Independent cosmetics boutique

Local shoppers buying for personal use or gifts, including regulars who like trying new products in person.

Retail markup on stock sold in store. Gift sets, loyalty cards and an online shop alongside can add extra sales.

• Retail and customer service
• Product knowledge and stock buying
• Managing a budget, rent and stock levels

• Commercial leases can be costly and hard to exit, get advice before signing
• Rent and stock are big upfront costs, so check your cash flow carefully
• Cosmetics must meet Australian ingredient and labelling rules, check AICIS and the ACCC
• Public liability, product liability and contents insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Check council approval for shop use and signage
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and opening stock. Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000 as an estimate, depending on location, range and trading hours. Rent and stock are big upfront costs.

Check commercial lease terms, as leases can be costly and hard to exit, and get advice before signing. Also check cosmetics ingredient and labelling rules with AICIS and the ACCC, insurance, council approval for shop use and signage, and GST registration.

You need retail and customer service skills, product knowledge and stock buying, and the ability to manage a budget, rent and stock levels. As an estimate, plan on at least around 35 hours a week. Check your cash flow carefully.