Online rare and antiquarian book seller

Private collectors, researchers, libraries and other booksellers, in Australia and overseas.

You sell each book for more than you paid for it. Stock is one-off, so margin depends on buying well and describing condition and edition accurately.

• Knowing a subject area well (for example Australiana, travel, natural history or first editions)
• Careful cataloguing and honest condition grading
• Research and patience when sourcing stock
• Packing and posting fragile items safely

• You need an ABN, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, so check with the ATO
• Check whether your local council needs approval to run a business from home, especially if you store a lot of stock
• Keep stock insured and stored away from damp, sun and pests
• Buying fakes, facsimiles or damaged copies at the wrong price is the main risk, so learn to verify editions before you buy
• Check export rules for items of cultural or historical significance before selling overseas

Estimates suggest typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you store and insure it. Buying fakes or damaged copies at the wrong price is the main risk.

You need an ABN, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, so check with the ATO. Also check council rules for home businesses, stock insurance and storage, and export rules for items of cultural or historical significance.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on the stock you source and how well you catalogue and grade it. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week of your time.