Online makeup and skincare shop

Individual shoppers buying makeup, skincare and fragrance for themselves or as gifts.

You sell products at a markup over wholesale price. Bundles, gift sets and repeat customers help lift the value of each order.

• Choosing products to suit a niche
• Basic website and social media skills
• Packing orders and customer service

• Cosmetics sold in Australia must meet ingredient and labelling rules, check with the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) and the ACCC
• Buying from overseas grey-market sellers can mean fake or non-compliant stock, deal with authorised suppliers
• Check whether brands allow online resale before you sign up
• Stock with short shelf lives can expire, order small at first
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and whether your home insurance covers stock
• Check council rules for running a home-based business, and GST registration once you reach the threshold

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your opening stock, website and packaging. Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000 as an estimate, depending on your niche, product range and how well you reach customers.

Cosmetics sold in Australia must meet ingredient and labelling rules, so check with AICIS and the ACCC. Also check whether brands allow online resale, deal with authorised suppliers, and look at public liability and product liability insurance, council rules and GST registration.

You need to choose products to suit a niche, manage a basic website and social media, pack orders and handle customers. As an estimate, plan at least around 8 hours a week. Stock can expire, so order small at first.