Online boat cover shop

Boat owners who store boats on trailers, in driveways, in sheds or at marina hardstand, plus boat clubs and small hire operators.

You earn the margin between the supplier price and your selling price. Add-ons such as tie-down straps, support poles and cover repair kits lift the average order.

• Online selling and product listings
• Customer service and sizing advice
• Basic boat knowledge
• Organised with stock and shipping

• Wrong-size covers lead to returns, so make sizing guides clear and check who pays return freight
• Australian Consumer Law applies to claims like waterproof or UV resistant, so check you can back them up
• Check product liability and public liability insurance with your insurer
• GST registration is required once turnover reaches the threshold, so check with the ATO
• If you import stock, check customs and import rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your website set-up and how you arrange supply from a supplier.

Check that you can back up claims like waterproof or UV resistant under Australian Consumer Law. Also check product liability and public liability insurance, GST registration at the threshold, import rules for stock, and who pays return freight.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $5,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how many orders you take. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week. Clear sizing guides help limit returns.