Online manufacturing business ideas in Australia
12 ideas
These 12 ideas let you work in the manufacturing world without running a factory. Most involve selling parts, materials or products online to workshops, tradies and makers, such as an online aluminium cut-to-size shop, an online screws and fasteners shop or a fabric export agent working with no stock.
Online metal and fixings supplier for small workshops
Sell cut-to-size metal, fixings and consumables to small fabricators online, with stock sent direct from your wholesalers.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online bearing supplier for workshops
Sell ball, roller and plain bearings online to local workshops, farms and garages, shipped direct from your supplier or a small home stock.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online screws and fasteners shop
Sell screws, bolts and fixings in bulk packs online to tradies and small manufacturers, shipped from home.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online copper sheet, pipe and offcuts shop
Sell cut-to-size copper sheet, pipe and offcuts online to makers, small workshops and tradies, posted from your shed or small storage space.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online moulding and casting supplies shop
Sell silicone, resins, release agents and mould parts online to small makers and workshops.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online wholesale supplier of plastic products
Buy plastic packaging and everyday items in bulk and sell them online to local trade customers.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
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
Online aluminium cut-to-size shop
Sell aluminium sheet, bar and angle in small cut lengths online, buying from a wholesaler and posting it to tradies and makers.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online metal supplier for small orders
Sell cut-to-size metal to makers and small workshops online, with a wholesaler holding the stock.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online industrial tools and equipment supplier
Sell workshop tools, safety gear and small machinery online to tradies, workshops and small factories.
- A$1.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
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
Online hydraulic parts reseller
Sell hydraulic pumps, valves and hoses to workshops and machinery owners online, with stock sent from a supplier or small store.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
About these ideas
They suit people with trade, procurement or industrial experience, and anyone comfortable learning product detail and talking to suppliers. Before choosing, think about who your customers are, whether you will hold stock or have suppliers ship direct, and how you will handle freight for heavy or awkward items. Check supplier terms, minimum orders and margins after postage, and work out how you will answer technical questions with confidence.
Questions
Do I need to make products myself to start in manufacturing online?
Not always. Many ideas here involve reselling, cutting to size or acting as an agent. Check whether your supplier will ship direct, what minimum orders apply, and whether you need any skills or equipment for processing materials.
What should I check about shipping heavy or bulky items in Australia?
Compare freight quotes for metal, tools and bulk goods across distances, including regional delivery. Check packaging needs, who carries the risk in transit, and whether freight costs can be built into prices without losing competitiveness.
What rules might apply to selling industrial products online?
Check whether your products need to meet Australian standards or safety requirements, and what the consumer law says about guarantees and returns. Also check your ABN, GST registration, and any import rules. An accountant or the relevant government websites can confirm details.