Online swimwear boutique

Shoppers across Canada buying for holidays, pool and lake days, lessons and sport, and people heading south in winter.

You buy stock from wholesalers or makers and sell at a mark-up, with extra from bundles such as cover-ups and accessories. Sales are strongest in spring and early summer, with another bump before winter travel.

• Choosing products and sizing ranges
• Product photography and online listings
• Customer service and handling returns

• Check how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply to your online sales and when to register
• Check Canadian textile labelling rules, including bilingual labels, if you import or make your own stock
• Swimwear returns are often limited for hygiene reasons, so state your policy clearly
• Imported stock may bring duties and longer shipping times, so budget for both
• Check whether your municipality needs a home-based business licence and whether your home insurance covers stock

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your site and photography. Treat this as an estimate and budget for shipping and duties.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your range, marketing and repeat buyers. Plan for at least about 10 hours a week. Clear return policies help, since swimwear returns are often limited.

Check how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply to your online sales and when to register. Check Canadian textile labelling rules, including bilingual labels, if you import or make stock. Also check home-based business licence rules and whether your home insurance covers stock.