Online smart device shop with home setup
Sell phones and smart home gadgets online and visit local customers to set them up.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small online store selling accessories and smart devices such as plugs, cameras, speakers and doorbells, with a paid or free local visit to set everything up. Stock is kept at home or bought to order.
Your first three steps
- Pick a small range of devices you know well and compare prices from Canadian suppliers
- Set up a simple online store and list a setup service with a clear price and service area
- Offer a few discounted setups to neighbours and local community groups to collect reviews
Who pays
Homeowners, busy families and older people who want smart devices working without the hassle.
How it makes money
Margin on products sold, plus a flat fee or hourly rate for setup visits and help sessions.
Skills that help
- Knowing smart home devices and apps
- Patient explaining
- Basic online store management
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, especially if you work inside customers' homes
- Check that devices are ISED certified for Canada and buy from reputable suppliers
- GST/HST or PST rules for online sales, and the small supplier threshold
- Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
- Provincial electronics recycling or eco fees may apply to what you sell
- Returns, warranties and shipping costs can eat into margins
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: online smart device shop with home setup
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online smart device shop in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you hold or buy to order and how you set up your online store.
How much can a smart device shop with home setup visits earn?
Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many devices you sell and how many setup visits you book. The idea starts at about 10 hours a week.
What should I check before selling and installing smart devices in Canada?
Things to check: commercial general liability insurance for work inside customers' homes; ISED certification for devices; GST/HST or PST rules and the small supplier threshold; any home-based business licence; and provincial electronics recycling or eco fees.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Online camping gear store
Sell a focused range of camping gear online and ship it across Canada from home.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online DJ gear shop
Sell DJ controllers, headphones and accessories online to hobbyists and working DJs across Canada.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Incense wholesaler for local shops
Import or source incense in bulk and supply gift shops, yoga studios and spiritual stores in your region.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- From home
Online skate shop with sharpening
Sell skates and gear online from home, and add skate sharpening for local customers.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online oriental rug dealer
Source hand-knotted rugs from trusted suppliers and sell them online to homeowners and designers across Canada.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online hardware and fixings shop
Sell a focused range of tools, fasteners or specialty supplies online, with local pickup or delivery.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online