Online fabric and haberdashery store

Home dressmakers, quilters, crafters, small label designers and people making costumes or soft furnishings.

Profit on the markup between wholesale and retail price, sold per metre or per pack, plus extra sales from bundles, remnants and patterns.

• Eye for fabric, colour and quality
• Basic online shop setup and photography
• Stock tracking and packing orders
• Knowing what sewers need

• You will need an ABN, and check when GST registration applies to your turnover
• Check whether your council allows stock storage and a home-based business at your address
• Copyright on printed designs: check you have the right to resell licensed prints
• Cash tied up in unsold stock, so start with a small range
• Postage costs and the Australian Consumer Law rules on returns and refunds

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your stock range, website and packaging. Starting with a small range helps limit cash tied up in unsold stock. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at $500 to $5,000.

You will need an ABN, and you should check when GST registration applies to your turnover. Also check whether your council allows stock storage and a home-based business, copyright on printed designs, and Australian Consumer Law rules on returns and refunds.

The estimate is at least around 8 hours a week, covering stock tracking, photography, shop updates and packing orders. Useful skills include an eye for fabric, colour and quality, basic online shop setup, and knowing what sewers need.