Questions, answered
The things people email me about most — importing, GST, registering a business, and how this site works.
Do I need to register my business to start in Canada?
Whether you need to register — and which structure to choose — depends on your situation. Sole proprietorship, partnership and incorporation have different ownership, administration, tax-reporting and liability considerations. The appropriate choice depends on your business activities, owners, risks and plans. Compare the options and obtain professional advice when needed.
When do I need to register for GST/HST?
What is “landed cost” and why does it matter?
Landed cost includes the permanent costs of bringing saleable products to your location, such as product cost, freight, duty, brokerage and destination charges. Import GST may be potentially recoverable for eligible registrants with the required documentation, but it still affects cash flow at import.
How much does it cost to start a small business in Canada?
Do I need a business licence for an online store?
What’s the best way to pay overseas suppliers?
Do I need a customs broker to import?
A customs broker can help prepare declarations, estimate duties and taxes and clear shipments. The importer remains responsible for the accuracy of the classification and information submitted.
Are the tools you recommend affiliate links?
How often will you email me if I subscribe?
What is the Product Business Starter Toolkit?
The Product Business Starter Toolkit — Canada Edition is a CAD $5 digital product for Canadian product businesses, ecommerce founders and first-time importers. It includes a 38-page printable toolkit, a Startup Budget Calculator, Product Pricing Calculator, Landed-Cost Calculator, 16 email templates and 25 AI prompts. Download access is provided after successful payment.
What is the First Import Starter Pack?
The First Import Starter Pack — Canada is a practical CAD $19 workbook for planning your first commercial shipment: CARM setup, HS-code research, supplier specifications, product-compliance research, freight quotes, landed costs, customs documents and receiving. It’s for founders who’ve found a supplier and need to organize everything before paying a deposit.
What’s the difference between the CAD $5 Toolkit and the CAD $19 First Import Starter Pack?
The CAD $5 Product Business Starter Toolkit helps you plan the whole product business — validation, budget, pricing, suppliers, ecommerce and launch. The CAD $19 First Import Starter Pack is focused on preparing an actual commercial import shipment — CARM, classification, suppliers, freight, documents, landed cost and receiving. Start with the $5 toolkit if you’re building the business; add the $19 pack when you’re preparing a real shipment.
Get the Supplier Due Diligence Checklist
Vet overseas suppliers before you send money — plus one practical email a month, with occasional important updates. Unsubscribe anytime.