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on opening stock, website setup and storage. Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on range, marketing and order volume. Shipping costs can cut into margins.

Check that each natural health product has a Health Canada licence number, as they generally need one, and check your suppliers before listing. If you import yourself, check extra licensing and border rules with Health Canada and the CBSA. Also check advertising rules for health claims online.

Check home-based business rules and storage limits with your municipality, as they vary. Also check commercial general liability or product liability insurance, and GST/HST registration once you pass the threshold.