Mobile tack shop trailer
Take a tack and riding gear trailer to barns, shows and clinics where riders can try before they buy.
- C$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A trailer or van fitted out as a small tack shop, visiting boarding barns, horse shows, clinics and fairs with popular tack, grooming kit and rider gear.
Your first three steps
- Make a list of nearby shows, clinics and barns and ask organizers about vendor fees and booking dates
- Source a used trailer or cargo van and a starter range of fast-selling stock from a wholesaler
- Set up a simple online catalogue or social media page so riders can pre-order for your next visit
Who pays
Riders and owners at shows and barns, plus barn managers and coaches ordering for their students.
How it makes money
Retail sales at events and barn visits, plus special orders and fitting appointments you deliver on the next trip.
Skills that help
- Knowledge of tack and riding disciplines
- Driving and towing
- Event planning and selling face to face
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance and cover for your trailer and stock
- Vendor permits or local business licences for some events and municipalities, so check each one
- Show season is short in much of Canada, so plan winter income such as barn visits or online sales
- Collecting sales tax correctly in each province you sell in
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: mobile tack shop trailer
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile tack shop in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the trailer or van you fit out and the stock you carry. Check that insurance covers both your trailer and your stock.
How much can a mobile tack shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many barns, shows and clinics you visit. Show season is short in much of Canada, so plan winter income such as barn visits or online sales.
What permits and rules apply to a mobile tack shop in Canada?
Check whether vendor permits or local business licences are needed for each event and municipality. Also check commercial general liability insurance, and how to collect sales tax correctly in each province where you sell.
Other ways to run this business
Local tack shop near riding barns
Open a small shop selling saddlery, riding gear and grooming kit to horse owners and riders in your area.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Online tack and used tack store
Sell new and consigned used tack and riding gear online from home to riders across the country.
- C$1.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Similar retail ideas
Camping gear pop-up and rentals
Sell and rent camping gear from a seasonal stall near campgrounds, markets and events.
- C$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Jewellery exporter with stock and trade shows
Hold a curated range of Canadian jewellery and win overseas retail buyers at trade fairs.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- From home
Alterations shop on the high street
Open a small alterations shop with walk-in trade, dry cleaner partnerships and formal wear fittings.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Gas cylinder delivery and exchange round
Deliver and swap bottled gas cylinders for cottages, RV parks, farms and small businesses in your area.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Appointment-only engagement ring and repair studio
See couples and repair customers by appointment in a private studio, with lower rent than a shop front.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- From home
Mobility aid rentals with home delivery
Rent and sell wheelchairs and walkers by delivering them to homes, hospitals and hotels, with no shop to run.
- C$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Photo: jackmac34 on Pixabay