Bespoke fashion atelier with a small team

Private clients with bigger budgets: brides and bridal parties, formal and gala guests, and clients wanting regular custom wardrobe pieces.

Higher-priced commissions with deposits and staged payments, plus alterations and bridal party packages. Revenue grows with the number of garments the team can finish each month.

• Advanced pattern cutting and tailoring
• Design and fabric sourcing
• Client consultation and sales
• Managing a small team and workflow

• Check your lease terms and whether the premises are zoned for your use with your local council
• Public liability insurance, plus workers compensation insurance once you employ anyone (check your state scheme)
• Staff wages and award conditions, check with the Fair Work Ombudsman
• Rent and wages are fixed costs while commissions can be uneven, so keep a cash buffer
• The term 'haute couture' is protected in France, so check before using it in your marketing

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $15,000 to $50,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, equipment and fabric stock. Rent and wages are fixed costs, so it helps to keep a cash buffer while commissions build.

Check your lease terms and whether the premises are zoned for your use with your council. Also check public liability insurance, workers compensation through your state scheme, and staff wages and award conditions with the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on commissions and clients. You would typically need at least around 30 hours a week. Income can be uneven while rent and wages stay fixed.