Handmade lamp maker: start a home-based lamp studio

Homeowners, renters and gift buyers who like locally made pieces, plus interior stylists and small cafes or boutiques.

Direct sales of each lamp through your own website, online marketplaces and makers' markets, with the occasional custom or commissioned piece at a higher price.

• Hands-on making and finishing
• Product design and an eye for style
• Careful, safety-minded assembly
• Photographing and selling products online

• Mains-powered lamps are covered by electrical equipment safety rules that are run by each state and territory regulator. Before selling, check whether you must register as a responsible supplier, have your lamp tested or certified, and meet labelling requirements
• Wiring or modifying mains-powered products may need to be done or signed off by a licensed electrician in your state, so confirm this with the regulator
• Product liability and public liability insurance, since a faulty lamp could cause a fire or shock
• Council approval may be needed to run a business from home, so check with your local council
• Using low-voltage or pre-approved plug-in kits can reduce risk, but still check with the regulator whether the rules apply to your finished product

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools, materials, approved electrical parts and how you set up to sell online or at markets. Treat this as a rough estimate and price your own setup.

Mains-powered lamps are covered by electrical equipment safety rules run by each state and territory regulator. Check whether you must register as a responsible supplier, have lamps tested or certified, meet labelling requirements, and whether a licensed electrician must do or sign off wiring. Also check insurance and council approval for home businesses.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on how many lamps you make, your prices and where you sell. That is revenue, not profit, and the estimate assumes from about 8 hours of work a week.