Online trades business ideas you can run from anywhere
21 ideas
These 21 ideas suit people who know the trades, or want to serve them, but would rather sell online than work on the tools or run a shopfront. Think of an online pump reseller for farms and tradies, an online bulk fastener shop, or an online cable shop that cuts to length.
Online bulk fastener shop
Sell screws, bolts and anchors in bulk boxes online to tradies, makers and small manufacturers.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online specialist finishing products shop
Sell a focused range of oils, stains, varnishes and finishing products online to trades and woodworkers.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online fire safety supplies shop
Sell extinguishers, fire blankets and signage online to small businesses, landlords and maintenance firms.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online glass block supplier
Sell glass blocks and fitting accessories online to homeowners, builders and installers, shipped from a supplier or a small home stock.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online pump reseller for farms and tradies
Sell water, transfer and garden pumps online, with stock shipped from your supplier or a small home stockroom.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online cable shop, cut to length
Sell electrical cable by the metre online to sparkies, installers and DIY buyers, with a small stock run from home or a storage unit.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online fibreglass supplies shop
Sell fibreglass matting, cloth and repair kits online to boat owners, hobbyists and small workshops.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online solar hot water systems and parts shop
Sell solar hot water systems and spare parts online to installers and householders, shipped direct from your supplier.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Online
Online plywood and board supplier
Sell cut-to-size plywood and boards online to tradies and DIYers, delivered from a small storage unit.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Online
Online air con parts supplier for installers
Sell fittings, brackets, pumps and install accessories to local air con installers on trade terms, from home.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online locks and fittings trade supplier
Sell locks, cylinders and door hardware online to locksmiths, builders and property managers, shipped from a small home stock.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online trade supplies shop
Sell a focused range of tools, safety gear or consumables to tradies online, shipped from home.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online weighing scale reseller
Sell approved scales to small shops, cafes and labs online, shipped from a home or small storage base.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online water pump shop with fitting advice
Sell garden, tank and farm pumps online and win trade by giving clear advice on picking the right one.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online niche electrical supplies shop
Sell a focused range of electrical products, like LED lighting or cable gear, online to tradies and small businesses.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online commercial fridge reseller
Sell commercial fridges and freezers to cafes and shops online, with units shipped straight from your supplier.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online ladder and access equipment shop
Sell ladders, scaffolds and work platforms online to tradies and households, from home or a small storage space.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online niche tool supplier for trades
Buy a focused range of tools in bulk and sell to tradies, builders and small shops online.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online boiler and hydronic heating parts supplier
Sell boilers, pumps and heating parts online to plumbers and gasfitters, shipped from your suppliers or a small stock shelf.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online pneumatic tools shop
Sell air tools, hoses and fittings online to garages and tradies, shipped from home or a small storage space.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Delivered retaining wall materials, no yard
Sell retaining wall blocks and materials online and by quote, with pallets delivered straight from the manufacturer to the job site.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
About these ideas
Most work best when you focus on a narrow range and give buyers advice they can't get from a big retailer. Before you commit, think about where you'll store stock, whether suppliers will let you dropship or sell wholesale, and how you'll handle returns on heavy or awkward items. Check any licensing, safety standards or certification that apply to products like fire safety or heating parts.
Questions
Do I need a trade licence to sell trade products online?
Not always, but it depends on the product and what you advise on. Selling parts is different from installing them. Check with your state or territory regulator, and confirm whether any items need compliance marks or certification before you list them.
How do I choose between holding stock and dropshipping?
Holding stock gives you control over delivery and margins but ties up cash and space. Dropshipping needs less upfront money but relies on supplier reliability. Check supplier terms, lead times, freight costs for bulky items, and how returns would be handled.
How can a small online shop compete with big hardware chains?
Most small shops compete by specialising, offering expert advice and stocking hard-to-find items. Check who your likely buyers are, what they struggle to find now, and whether you can match them on delivery times and after-sales support.