Online pottery and ceramics shop

Homeowners, gift buyers, wedding and housewarming shoppers, and people who like handmade tableware.

You buy stock at wholesale prices or take it on consignment from makers, then sell at retail price. Gift sets and seasonal collections can raise the average order.

• Eye for product and styling
• Photography and writing product descriptions
• Careful packing and order handling

• Breakage in the post: factor packaging and shipping insurance into your prices
• GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules for online sales, check with the Canada Revenue Agency and your province
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Imported items may involve customs duties and product safety rules, such as food-contact items, so check before buying
• Quiet periods after the holidays can mean uneven income

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your photography setup and your packaging supplies. Factor packaging and shipping insurance into your prices to cover breakage.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many orders you ship. Quiet periods after the holidays can mean uneven income, so plan your cash flow.

Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules with the Canada Revenue Agency and your province. Also check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and whether imported items involve customs duties or product safety rules, such as for food-contact pieces.