Online rice and grains store

Households that can't easily find specialty varieties nearby, plus home cooks who want bulk sacks delivered to the door.

Margin on each order, with subscriptions or repeat bulk orders and bundles (like a sushi or curry rice set) raising order size.

• Setting up an online store
• Basic product photography and writing
• Packing and shipping logistics
• Stock planning

• Rice is heavy, so shipping costs can wipe out margin; test prices and carriers first
• Repackaging food at home may not be allowed or may need a licensed space, so check with your public health unit and municipality
• Check whether CFIA licensing or labelling rules apply, especially if you import or sell across provincial borders
• Collecting and remitting GST/HST or provincial sales tax once you pass the threshold
• Product liability insurance for food sold online

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the stock you buy, how you set up your online store and your packing and shipping arrangements.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you reach. Rice is heavy, so test prices and carriers first, as shipping costs can wipe out margin.

Check whether repackaging food at home is allowed or needs a licensed space, with your public health unit and municipality. Also check CFIA licensing and labelling rules if you import or sell across provincial borders, and GST/HST or provincial sales tax once you pass the threshold.