Ceramics and pottery shop

Homeowners, gift shoppers, tourists, and people furnishing a kitchen or dining table.

You mark up stock bought wholesale, or take pieces from local makers on consignment. Gift sets, seasonal ranges and special orders can add to sales.

• Buying and choosing a good range
• Customer service and selling
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Commercial lease terms and deposits, get advice before signing
• Municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Strong seasonality, with the holiday season often the busiest and winter months slower
• Register for GST/HST once required, and check provincial sales tax rules
• WCB/WSIB coverage and payroll rules if you hire staff, which vary by province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, fit-out and opening stock. Get advice on commercial lease terms and deposits before signing, as these can significantly affect your costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, range and opening hours. The holiday season is often the busiest and winter months slower, and the shop typically needs at least 35 hours a week.

Check your municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules, and register for GST/HST once required while checking provincial sales tax rules. Also look into commercial general liability and contents insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage and payroll rules if you hire staff.