Online dive gear sales and servicing

Local recreational divers, dive clubs, instructors and divers who prefer specialist advice over big online retailers.

Margin on gear sold online, flat fees for servicing regulators, BCDs and other equipment, and parts and consumables.

• Diving experience and equipment knowledge
• Careful, methodical hands-on work
• Basic online selling and photography
• Customer service

• Servicing life-support gear without proper training can be dangerous, so get manufacturer training and keep service records
• Public liability and product liability insurance that covers servicing work
• Council approval for running a business from home, check with your local council
• Cylinder filling and testing has extra rules, check your state or territory regulator before offering it
• Consumer law on refunds and warranties for online sales

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the gear you stock, your workshop tools and servicing training. Starting with a small, selected range can help keep early costs manageable.

Check for manufacturer training and keep service records, as servicing life-support gear can be dangerous. Also check public liability and product liability insurance that covers servicing, council approval for a home business, and extra regulator rules if you want to offer cylinder filling.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your range, how many local divers and clubs you reach, and how much servicing work you take on. It can start part-time at around 10 hours a week.