Online cleaning supplies shop for businesses

Sole-trader cleaners, small cleaning companies, offices, strata managers and small venues that want to reorder easily.

Margin on each product sold, often improved by bundles, subscription-style repeat orders and minimum order values for free shipping.

• Setting up and running an online store
• Basic online marketing and search visibility
• Product knowledge
• Customer service and order handling

• Freight costs for heavy or bulky items can wipe out margin, so check shipping costs before setting prices
• Some chemicals have restrictions on postage and courier carriage, so check with your carrier and state regulators
• Safety Data Sheets, correct labelling and Australian Consumer Law obligations on product claims and refunds
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Competition from large suppliers and marketplaces, so a clear niche matters
• Register for an ABN, and for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you hold and whether a supplier ships direct to customers. Check freight costs before setting prices, as heavy items can erode your margin.

Check whether your carrier and state regulators restrict postage or courier carriage of certain chemicals. Also check Safety Data Sheets, correct labelling, Australian Consumer Law duties on product claims and refunds, and insurance such as public and product liability.

Estimates suggest at least around 10 hours a week to start. Useful skills include running an online store, basic online marketing and search visibility, product knowledge and handling customer orders. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your niche.