Manufacturing business ideas under $5,000 in Australia

17 ideas

Making things to sell doesn't have to mean renting a factory. These 17 manufacturing ideas all aim to keep startup costs to A$5,000 or less, and many can run from a spare room, garage or studio.

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Food equipment reseller for small producers

Sell mixers, slicers and packing machines to local food makers, working from home with supplier stock or direct shipping.

• A$1k-5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Handmade leather goods from home

Make wallets, belts and small bags by hand in a home workshop and sell them online and at markets.

• A$500-2.5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Home-based clothing alterations and repairs

Hem, taper and mend clothes for locals from a spare room, with drop-off and pick-up by appointment.

• A$800-4k
• Side hustle
• From home

Home willow basket maker

Weave willow baskets in a home workspace and sell them at markets and online.

• A$500-2.5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Home 3D printing service for hobbyists and makers

Print custom parts, models and prototypes from customers' files using a desktop printer at home.

• A$800-3.5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Online paper bag supplier

Sell plain and printed paper bags online to local shops, cafes and event organisers, shipped from a supplier or your spare room.

• A$1k-5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Home-based souvenir maker

Make small batches of local keepsakes like magnets, prints and ornaments for gift shops and markets.

• A$500-3k
• Side hustle
• From home

Home studio bag and soft goods maker

Sew small batches of bags, covers and soft goods from home and sell online, at markets and to local shops.

• A$800-4k
• Side hustle
• From home

Home-based lamination service

Laminate menus, signs, ID cards and documents for locals and small businesses from a spare room.

• A$400-2k
• Side hustle
• From home

Niche plastic containers and fittings reseller

Supply a niche set of plastic containers or fittings to local businesses, ordering from wholesalers as customers buy.

• A$500-5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Fabric export agent (no stock)

Match overseas buyers with Australian fabric mills and earn on each order, without holding stock.

• A$500-3k
• Side hustle
• Online

Handmade notebooks and cards from home

Design and make small runs of notebooks, cards and planners at home, and sell them online and at local markets.

• A$500-3k
• Side hustle
• From home

Home flock transfer studio for clubs and small brands

Cut and heat-press soft, velvety flock designs onto tees, hoodies and club wear from a spare room or garage.

• A$1.5k-5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Equipment sourcing agent for workshops

Find and supply machinery, tools and spare parts for local factories and workshops, working from home with no stock.

• A$500-3k
• Side hustle
• From home

Original soft toys and plush sold online

Design your own soft toys, sew small batches and sell through an online shop and marketplaces.

• A$800-4k
• Side hustle
• Online

Home studio custom sticker maker

Print and cut custom stickers and labels from a spare room for small brands, makers and local events.

• A$1.5k-5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Home metal polishing side hustle

Restore small metal items like brass, stainless and motorbike parts in your garage, in your spare time.

• A$500-3k
• Side hustle
• From home

About these ideas

They suit hands-on people who enjoy a craft or process, such as a home studio bag and soft goods maker, handmade leather goods from home or a home 3D printing service for hobbyists and makers. Before you buy equipment, think about where you'll work, how much space materials need, and whether your council or lease allows it. Price your time honestly, test a small batch with real customers, and choose the idea where you can make a decent margin without a big upfront outlay.

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