Online furniture hardware and accessories shop

Homeowners doing DIY updates, renters, upcyclers and small furniture makers or restorers.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail price on each item, plus extra from bundles such as sets of handles with matching screws.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Product photography and listing descriptions
• Order packing and customer service

• Check whether you need GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Australian Consumer Law applies to refunds, faulty goods and product descriptions, so check your obligations
• Check import rules and product safety standards if you bring in goods from overseas
• Public liability and product liability insurance are worth checking
• Postage costs on heavy items such as legs can eat into your margin

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy and whether you ship orders yourself or use a dropship supplier. Website setup and photography are also worth budgeting for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, pricing and how well you reach DIY and restoration customers. This is revenue before stock, postage and other costs.

Check whether you need GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, and your Australian Consumer Law obligations on refunds and faulty goods. If importing, check import rules and product safety standards. Public liability and product liability insurance are worth checking.