Online second-hand reselling from home

Bargain hunters, vintage and collectible fans, and people looking for affordable everyday items across Canada.

You sell items for more than you paid, after marketplace fees and shipping. Profit comes from choosing items that sell and keeping sourcing costs low.

• Spotting items that resell well
• Taking clear photos and writing honest listings
• Organizing stock and packing parcels

• Registering for GST/HST once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold, check with the Canada Revenue Agency
• Rules on reselling certain items such as car seats, cribs, helmets and electronics, check Health Canada guidance
• Home-based business licence rules, check with your municipality
• Marketplace fees and shipping costs that can eat into thin margins

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200 to $1,500, depending on how much stock you buy and what packing supplies and photo equipment you need. Many resellers begin small with items found locally.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on the items you find, how often you list and how many hours you put in. Marketplace fees and shipping costs can eat into thin margins.

Check whether you must register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold (ask the Canada Revenue Agency). Also check Health Canada guidance on items like car seats, cribs, helmets and electronics, and home-based business licence rules with your municipality.