Stamp and seal shop with walk-in service

Local businesses, offices, lawyers and notaries, schools, clubs and community groups, and individuals needing quick or one-off items.

Per-item sales of stamps, seals and signets, plus ink and replacement parts. Quick turnaround and regular business accounts are what keep the shop busy.

• Layout and design for stamps and seals
• Using engraving and stamp-making equipment
• Customer service at the counter
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Check your municipality for a business licence, zoning and signage rules
• Commercial lease terms, and the cost of rent compared with your likely sales
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Professional seals may need to follow rules from the relevant provincial regulator, so confirm requirements with the customer
• Do not copy government crests, official seals or trademarked logos without permission
• Collect and remit GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check French-language rules if you open in Quebec

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on your premises, engraving and stamp-making equipment, and stock. Compare your likely sales with the cost of rent before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $16,000, depending on your location, walk-in traffic and repeat business customers. A storefront is typically around 35 hours a week or more.

Things to check: municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules; commercial lease terms; insurance and WCB/WSIB once you hire; whether professional seals must follow a provincial regulator's rules; GST/HST; French-language rules in Quebec. Do not copy official crests or trademarked logos without permission.