Costume hire and sales shop
Run a small unit with a large costume stock, hiring to productions and selling to performers.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shopfront or warehouse unit with racks of costumes, accessories and wigs. You hire to theatres, schools and film crews, and sell items to performers and the public.
Your first three steps
- Research local demand by talking to drama teachers, theatre companies and production managers, and visit rival hire shops
- Cost out a small unit or shared warehouse space and check the lease terms, including whether retail use is allowed
- Build a core stock of everyday and period costumes, then launch with a simple website and a call to local schools
Who pays
Theatre companies, schools, film and TV productions, dance schools, and individuals looking for costumes for parties and events.
How it makes money
Hire fees for individual pieces and full production packages, retail sales of costumes and accessories, and fees for alterations or custom builds.
Skills that help
- Costume knowledge and sewing
- Stock management
- Retail and customer service
- Building relationships with production crews
Watch out for
- Commercial lease commitments, so check terms and break clauses before signing
- Council zoning and approval for retail or storage use of the premises
- Public liability insurance plus cover for stock, theft and fire
- Seasonal demand, with quiet periods between show seasons and school terms
- GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: costume hire and sales shop
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a costume hire and sales shop?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000 as an estimate, depending on your premises, lease terms and how much costume stock you build up. Checking lease terms and break clauses before signing is worthwhile.
How much can a costume hire shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $16,000 as an estimate, depending on your location, stock and client base. Demand is seasonal, with quiet periods between show seasons and school terms.
What rules should I check before opening a costume shop?
Check your commercial lease commitments, and council zoning and approval for retail or storage use of the premises. Also check public liability insurance and cover for stock, theft and fire, and GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold.
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