Online woodworking supplies store

Hobby woodworkers, small workshops, joiners and makers who want products big stores don't stock or explain well.

Profit on each item sold (the gap between wholesale and retail price), plus extra from bundles such as starter kits and finishing sets.

• Knowing woodworking tools and finishes
• Basic website and product photography skills
• Stock tracking and order packing

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules for where your customers live
• Shipping heavy items and liquids such as finishes and solvents may have carrier restrictions, check dangerous goods rules
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, check what your insurer needs
• Tying up cash in stock that sells slowly, start small

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on how much stock you buy and how you build your website. Starting small helps, since cash tied up in slow-selling stock is a risk.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000 CAD, depending on your niche, product range and how many orders you ship. Expect to spend at least about 10 hours a week on it.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold. Also check provincial sales tax rules, carrier restrictions on shipping finishes and solvents, and insurance such as product liability.