Reptile expo and supplies seller

Keepers and curious beginners who attend reptile shows, plus local hobbyists who find you online.

Margin on animals and supplies sold at each event or pickup. Table fees and travel come out of that, and repeat buyers follow you from show to show.

• Reptile husbandry
• Selling face to face
• Record keeping for animals and sales
• Safe transport of live animals

• Municipal limits on keeping and selling exotic animals from a home, and whether you need a home-based business licence
• Provincial restrictions on certain species, and any permits for regulated or imported animals
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether event organizers require proof of cover
• Animal welfare during winter travel, since cold cars can be dangerous for reptiles
• Selling live animals online or by shipping has welfare and legal risks, so check carriers' policies and your provincial rules first
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your starting animals, enclosures, table fees and transport gear. Check whether event organizers require proof of insurance.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many expos you attend, your stock and local demand. The estimates assume about 8 hours a week or more.

Check municipal limits on keeping and selling exotic animals at home, any home-based business licence, and provincial species restrictions or permits. Also check carriers' policies and provincial rules before selling live animals online or by shipping.