Online stamp and collecting supplies shop

Hobbyist collectors, people returning to the hobby, and those who have inherited a collection and want to fill gaps or sell on.

You sell stamps and supplies for more than you paid. Stock comes from buying collections, auctions and suppliers. Your margin comes from sorting, describing and pricing items well. You can also earn from valuing or buying collections.

• Knowing stamps and how to spot condition and faults
• Clear photography and listing descriptions
• Patient sorting and record keeping

• Forgeries and misdescribed stamps: only sell what you can describe honestly, and offer returns
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check your provincial sales tax rules
• Insurance for stock and parcels in the post, plus commercial general liability insurance if you attend shows
• Tying money up in slow-selling stock, so buy carefully at first

Estimates suggest startup costs typically sit around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, the supplies you carry and how you set up your site.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and when to register for GST/HST and provincial sales tax. Only sell stamps you can describe honestly, as forgeries and misdescriptions are a risk, and check insurance for stock and parcels.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on your stock, listings and any shows you attend. The estimate starts from about 8 hours a week. Buy carefully at first to avoid tying money up in slow-selling stock.