Dried seafood shop

Local home cooks, families who cook traditional dishes, and restaurants or takeaways that need regular supplies.

Retail sales at a markup on wholesale cost, plus larger repeat orders from restaurants. Selling related pantry items can add to each sale.

• Product knowledge and quality checking
• Customer service and sales
• Stock control and supplier negotiation

• Food business registration and inspections through your local council, plus your state's food safety rules
• Lease terms, rent and fit-out costs, so check them carefully before committing
• Stock storage, shelf life and spoilage, as damp or heat can ruin dried products
• Food labelling and allergen rules, and biosecurity requirements for imported goods
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Treat these as estimates and check lease terms, rent and fit-out costs carefully before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, product range, pricing and any regular restaurant supply orders. The estimates assume at least about 35 hours a week of trading and stock handling.

Check food business registration and inspections through your local council, plus your state's food safety rules. Check food labelling, allergen rules and biosecurity requirements for imported goods. Also check public liability insurance, workers compensation if you hire, and your lease terms.