Online shop shipping aussie crafts overseas

Overseas shoppers looking for unique Australian gifts, plus small online retailers who buy in bulk.

You buy stock from artisans at wholesale or agreed prices and sell at retail prices online. Your margin has to cover postage, packaging, platform and payment fees and returns.

• Product photography and listing writing
• Packing and posting fragile goods
• Basic online marketing
• Customer service across time zones

• Register for an ABN and check how GST applies to overseas sales with the ATO or your accountant
• Natural materials such as wood, shell and feathers may need export permits, and some countries restrict them, so check before listing
• Check import duties, taxes and restricted items for each country you ship to, and be clear with customers about who pays
• Breakage, lost parcels and returns, so choose tracked and insured shipping
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art needs authenticity checks and fair dealing with artists
• Public liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website or marketplace setup, photography, packaging and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and plan your own budget before buying stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on your range, pricing, marketing and how many overseas customers or small retailers you reach. That is revenue before stock and postage costs. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week.

Check ABN registration and how GST applies to overseas sales. Natural materials such as wood, shell and feathers may need export permits. Also check import duties and restricted items for each country, Indigenous art authenticity, and insurance for parcels and liability.