Online wholesale supplier of clothing and fabric

Independent boutiques, market stallholders, online shops, dressmakers, tailors and small clothing labels.

You buy at factory or importer prices and sell at a wholesale price with a margin. Minimum order values and repeat orders from regular trade customers keep the numbers steady.

• Spotting products shops can sell
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Basic bookkeeping and stock tracking
• Building a simple trade website

• You need an ABN, and check when GST registration applies to your turnover
• Check import duties, customs rules and GST on imported goods if you buy from overseas
• Check Australian labelling rules for clothing, such as fibre content and care labels, and mandatory safety standards for children's clothing and sleepwear
• Stock tied up in unsold lines is the main cash risk, so start with small orders
• If you store stock at home, check council rules for home-based businesses

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your trade website. Many owners start with one niche and small orders. These figures are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your niche, your range and how many trade customers you win. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Treat these as estimates, not guarantees.

Check that you have an ABN and when GST registration applies to your turnover. Check import duties, customs rules and GST if you buy overseas. Also check Australian labelling rules, including care labels and children's clothing safety standards, and council rules for home storage.