Online electrical and lighting supplies store

Sell lighting, fittings and electrical accessories online to homeowners and small trades, shipped from a spare room or small storage space.

Startup costA$5k to A$30k
Monthly revenueA$3k to A$15k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$5k-30k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A web shop focused on a clear niche, such as LED lighting, smart home fittings, extension leads or tradie consumables. You hold a modest range of stock or arrange supplier delivery, and post orders around Australia.

Your first three steps

  1. Pick a niche and compare what competitors charge and offer
  2. Set up supplier accounts with Australian wholesalers or importers and order a small test range
  3. Build a simple online shop and list your first products with clear photos and compliance details
Who pays

Homeowners doing renovations, small electrical contractors, landlords and small businesses that prefer to order online.

How it makes money

Margin on each product sold, plus higher-value bundles such as lighting packs. Repeat trade buyers help steady the income.

Skills that help
  • Basic website and product listing skills
  • Organising stock and posting orders
  • Customer service and returns handling
Watch out for
  • Check electrical equipment safety rules for suppliers, including compliance marking and any registration needed in your state
  • Avoid cheap imports that do not meet Australian standards, as you can be responsible for what you sell
  • Product liability and public liability insurance
  • Check Australian Consumer Law obligations on refunds, warranties and accurate descriptions
  • Check council approval if you store stock or post orders from home
  • GST registration is required once turnover reaches the threshold

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: online electrical and lighting supplies store

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an online electrical supplies store?

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $30,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your website setup and whether suppliers deliver for you. A clear niche can help you keep the range manageable.

How much can an online electrical store earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your niche, range, marketing and order volume. Returns handling and postage costs also affect what you keep.

What rules should I check before selling electrical products online?

Check electrical equipment safety rules for suppliers, including compliance marking and any registration needed in your state. Avoid imports that don't meet Australian standards, and check Australian Consumer Law obligations on refunds, warranties and accurate descriptions.

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