Online outdoor gear shop

Hikers, campers, paddlers and climbers who want expert advice and hard-to-find items, often outside big city areas.

Mark-up on each product sold, plus higher-margin extras like bundles and accessories. Some suppliers offer dropshipping, which lowers stock costs but usually means thinner margins.

• Real knowledge of outdoor gear
• Basic website and photo skills
• Stock tracking and order packing
• Clear customer service

• Registering for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and checking provincial sales tax rules (PST/QST) where you sell
• Brands may set minimum orders or restrict online resale, so check dealer agreements
• Shipping costs across Canada can be high for bulky items, so test them before setting prices
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance, especially for items like stoves or safety gear

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website setup and your packing supplies. Starting with one narrow niche can help keep your opening costs lower.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you reach. That is revenue, not profit, so stock, shipping and platform costs come out of it.

Check when to register for GST/HST and how provincial sales tax (PST/QST) applies where you sell. Also check brand dealer agreements, whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and product liability and commercial general liability insurance.