Local fabric and sewing supplies shop

Local dressmakers, quilters, crafters, school and theatre groups, alteration workers and designers who want to see and feel fabric first.

Retail margin on fabric cut by the metre and on notions, plus class fees and sales of machines or accessories if you add them.

• Customer service and advice on fabrics
• Buying and managing stock
• Basic bookkeeping and point of sale
• Sewing knowledge helps you advise customers

• Lease terms, rent reviews and fit-out costs, so get advice before signing
• Check with your local council about zoning and signage for retail use
• Public liability and contents or stock insurance
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, which differs by state
• Slow-selling stock and seasonal dips, which can strain cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the lease, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at $8,000 to $40,000, though slow-selling stock and seasonal dips can strain cash flow.

Check lease terms, rent reviews and fit-out costs, and get advice before signing. Check zoning and signage for retail use with your local council, public liability and stock insurance, and workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, which differs by state.

The estimate is at least around 35 hours a week. Skills that help include customer service and fabric advice, buying and managing stock, basic bookkeeping and point of sale, and sewing knowledge.