Online pond supplies with local pickup

Backyard pond hobbyists, homeowners adding a water feature, landscapers and garden clubs in your region.

Margin on products sold, plus extras like pond opening and closing kits, bundled starter packages and seasonal plant sales.

• Knowing how ponds and filtration work
• Online selling and photography
• Inventory and order management
• Customer advice by message or phone

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance covers stock stored at home
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or allows stock storage at home
• Check federal and provincial rules on selling aquatic plants and live fish, as some species are restricted because they are invasive
• Collect GST/HST and any provincial sales tax once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Heavy, bulky items like liners and pumps can make shipping costly, so test delivery prices first
• Sales peak in spring and summer and drop sharply over winter, so plan cash flow

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you carry and your storage. Check whether your home insurance covers stock kept at home, and consider commercial general liability insurance.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on range, pricing and delivery options. Sales peak in spring and summer and drop sharply over winter, so plan cash flow.

Check federal and provincial rules on selling aquatic plants and live fish, as some species are restricted because they are invasive. Also check municipal home-based business and stock storage rules, and collect GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold.