Antique and collectables shop

Walk-in shoppers, tourists, collectors, interior stylists and people furnishing period homes.

Margin on each item sold. Some owners also earn from valuations, restoration referrals or consigned stock, where you take a commission.

• Knowledge of antiques and fair pricing
• Buying and negotiating
• Shopkeeping and customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and stock records

• Rent and stock tie up cash, and items can take months to sell
• Check whether your state requires a second-hand dealer licence and record keeping, as this differs by state
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire staff
• Fakes and misdescribed items, so be honest in how you describe things to avoid consumer law problems
• You need an ABN, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on whether you lease a whole shop or rent a stall in a shared antique centre, and how much stock you buy. Stock can take months to sell.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your location, stock and pricing. The estimate assumes at least about 30 hours of work a week.

Check whether your state requires a second-hand dealer licence and record keeping, as this differs by state. Also check ABN and GST registration, insurance, and consumer law, so you describe items honestly and avoid misdescribed pieces or fakes.