Online water filter and treatment supply

Homeowners and cottage owners who fit their own systems, small businesses, farms and local plumbers who want a quick supplier.

Margin on products sold, repeat orders as filters wear out, and optional subscription reminders or bundles.

• Product knowledge and research
• Online selling and basic website setup
• Organising stock and shipping
• Writing clear buying guides

• Check whether you need a home-based business licence from your municipality
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Heavy or hazardous products such as chemicals have special shipping and storage rules, so check them before selling
• Only sell products with the right drinking water certification, and avoid health claims
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Shipping costs on heavy items like salt can wipe out margins

Estimates put startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000 CAD, depending on your opening stock, website setup, storage and insurance. Heavy items like salt add shipping costs, which can affect your margins.

Check whether you need a home-based business licence, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules. Check shipping and storage rules for heavy or hazardous products, drinking water certification for what you sell, and insurance. Avoid health claims.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $1,000 to $5,000 CAD, depending on your niche, product range and shipping costs. The time needed is estimated at around 8 hours a week or more.