Collectables shop with a shopfront

Local collectors, families, gift buyers and regulars who come for new releases and rare finds.

Retail sales of new and second-hand stock, buying collections from the public, and events such as card nights or tournaments that bring in regular customers.

• Deep knowledge of collectables
• Buying and pricing stock
• Customer service and community building
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Commercial lease terms and rent, which are the biggest fixed cost
• Check council approval for shop use and signage
• Public liability and contents insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Stock that doesn't sell and ties up cash, especially new releases
• Check licensing on branded merchandise, and avoid counterfeit stock
• Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease, fit-out and opening stock. Commercial rent is the biggest fixed cost, so check lease terms carefully. New releases can tie up cash if they don't sell.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, stock range and how well you build a community of regulars. Revenue is not profit, so allow for rent and stock. Expect at least around 40 hours a week.

Check council approval for shop use and signage, and your commercial lease terms. Also check public liability and contents insurance, workers compensation once you hire, licensing on branded merchandise, avoiding counterfeit stock, and ABN and GST registration.