Online rugby shop with club kit orders

Players and parents, rugby clubs, school and university teams, and coaches buying training equipment.

Retail margin on each item sold, plus larger team orders at agreed prices. Orders of custom or branded kit can add a little extra margin.

• Knowledge of rugby and its gear
• Basic online selling and stock tracking
• Building relationships with club volunteers and coaches

• Registering for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check PST or QST rules in your province
• Import duties, shipping costs and currency swings if you buy from suppliers outside Canada
• Tying up cash in sizes and styles that do not sell, so start with a small range
• Protective gear such as headgear and mouthguards may have standards set by rugby bodies, check what your local clubs require
• Rugby is seasonal in most of Canada, so plan for slower winter months
• Quebec businesses should check French-language requirements for websites and labelling
• Commercial general liability insurance, and a municipal licence if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your suppliers and your website setup. Starting with a small range can help keep your cash tied up in stock lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your range, how many club and school orders you win, and the season. Treat this as an estimate rather than a promise.

Check GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, plus PST or QST rules in your province. Also check import duties and shipping costs if you buy from outside Canada, and what protective gear standards your local clubs require.