Home-Based clothing wholesaler for boutiques

Independent boutiques, market stallholders, gift shops, online sellers and small regional retailers.

You sell at a wholesale price above your cost, usually with minimum order quantities. Repeat orders each season from the same shops are what keep revenue steady.

• Spotting styles that will sell
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Stock tracking and basic bookkeeping
• Building relationships with shop owners

• Check whether your council requires approval to run a home-based business and store stock at home
• Imported clothing must meet Australian labelling rules (such as fibre content and care labels), so check with the ACCC
• Check import duties, GST and customs requirements if you buy from overseas suppliers
• Unsold stock ties up your cash, so start with small orders
• Consider public liability and stock insurance

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy and which suppliers you use. Starting with small orders helps, as unsold stock ties up your cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your niche, range and how many boutiques and stallholders you sell to. The estimate assumes about 10 hours a week or more.

Check whether your council requires approval for a home-based business and storing stock at home. Imported clothing must meet Australian labelling rules, so check with the ACCC. Also check import duties, GST and customs requirements for overseas suppliers.