Online hydroponics and grow supplies store

Home growers, apartment gardeners, hobbyists and small growers who want a wider range than local shops offer.

Retail margin on products and bundled starter kits, plus repeat orders of nutrients and consumables. Helpful guides and content can bring in search traffic.

• Basic online shop setup
• Product knowledge and writing clear guides
• Order packing and shipping
• Customer service by email or chat

• Running stock from home may need council approval for a home-based business, so check with your council
• Some nutrients and pH adjusters may be dangerous goods with limits on postage and storage, so check with Australia Post, couriers and your state regulator
• Rules about marketing and selling some grow products can differ by state or territory, so check before listing items
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Shipping costs, returns and damaged goods can eat into margins
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your opening stock, website setup and storage. These are estimates, so allow for shipping supplies, insurance and the cost of returns and damaged goods.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your niche, range and marketing. These are estimates, and you would need at least around 12 hours a week, with shipping costs and returns affecting margins.

Check whether your council needs to approve running stock from home, and postage and storage limits for dangerous goods such as some nutrients with Australia Post, couriers and your state regulator. Also check state or territory rules on selling some grow products, insurance and GST.