Retail business ideas you can start for up to $20,000

425 ideas

This page collects 427 retail ideas with startup costs up to $20,000, so you can compare options without needing a shopfront lease. They suit people who want to test a product with limited stock, such as a herb and tea market stall or a linen and towel market stall, as well as those who prefer selling online, like an online bathroom fittings store.

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1k to 5kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Drawing board with set squares, scales and pens on a desk.

Online drafting and technical drawing supplies shop

Sell drawing boards, technical pens and scale rulers online to architecture, design and engineering students and studios.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
A pregnant woman browsing comfortable clothing racks in a maternity clothing shop.

Online maternity and nursing wear store

Sell maternity and breastfeeding clothing online to expectant mums across Australia, run from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Wheelchairs and walking frames stocked in a medical equipment supply warehouse.

Online mobility aids and home care shop

Sell walking aids, bathroom safety gear and daily living aids online to families and carers, run from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Jeweller at a shop counter showing rings and watches to a customer.

Home-based online jeweller

Sell jewellery online and at markets, with custom orders, repairs and engraving by appointment from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Embroidered regional folk costumes hanging on racks in a boutique.

Online folk costume and regional dress shop

Sell folk costumes, accessories and regional dress online to dance groups, community clubs and collectors across Australia.

  • A$3k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Folk costume stall at festivals and markets

Take a stall of traditional dress and accessories to multicultural festivals, community events and markets.

  • A$2.5k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Model trains, track and scenery accessories displayed in a railway hobby shop.

Online model railway shop

Sell model trains, track and scenery supplies to hobbyists Australia-wide from a home-based online store.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Shopkeeper arranging milk bottles, cheese and eggs on shelves in a small dairy shop.

Farmers' market cheese and dairy stall

Sell cheese, eggs, butter and milk from local producers at weekend markets.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Shelves of motorcycle parts, helmets and gear in a shop.

Online motorcycle parts and gear store

Sell motorcycle parts, accessories and riding gear online to riders, starting with a model or niche you know well.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Gold and colourful bangles stacked on display cushions in a jewellery shop.

Bangle stall at markets and festivals

Sell bangles from a stall at weekend markets, cultural festivals and wedding expos.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Rolls of colourful wrapping paper, ribbons and gift bags displayed on shop shelves.

Online gift wrap and packaging store

Sell wrapping paper, ribbons and gift bags online to shoppers and small businesses that pack orders.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Grow lights and plant containers arranged on shelves in a hydroponics shop.

Online hydroponics and grow supplies store

Sell hydroponic kits, lights and nutrients to home growers across Australia from a simple online shop.

  • A$4k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
A shop assistant weighs gold jewellery on digital scales at a counter.

Mobile gold and jewellery buyer

Test, weigh and buy unwanted gold, silver and jewellery at people's homes or local pop-up events.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Online mail-in gold buyer

Buy gold and silver by post: customers send items, you test, weigh, offer and pay by bank transfer.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Display of wooden interior and exterior doors in a showroom.

Online door and fittings supplier

Sell doors and fittings online and direct to local builders, with supplier delivery and no shopfront.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Colourful national and event flags hanging and displayed on poles in a shop.

Online flag and flagpole store

Sell national, state, sports and event flags and poles online to businesses, clubs and households.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Clothes on racks in a small boutique with a shopper browsing.

Online boutique store

Curate a small range of independent clothing and accessories and sell it through your own website and social media.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Boutique market stall and pop-ups

Sell a curated clothing and accessories range from a rack at weekend markets and pop-up events.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Shelves of crystals, incense sticks and tarot cards in a cosy spiritual goods shop.

Online crystals and spiritual goods store

Sell crystals, incense and tarot decks from home through your own website and social media.

  • A$1.5k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Crystal and spiritual goods market stall

Sell crystals, incense and tarot decks at weekend markets and festivals without paying shop rent.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Rows of ice and roller skates with protective gear in a skate shop.

Online skate and protective gear shop

Sell roller skates, protective gear and spare parts to skaters Australia-wide through your own online store.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Electric sauna heater and wooden accessories displayed on a showroom floor.

Online sauna heater and accessories store

Sell sauna heaters, stones, buckets and accessories online to home sauna owners and builders across Australia.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Parent and child choosing toys from colourful shelves in a toy shop.

Online specialty toy store

Sell a focused range of toys or games online and post them to families across Australia.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Toy stall at markets and fairs

Sell toys and games from a stall at weekend markets, school fairs and community events.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

About these ideas

Before you choose, think about where your stock will live, how much cash you can tie up in inventory, and whether you enjoy face-to-face selling or would rather work behind a screen. Check supplier terms, delivery costs and any market or council requirements in your area. Start with one narrow product range and grow once you know what sells.

More ideas

Questions

How far does $20,000 go when starting a retail business in Australia?

It depends on the model. A market stall or online store usually needs less than a shopfront, but stock, stall fees, a website, insurance and storage all add up. Price each item on your list from real supplier quotes before committing.

Do I need licences or registrations to sell products in Australia?

Often there are some things to check. You may need an ABN, and possibly GST registration, plus market permits or council approval for stalls. Some products, such as cosmetics, batteries or food items, may have extra safety or labelling rules. Confirm with the relevant authorities.

Should I start with a market stall or an online store?

Market stalls let you test products and get customer feedback quickly, but they need your time on set days. Online stores can reach more people but need photos, shipping and marketing. Many sellers start with one and add the other later.