Online retail business ideas you can start in Australia

312 ideas

These 314 online retail ideas suit people who want to sell products through a website or marketplace without renting a shopfront. Some are narrow specialist shops, like an online haberdashery shop or an online fishing tackle store, where a knowledgeable owner can stand out.

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1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premises
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
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
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
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.

Online bangle store

Sell bangle sets and matching jewellery online for weddings, festivals and gifts.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
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
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
Antiques and collectable objects displayed on shelves in a charming antique shop.

Online antique and collectables seller

Buy antiques at auctions and house clearances, then resell them online and at local markets.

  • A$500-3k
  • 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
Gold bullion and gold coins placed on a weighing scale at a dealer's counter.

Online gold coin and bullion seller

Sell gold coins and small bars online, and buy back from customers by appointment, with no shopfront.

  • A$20k-100k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
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
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
A furniture showroom displaying wardrobes and bed frames in a styled bedroom.

Online bedroom furniture store

Sell bed frames, wardrobes and drawers through a website, with suppliers shipping direct to customers.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Stacked cardboard moving boxes, packing tape and wrap on a store shelf.

Online packing supplies shop

Sell moving boxes, tape and wrap online from a spare room or small storage space, with local delivery or courier.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Visitors browsing local-themed keepsakes and gifts in a busy tourist shop.

Online local souvenir store

Sell local-themed keepsakes and gifts online to visitors, past travellers and gift buyers.

  • A$1k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Kitchen and pocket knives displayed on a counter while a customer has a blade sharpened.

Online knife store with mail-in sharpening

Sell quality kitchen and outdoor knives online from home, with a post-in sharpening service.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Colourful paint tins and brushes displayed on shelves in a decorating supply shop.

Online paint and decorating supplies store

Sell decorating supplies, and paint where it suits, online with local delivery or click and collect.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Stacked vehicle and industrial batteries in a wholesale warehouse.

Online specialty battery supplier for businesses

Supply a niche range of batteries, such as mobility, security or solar, to business customers by online order.

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

About these ideas

Others lean on making or sourcing your own range, such as an online candle shop from home. Before you choose, think about where your stock will come from, how much space you need to store it, and how you will handle postage across a country as large as Australia. Work out your likely margins after shipping, payment fees and returns, and decide whether you want to hold stock or use a supplier who ships for you. Pick a product you can talk about with confidence.

More ideas

Questions

How much money do I need to start an online retail business in Australia?

It varies widely. Costs to check include initial stock, a website or marketplace fees, packaging, photography and any insurance. Dropshipping or made-to-order models can reduce upfront stock, but compare supplier prices, delivery times and your margins first.

Do I need an ABN or to register for GST to sell products online?

Most people selling regularly will want an ABN, and GST registration may depend on your turnover. Check the current rules on the Australian Taxation Office website, and consider speaking with an accountant before you start trading.

What should I check before selling products online in Australia?

Check whether your products need to meet safety or labelling standards, especially items like children's clothing or electrical goods. Also review consumer law obligations on refunds and guarantees, and confirm any import or supplier requirements with the relevant authorities.