European grocery shop

People from European communities missing familiar brands, plus home cooks, gift buyers and food lovers looking for something different.

Mark-up on each product sold. Extra income can come from gift hampers, seasonal items like festive foods, and a small deli or coffee counter if your council and lease allow.

• Knowing the products and what customers want
• Stock buying and cash flow management
• Friendly customer service

• Food business registration with your local council and food safety rules for your state or territory
• Imported food labelling rules, including ingredient and allergen information, so check what applies to your products
• Stock that expires or doesn't sell, which ties up cash
• Selling alcohol needs a liquor licence in your state, so check before stocking it
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus lease costs and commitments

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Lease costs and commitments, plus public liability and stock insurance, are worth checking.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location, range and how well stock sells. Stock that expires or doesn't sell ties up cash. The estimates start from about 40 hours a week.

Check food business registration with your local council and food safety rules for your state or territory. Also check imported food labelling and allergen rules, and whether you need a liquor licence in your state before stocking alcohol.