Violin and strings shop with repair bench

Parents of music students, school and community orchestra players, adult hobbyists, music teachers and school music programs.

Instrument and accessory sales, monthly rentals (often with a rent-to-own option), and per-job repair and set-up fees.

• Playing or knowing string instruments well
• Basic repair or luthier skills, or a repairer you can hire
• Customer service with parents and students
• Stock and cash flow management

• Stock is a big upfront cost, so start with a focused range and check supplier terms
• Commercial general liability and property insurance covering instruments in stock and on rental
• Municipal business licence and zoning for retail, and check provincial rules if you are in Quebec, including French-language signage
• Demand peaks around September school start, so plan cash flow for quieter months
• Rental instruments get damaged, so use written rental agreements and consider deposits

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000 CAD, depending on your premises, the instruments you stock and your rental fleet. Stock is a big upfront cost, so a focused range and supplier terms matter.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000 CAD, depending on sales, rentals and repair work. Demand tends to peak around September school start, so plan cash flow for quieter months.

Check your municipal business licence and zoning for retail, and French-language signage rules if you are in Quebec. Also check commercial general liability and property insurance covering instruments in stock and on rental, and use written rental agreements.