This checklist covers the practical setup steps for a Canadian print on demand business. It is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Business basics
- Decide your business structure. Many people start as a sole proprietor.
- Check your provincial rules on registering a business name if you use a name other than your own.
- Learn the GST/HST small supplier rules from the CRA website and track your sales so you know when registration becomes required.
- Open a separate bank account for the shop to keep records clean.
Shop setup
- Choose a print provider and order samples.
- Set your shop currency and payment account country correctly.
- Write clear shipping and return policies that match what your provider actually does.
- Create a pricing sheet (see our pricing guide).
Designs and listings
- Only use art you created or have a license for. Avoid trademarks and characters you don’t own.
- Use real mockups or photos, and describe the exact product.
- Write titles and tags around what a buyer would actually search for.
Growing past Etsy
- Start collecting buyer emails where the platform allows.
- Consider a simple website of your own later. Hosting providers offer starter plans for this.
TREVOR: add a short “what I wish I’d known” note from starting Odd Lantern Co.
