Accessories importer with a small storage unit

Import phone and computer accessories in larger volumes and supply retailers and online sellers from a rented unit.

Startup costA$20k to A$60k
Monthly revenueA$10k to A$50k
Time needed30+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$20k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A full-time wholesale business that imports accessories in larger orders, stores them in a small rented unit or shared warehouse, and ships to trade customers. You may add a part-time helper for packing.

Your first three steps

  1. Research suppliers and request samples, then get landed-cost quotes including freight, duty and GST
  2. Get an ABN, set up accounting, and find a small unit or shared storage space near freight routes
  3. Build a catalogue and trade price list, then pitch to retailers and online sellers in your region
Who pays

Small retail chains, phone repair shops, discount and variety stores, school and corporate buyers, and online marketplace sellers.

How it makes money

Larger bulk purchases lower your cost per item, and you sell at a margin by the carton or pallet. Income depends on a steady base of repeat trade accounts.

Skills that help
  • Sourcing and importing goods
  • Managing cash flow and stock
  • Selling to business buyers
Watch out for
  • Electrical products like chargers and power banks may need to meet compliance and marking rules, check with your state electrical safety regulator and the ACCC
  • Lithium batteries have special shipping and storage requirements, check with your carrier and insurer
  • Imports are exposed to exchange rate swings and shipping delays
  • Check lease terms and council zoning for the unit
  • Public liability, product liability and stock insurance are worth checking, plus workers compensation if you hire
  • Consider GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: accessories importer with a small storage unit

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 accessories import business?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $60,000, depending on order sizes, unit rent and how much stock you hold. Imports are exposed to exchange rate swings and shipping delays.

What rules apply to importing and storing phone accessories?

Check whether electrical products like chargers and power banks need to meet compliance and marking rules with your state electrical safety regulator and the ACCC. Lithium batteries have special shipping and storage requirements, so check with your carrier and insurer, plus lease terms and council zoning.

How much can an accessories importer earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your trade customers, order volumes and product range. Shipping delays and exchange rate swings can affect your margins.

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