Local children's boutique

Local parents, grandparents and carers, plus gift shoppers buying for birthdays and new babies.

Retail sales of stock bought at wholesale prices. Profit is what remains after rent, stock, wages and other running costs, so location and stock choice matter.

• Buying stock and managing cash flow
• Shopfront display and merchandising
• Customer service with families
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial leases: get advice before signing and check rent review and exit terms
• Council approval for shop use and signage, so check with your local council
• Product safety: check ACCC mandatory standards for children's products
• Public liability and shop contents insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire staff
• Unsold seasonal stock can tie up cash
• Competition from online and large retailers

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the shop's location and fit-out, your opening stock, deposits and insurance. These are estimates, so build a budget around your own premises.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, range, pricing and opening hours. Unsold seasonal stock and competition from online and large retailers can affect results.

Things to check: get advice before signing a commercial lease, including rent review and exit terms; council approval for shop use and signage; ACCC standards for children's products; and public liability, contents and workers compensation cover.