Online water ski and wakeboard gear store

Recreational skiers, wakeboarders, cottage owners and parents buying for teens, mostly in provinces with lots of lakes.

Margin on gear and accessories sold online, with extra income from bundles such as a ski, rope and gloves package.

• Setting up and running an online store
• Product knowledge and clear writing
• Order handling and customer service

• Seasonal sales that peak in spring and summer
• Shipping costs and returns on large items, which can eat into margin
• Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules for online sales across provinces
• Check whether brands restrict online selling or set minimum advertised prices
• Check any local rules for running a home-based business, and whether you need a business licence
• Product liability and commercial general liability insurance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your store setup and whether suppliers ship orders directly. Shipping and returns on large items can eat into your margin.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range, marketing and the time of year. Sales peak in spring and summer, and shipping costs on large items can reduce your margin.

Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules for selling across provinces, whether brands restrict online selling or set minimum advertised prices, and whether you need a business licence for a home-based business. Also look at product liability insurance.