Neighbourhood general store

Local residents, workers nearby, students and people who want a quick top-up shop without going to a supermarket.

You buy stock from wholesalers and sell at a markup. Profit depends on your product mix, keeping waste low, and steady foot traffic from regulars.

• Friendly customer service
• Stock ordering and pricing
• Basic bookkeeping and cash handling

• Retail lease rules differ by state and territory, so check your state's rules and get the lease reviewed before signing
• Selling packaged or prepared food may need registration with your local council, so check what applies
• Tobacco and alcohol need specific state licences or are restricted, so check with your state regulator before stocking them
• Public liability and contents insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Long opening hours, theft and thin margins, so plan your cash flow carefully

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the shop size, the stock range you choose and lease and fit-out terms. These are estimates, so get your own quotes and have the lease reviewed first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, opening hours and your product mix. This is revenue, not profit, and margins can be thin. The estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week.

Check your state's retail lease rules and have the lease reviewed. Also check council registration for packaged or prepared food, state licences or restrictions for tobacco and alcohol, and insurance, including workers compensation once you hire staff.