Home-Based Export Trader (Buy to Order)

Overseas importers, distributors, retailers and online sellers who want Australian goods and don't have a direct link to the producers.

You buy at a producer or wholesale price and sell at a higher price, or earn an agreed commission. Your margin has to cover freight, insurance, bank fees and your time.

• Negotiating with suppliers and buyers
• Attention to detail with documents and orders
• Clear written communication across time zones

• Some goods (such as meat, dairy, seafood, plant products and organics) need export permits or registration, so check with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Check the import rules, labelling and tariffs in the buyer's country before you quote
• Payment risk: consider upfront payment, deposits or a letter of credit rather than trusting a new buyer
• Check you have an ABN, whether you need to register for GST, and how GST applies to exports
• Check cargo insurance and public liability or product liability cover
• Check Austrade for export advice and whether any government grants or support apply

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your niche, samples, website and the freight or customs support you use. Treat this as an estimate and check quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your product niche, order sizes and how many overseas buyers you find. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, so allow for product, freight and fees.

Some goods, such as meat, dairy, seafood, plant products and organics, may need export permits or registration, so check with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Also check the buyer country's import rules, your ABN and GST position, and insurance.