Online poly sheeting shop, shipped direct

Small contractors, DIY renovators, hobby and market gardeners, small farms and homeowners who want to buy standard sizes without driving to a supplier.

You sell at a markup over your wholesale price, with a clear shipping charge. Bundles, such as poly with tape and fasteners, raise the average order.

• Building a simple online store
• Product descriptions and basic marketing
• Order and supplier coordination
• Customer service by email or phone

• Shipping heavy, bulky rolls can erase your margin, so price delivery carefully by region
• Drop-shipping depends on your supplier's stock and speed, so check terms and returns in writing
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence if you store stock at home
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance, and make sure your policy covers online sales
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules and, in Quebec, French-language requirements
• Be clear about product grades and uses so customers don't buy the wrong film

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your store set-up and any stock you hold. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your products and shipping prices.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence if you store stock at home, and that your insurance covers online sales. Also check GST/HST, provincial sales tax and, in Quebec, French-language requirements.

Shipping heavy, bulky rolls can erase your margin, so price delivery carefully by region. Drop-shipping depends on your supplier's stock and speed, so check terms and returns in writing, and be clear about product grades.