Trading card shop with play space

Local players, collectors, teens and parents, plus event entry fees from tournament players.

Retail sales of products and singles, buying and selling collections, event entry fees and table fees. Online sales can add extra income on top of the shop.

• Deep knowledge of one or more card games
• Running events and welcoming newcomers
• Buying, pricing and managing stock
• Basic bookkeeping and customer service

• Check zoning and business licence requirements with your municipality before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for stock theft and fire
• Rent and a long lease are the biggest fixed costs, so negotiate terms carefully
• Distributors may set minimum orders or sales requirements for new releases
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• If you hire staff, check WCB/WSIB and employment standards in your province
• In Quebec, check French-language rules for signage and customer service

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, play tables and opening stock. Rent and a long lease are the biggest fixed costs, so negotiate terms carefully.

Check zoning and business licence requirements with your municipality before signing a lease. Also check GST/HST and provincial sales tax, WCB/WSIB and employment standards if you hire, and French-language rules for signage and service if you open in Quebec.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock range and how many events you run. Distributors may set minimum orders for new releases, which affects cash flow.