Online surf shop with used boards and gear

Beginners buying a first board, regular surfers upgrading gear, and cold-water surfers in places like Vancouver Island, Nova Scotia, Quebec and the Great Lakes.

You earn the margin between what you pay for stock (or the consignment cut you agree with owners) and your selling price. Wetsuits, accessories and used boards usually turn over faster than new boards.

• Knowing surf gear, board types and wetsuit thicknesses
• Photography and writing good listings
• Customer service and packing parcels
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial general liability and product insurance, check what your insurer needs for selling used safety-related gear
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or a vendor permit for pop-ups
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and provincial sales tax rules (these vary by province)
• Surf demand is seasonal in much of Canada, so plan cash flow for the winter months
• Shipping large boards can be costly and awkward, so check carrier rates before promising delivery
• Be honest about board condition (dings, repairs) to avoid returns and disputes

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your opening stock, website and any pop-up setup. Buying second-hand boards and wetsuits from local surfers can keep stock costs low.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your stock, marketing and season. Surf demand is seasonal in much of Canada, so plan cash flow for the winter months.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or a vendor permit for pop-ups. Also check GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules, plus commercial general liability and product insurance, especially for used safety-related gear.