Local tennis specialty shop

Club and recreational players, parents buying for juniors, coaches and clubs ordering balls or gear.

Retail margin on equipment and clothing, stringing and service fees, and bulk orders from coaches, schools and clubs.

• Product knowledge and fitting advice
• Retail stock buying and cash management
• Racket stringing
• Customer service

• Stock is a large upfront cost, and unsold seasonal clothing can tie up cash
• Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• Register for GST/HST (and PST or QST where it applies), and check Quebec French-language rules for signage if relevant
• Winter slows outdoor play in much of Canada, so consider indoor court partnerships and lessons-linked sales
• Competition from large sporting goods chains and online sellers

Estimates suggest startup costs of typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, fit-out and opening stock. Stock is a large upfront cost, and unsold seasonal clothing can tie up cash.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location, range and competition. Expect full-time hours, at least about 40 a week. Winter slows outdoor play in much of Canada.

Check municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules before signing a lease. Also check commercial liability and property insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, GST/HST and PST or QST, and French-language signage rules in Quebec.