Online cable shop, cut to length

Electricians, solar and security installers, small contractors, farms and workshops, plus the occasional serious DIYer.

A mark-up on the wholesale price per metre or drum, plus a cutting or delivery fee. Repeat trade customers ordering the same cable regularly make up the steady income.

• Knowing cable types and ratings
• Online selling and customer service
• Stock and order tracking

• Electrical products sold in Australia must meet safety rules, so check the Electrical Equipment Safety System and whether you must register as a responsible supplier
• Selling cable that is not properly certified or marked is a serious risk, so buy from reputable suppliers and keep records
• Public liability and product liability insurance, so check your cover
• Council approval if you store stock at home, and safe storage of heavy drums
• Register for GST once you reach the threshold, and check freight costs on heavy drums

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your website setup and your storage. Treat this as an estimate and cost your own product range.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your product range, customers and pricing. This is revenue before stock, freight and other costs, and the estimate assumes at least about 10 hours of work a week.

Check the Electrical Equipment Safety System and whether you must register as a responsible supplier. Buy from reputable suppliers, keep records of certified and marked products, and check your insurance, council approval for home storage, and GST registration once you reach the threshold.