By-Appointment formal wear studio

School formal students and parents who like a private, personal service, plus wedding parties and people needing a suit or dress for an event.

Mark-up on dresses, suits and accessories sold at appointments and online, with optional hire and alteration referral fees. Costs stay lower because there is no shop rent.

• Styling and fitting
• Social media and photography
• Booking and customer service
• Stock buying

• Council approval for a home-based business, especially with customers visiting: check with your local council
• Public liability insurance for customers visiting your premises
• Online sales and returns rules under Australian Consumer Law
• Slow sales outside formal and wedding seasons
• GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Privacy and safety when teens visit with parents: set clear booking rules

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your fitting space and online shop. Check insurance and council rules as well.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on stock, bookings and how well you market online. Sales can be slow outside formal and wedding seasons, so plan for quieter months.

Check council approval for a home-based business with customers visiting, public liability insurance, Australian Consumer Law for online sales and returns, GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, and clear booking rules for privacy and safety.