Neighbourhood bazaar and variety shop

Local households, families, students and shoppers looking for low-cost everyday items without a trip to a big store.

You buy from wholesalers, importers or trade suppliers and sell at a markup. Profit depends on fast-selling lines, careful pricing and keeping dead stock low.

• Spotting products locals will buy
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping
• Friendly customer service

• Lease terms: check rent, length, outgoings and make-good clauses with a solicitor before signing
• Public liability and contents insurance
• Product safety rules: check ACCC requirements for items like toys, electrical goods and children's products
• Imported goods may be subject to labelling, copyright and import rules, so check before buying
• Cash flow and unsold stock tying up money
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on your location, the size of the shop and how much stock you buy. Lease terms and the range you carry can move the total considerably.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $45,000, depending on your location, your stock mix and how well it suits local shoppers. Revenue is not profit, as rent, stock and other costs come out of it.

Have a solicitor review lease terms, including rent, length, outgoings and make-good clauses. Check insurance, ACCC product safety requirements for items like toys and electrical goods, import labelling and copyright rules, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.