Online decorating supplies store with local delivery

Homeowners doing DIY projects, small painting contractors and landlords who want supplies delivered to the job.

Margin on supplies, plus delivery fees or bundled project kits, such as everything needed to paint a bedroom. Contractors may place regular repeat orders.

• Product knowledge of painting supplies
• Online selling and basic website management
• Organising stock and orders
• Customer service

• Paint and solvents may count as dangerous goods when shipped, so check Transport Canada rules and carrier restrictions before shipping any liquid paint
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Home-based business licence and any zoning rules for storing stock at home, check with your municipality
• Safe storage of any paint stock, check fire and insurance requirements
• GST/HST registration and sales tax on online orders, which vary by province
• Heavy competition from large retailers, so focus on a niche and good service

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your opening stock, website setup, storage and whether you add paint for local delivery or pickup.

Things to check: paint and solvents may count as dangerous goods when shipped, so check Transport Canada rules and carrier restrictions. Also check fire and insurance requirements for storing stock, plus municipal zoning and home-based business licence rules.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your range, local reach and customer mix. Large retailers are heavy competition, so focusing on a niche and good service matters.