Online and market variety store

Budget-minded households, students, new renters and market shoppers looking for useful low-priced items.

You buy in bulk, sell at a markup and add small delivery or pickup fees where suitable. Bundles such as kitchen starter packs or seasonal sets can raise the average order.

• Sourcing and pricing stock
• Taking clear product photos
• Order handling and packing

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and whether your lease or condo rules allow stock storage and deliveries
• Register for GST/HST (or the Quebec equivalents) once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Market stalls often need a vendor permit and liability insurance, so check with each organizer
• Check Health Canada rules for products such as children's items, electrical goods or chemicals before you sell them
• Shipping costs and returns can cut into thin margins, so price them in from the start
• Stock sold in Quebec may need French labelling, so check with the provincial regulator

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,000 to $5,000 CAD, depending on your opening stock, how you set up your online shop and what market stall gear you need. Price shipping and returns in from the start.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your product range, pricing and how many markets you attend. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week, including packing and photos.

Check for a municipal home-based business licence, and whether your lease or condo rules allow stock storage and deliveries. Also check market vendor permits and insurance, GST/HST registration, Health Canada rules for items like children's products, and Quebec labelling rules.