Online candle shop from home

Gift buyers, people decorating their homes, and customers who like a particular scent or style.

Profit on each candle sold, plus gift sets and seasonal ranges (Christmas, Mother's Day). Postage is usually charged on top or built into the price.

• Product photography and simple online selling
• Careful candle making or good supplier sourcing
• Packing and posting orders on time

• Get an ABN and check when you need to register for GST
• Public liability and product liability insurance, as candles can cause fires or burns
• Check Australian Consumer Law and ACCC guidance on product safety and labelling, including warnings and burn instructions
• Check whether your council requires approval for running a business from home
• Fragrance oils and wax are flammable, so store them safely

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on whether you make candles or buy them wholesale, plus packaging and website costs. These are estimates, so start with a small range.

Get an ABN and check when GST registration applies. Look at public liability and product liability insurance, ACCC guidance on product safety and labelling including warnings and burn instructions, and whether your council requires approval to run a business from home.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on your range, pricing and how well you market online. That is revenue, not profit. It typically takes at least around 6 hours a week.