Start an online craft supplies store

Hobbyists, makers, teachers, parents and gift buyers who want supplies or ready-made kits delivered.

Mark-up on products and kits you put together yourself. Bundled kits and repeat buyers usually lift the average order value.

• Knowledge of a craft you can advise on
• Basic online shop setup and photography
• Organised stock and order handling

• Register an ABN and check when you need to register for GST
• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business and store stock at home
• Public liability and product liability insurance, especially for kits with tools, resins or dyes
• Check Australian Consumer Law on refunds, product safety and labelling
• Postage costs and stock sitting unsold can eat into margins

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your online shop setup and your photography. Treat this as a guide and get wholesaler quotes for your chosen niche before committing.

Check ABN and GST registration, whether your local council needs to approve a home-based business and stock stored at home, public liability and product liability insurance (especially for kits with tools, resins or dyes), and Australian Consumer Law on refunds, product safety and labelling.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, range and marketing. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week. Postage costs and unsold stock can eat into margins.