Online sports card seller

Hockey, baseball, basketball and football card collectors, players chasing particular cards, and people looking to sell old collections.

You earn the gap between what you pay for cards and what you sell them for, after marketplace fees, shipping and grading costs.

• Knowing card values and market trends
• Photographing and listing items clearly
• Careful packing and shipping
• Good record keeping

• Fake or altered cards and trimmed vintage, learn to spot them before spending big
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, check with the CRA
• Home-based business licence rules in your municipality
• Shipping losses and cross-border costs such as duties and customs on US sales, check carrier rules and consider insurance
• Card prices can swing quickly, so avoid tying up all your cash in stock

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy and what you spend on supplies, packing and listing. Card prices can swing quickly, so avoid tying up all your cash.

Check GST/HST registration with the CRA once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and home-based business licence rules in your municipality. For US sales, check duties, customs and carrier rules, and consider shipping insurance.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your stock, pricing and how often you list or attend card shows. The estimate assumes at least 8 hours a week.