Online card and stationery store

Online shoppers who want cards and gifts that are different from the supermarket range, and people sending a card and small gift directly to someone.

Markup on stock bought wholesale or printed from your own licensed designs. Card and gift bundles and multi-card packs raise the order value so postage costs are covered.

• Basic website or online shop setup
• Product photography and descriptions
• Packing and keeping on top of orders

• Check your local council about rules for running a business from home, including storing stock
• Copyright, only sell designs you have bought or are licensed to use
• Australian Consumer Law covers refunds, returns and accurate product descriptions
• Postage costs can eat into margins on low-priced items, so test shipping prices
• ABN, and GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy, how you set up your online shop and what packaging you need. These are estimates only.

Check your local council about rules for running a business from home, including storing stock. Only sell designs you have bought or are licensed to use, check Australian Consumer Law on refunds and descriptions, and check ABN and GST registration.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your range and how you attract customers. Postage can eat into margins on low-priced items, so test shipping prices. You would typically plan on at least about 8 hours a week.