Pond and water garden supply shop

Pond hobbyists, homeowners with water features, landscapers and contractors who buy supplies for installations.

Retail margin on products and plants, trade accounts with landscapers, and extras such as custom-cut liners, seasonal maintenance kits and equipment repairs.

• Strong knowledge of pond systems and water quality
• Retail and stock management
• Customer service and advice
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check with your municipality about business licences, zoning and signage
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for stock
• Check rules on live fish and aquatic plants, including restrictions on invasive species and any health or import requirements in your province
• Register for GST/HST and any provincial sales tax, and check WCB/WSIB rules before hiring staff
• Strong seasonality: winter months can be very slow, so budget for a long quiet period
• Live plants and fish can die or spoil, so plan how much to order

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on premises, stock and fit-out. Live plants and fish can die or spoil, so plan how much to order.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, range and season. Winter months can be very slow, so budget for a long quiet period.

Check with your municipality about business licences, zoning and signage. Also check rules on live fish and aquatic plants, including invasive species restrictions and any provincial health or import requirements, and register for GST/HST. Check WCB/WSIB rules before hiring.