Online costume and props store

Parents, party planners, schools, theatre groups and event organisers who prefer to order from home.

Margin on each item sold, plus larger orders from schools and groups. Shipping charges can help cover postage costs.

• Building or managing an online shop
• Product photography and descriptions
• Stock and order management
• Online marketing

• Product safety rules for children's items and imported goods, check with the ACCC
• Australian Consumer Law on refunds, returns and accurate descriptions
• Long supplier lead times and sizing returns eating into profit
• Copyright and licensing on character costumes
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $12,000, depending on your website, how much stock you buy and whether you dropship. Treat this as an estimate and cost out your own platform, stock and marketing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, marketing and stock range. Long supplier lead times and sizing returns can eat into profit, so allow for them in your planning.

Check product safety rules for children's items and imported goods with the ACCC, and Australian Consumer Law on refunds, returns and accurate descriptions. Also check copyright and licensing for character costumes, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.