Online workwear and hi-vis store

Tradespeople, small contractors, landscapers, farms and small employers buying for themselves or their crews.

Margin between wholesale and retail price on each item, with bigger orders and repeat business from small employers adding up over time.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Knowing workwear and safety standards
• Customer service and order handling

• Check which safety standards apply to the products you sell, for example CSA-certified hi-vis garments, and that suppliers can prove compliance
• Check GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration and how tax applies to sales in different provinces
• Product labelling may need to be bilingual for sales in Quebec, check the requirements
• Returns on wrong sizes can eat into margin, set a clear returns policy
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, check what your insurer needs

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your website, how much stock you hold and whether a wholesaler ships orders for you. Price your own product range before launching.

Check which safety standards apply, such as CSA-certified hi-vis garments, and that suppliers can prove compliance. Also check GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration, whether labelling must be bilingual for Quebec sales, and what your insurer needs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, website traffic and stock. Returns on wrong sizes can eat into margin, so set a clear returns policy. Expect at least about 6 hours a week.