Online gift shop run from home

Online shoppers buying presents for friends and family, including people sending gifts interstate.

You sell products at a markup over wholesale cost, and may charge for gift wrapping, personal messages or gift bundles.

• Choosing a clear product niche
• Basic website and social media skills
• Packing and posting orders on time

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, especially if you store stock at home
• Australian Consumer Law covers refunds and product safety, check requirements with the ACCC
• Postage costs and returns can eat into margins, so test shipping prices
• Register for an ABN, and GST once you reach the turnover threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your stock, website setup and packaging. Test postage prices early, as shipping and returns can eat into your margins.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, range and how many orders you attract. Postage and returns can reduce your margins. Allow at least about 8 hours a week.

Check with your council whether a home-based business needs approval, especially if you store stock at home. Australian Consumer Law covers refunds and product safety (check with the ACCC). You'll also need an ABN, and GST registration once you reach the turnover threshold.