Online wallpaper store with sample service

Homeowners and renters doing decor projects, small decorators and designers who want to order for clients.

Margin on each order, plus sample fees and add-on sales such as paste, primer and tools.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Product photography and descriptions
• Customer service by email or chat
• Eye for design trends

• Register for GST/HST, PST or QST where required, and check how sales tax applies to online sales in other provinces
• Batch and colour matching, so confirm exact quantities before ordering, because wrong-batch orders are costly
• Shipping costs across large distances and in winter, plus damage in transit
• Duties and currency costs if you import from outside Canada
• Quebec customers may expect French-language service and website content, check the rules
• Commercial general liability insurance and product liability cover, check with a broker

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your website setup, how much stock you hold and whether suppliers ship direct. Treat this as an estimate and price your own plan carefully before spending.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range, marketing and how many orders you win. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for product, shipping and other costs. Plan for at least 10 hours a week.

Check whether you need to register for GST/HST, PST or QST and how sales tax applies to other provinces. Also check insurance with a broker, and Quebec French-language expectations for customer service and website content.