Small-batch skincare maker selling direct

Everyday shoppers buying online or at markets, plus gift buyers and a few local boutiques.

You sell each product for more than its ingredients, packaging, labelling and fees cost. Extra income comes from gift sets and a few wholesale orders from small shops.

• Careful, hygienic batch making
• Record keeping for recipes and batches
• Basic branding and photography
• Selling online and face to face

• Check AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme) rules for the ingredients you use
• Claims like treating acne or eczema, or sun protection, can bring in TGA therapeutic rules, so keep claims cautious and check first
• Check with your local council whether home-based manufacturing is allowed or needs approval
• Public and product liability insurance, which markets and retailers often ask for
• Labelling must meet the cosmetic standard and Australian Consumer Law, so check before you sell

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your ingredients, equipment, packaging, labelling and branding. These are estimates only, so cost your own product range before you buy supplies.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your range, pricing, how often you sell at markets and how well you sell online. Treat this as an estimate, as results vary widely.

Check AICIS rules for the ingredients you use, and keep claims cautious as therapeutic claims can bring in TGA rules. Also check with your council about home-based manufacturing, product and public liability insurance, and cosmetic labelling and Australian Consumer Law requirements.