Online trade store for beauty professionals

Salons, spas, mobile therapists and small retailers, including those in regional areas with fewer local suppliers.

Margin on each order, plus minimum order values and repeat customers. Some owners add small shipping fees or bundles.

• Setting up an online shop
• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Customer service by email and phone
• Stock and order management

• Cosmetics need to meet Australian ingredient and labelling rules, so check with AICIS and the ACCC
• Australian Consumer Law applies to your product claims and returns policy
• Imported products may have customs, import and labelling requirements, so check before you buy
• Product liability and public liability insurance
• Shipping costs and damaged or leaking goods can eat into margins
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your website, how much stock you hold and your supplier arrangements. These are estimates, so check supplier terms before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many salons and therapists you sign up and your range. This is an estimate, and shipping costs and damaged goods can eat into margins.

Check Australian ingredient and labelling rules with AICIS and the ACCC, Australian Consumer Law on product claims and returns, and customs, import and labelling requirements for imported products. Also check product and public liability insurance, and register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold.