Small-Town general store (buy a going concern)

Townspeople, farmers, tourists and travellers who rely on the local store for groceries, hardware basics, gas bottles, gifts and daily essentials.

Everyday sales at a markup, often with extras such as a post office agency, takeaway or local produce, depending on what the store already offers.

• Running a small team
• Reading basic financial accounts
• Building relationships in a small community

• Check whether licences, council food registrations or agency agreements transfer to you or need reapplying
• Seller-stated turnover can be optimistic, so verify it with accounts and bank records
• Retail lease or property terms vary by state, so get them reviewed
• Insurance, including public liability, stock and workers compensation for staff
• Isolation, seasonal swings and the difficulty of finding staff in small towns

Startup costs are typically around $80,000 to $300,000, depending on the store, its stock and its location. These are estimates only, so check the seller's accounts and get professional advice before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the town, seasonal swings and the range you stock. This is revenue, not profit. Seller-stated turnover can be optimistic, so verify it with accounts and bank records.

Check whether licences, council food registrations or agency agreements transfer to you or need reapplying. Also check retail lease or property terms for your state, and insurance, including public liability, stock and workers compensation.