Online botanica store

People who follow folk, spiritual or devotional traditions and can't easily find these items locally, plus gift buyers.

Margin on each item sold, plus higher-value bundles or starter sets. Postage is either charged or built into prices.

• Knowledge of the traditions you serve, and respect for them
• Basic online shop setup and photography
• Packing and customer service

• Herbs described as treating illness can count as therapeutic goods, so check TGA rules and avoid health claims
• Imported plant material and some natural products face biosecurity rules, so check with the Department of Agriculture before importing
• Some woods, resins and animal-derived items are restricted under wildlife trade rules, so check before stocking
• Candles and incense need safe labelling and must meet Australian Consumer Law, so check product safety requirements
• Running stock from home may need council approval, so check with your local council
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your opening stock, website setup, photography and packaging. Costs also vary with how wide a range you decide to stock at the start.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000 as an estimate, depending on your product range, how well you reach your community and the hours you put in. This is revenue before stock, postage and fees.

Check TGA rules, since herbs described as treating illness can count as therapeutic goods. Also check biosecurity rules for imported plant material, wildlife trade restrictions, product safety labelling for candles and incense, and council approval for home stock.