Online fine pen and ink shop

Hobbyists, journalers and students, gift buyers, and small businesses ordering gifts for clients or staff.

The difference between wholesale and retail price on each item, plus extra from gift sets, engraving partners and repeat ink and refill orders.

• Knowledge of pens, nibs and inks
• Online shop setup and product photos
• Packing and customer service

• Check whether you need to register for GST/HST and how provincial sales tax applies to your sales
• Check with your municipality whether storing stock at home needs a home-based business licence
• Shipping costs and damaged parcels can eat into margins, so check courier rates and insurance
• Some brands restrict who can sell their products online, so check each supplier's terms
• Ink can leak in transit and in cold weather, so pack carefully

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much stock you buy, which brands you carry and how you set up your website and photos. A smaller, focused range keeps the starting budget lower.

Check whether you need to register for GST/HST and how provincial sales tax applies. Check with your municipality whether storing stock at home needs a home-based business licence, and review each supplier's terms, as some brands restrict who can sell their products online.

Useful skills include knowledge of pens, nibs and inks, shop setup and product photos, and careful packing. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on range and marketing, from about 8 hours a week.