Online health food store

People with specific dietary needs, or those who live far from a good health food shop, and shoppers who prefer ordering online.

Profit on each order, buying wholesale and selling at retail. Subscription boxes and bundles can encourage repeat orders.

• Online shop setup and basic marketing
• Packing and organising orders
• Product research
• Customer service by email

• Selling food from home may need council approval or registration, so check with your local council, especially if you repack anything
• Food labelling rules and allergen information, so check the Food Standards Code
• Be careful with health claims, as there are rules on how you describe supplements and foods
• Postage costs and products that melt or spoil in hot weather
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Storage space at home and stock expiry dates

Estimates are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your website setup, opening stock and packaging supplies. Starting with a narrow niche, such as gluten-free or vegan products, may help you keep initial stock small.

Things to check include whether selling food from home needs council approval or registration, especially if you repack anything. Also check food labelling and allergen rules in the Food Standards Code, and the rules on health claims.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche, marketing and range. Plan for at least 8 hours a week. Postage costs and products that melt or spoil in heat can affect results.